They prob do yes.

It's interesting, because then the Habs could pick Carlsson and trade for PLD.

Heartbeat for me. I want Michkov to begin with

I don't know about them, but I wouldn't do it for the Habs.

If Hughes and co. are REALLY that uncomfortable with drafting Michkov at #5, I'd rather see them trade down with WSH, get an extra pick and a young player, select whoever falls at 8 between Benson, Leonard or Dvorsky...than trading up at the cost of Dach to get Carlsson or Smith.

Dach's value is higher than PLD cuz contract, Dach can still develop into a 60points guy and is signed to half of what PLD might get. while PLD is a 60-70 points guy getting around 8mil.
if PLD is a habs after draft and is signed for more than 8mil thats bad for habs.

Imo, Columbus do accept.

Kirby Dach fits a lot of things they want. They could also still get Smith/Carlsson at 5 if San Jose is playing the long game. They could also go Leonard, Dvorsky or Moore. They could even afford to play the delay game and get Michkov.

I honestly love Carlsson for CBJ... At this point I'd say maybe to that trade. If Carlsson lights it up at worlds over the next 3 weeks than I probs retract that and say "Hell no" to the trade.

Of course they should.
I don't know why you would think Carlsson/Smith will be better than Dach + Michkov in 3 years when he comes from KHL ?

There is absolutely no chance CBJ are trading back.

"I think there'll be a great center iceman available at three," Kekalainen said, later adding that "we'll take our pick at three and it'll be a great player."

Fair enough, but let's be honest, what's he gonna say there: "I am actively looking to trade back because I am desperate to have a top 6 Center next year"?

I like Carlsson a lot and don't make this trade without really thinking about it. Civil_Eng_PE is right that a big World Championships could make Carlsson untouchable.

That being said, I think y'all are underestimating Kirby Dach. He's one of the best players in the league at retrieving the puck and turning it into a zone exit already (his numbers were dead even with Barkov this past year). This is something that, I believe, Jarmo values very highly and is crucial in diffusing intense playoff forechecks.

It would be really unfortunate to lose both Smith/Carlsson but Kirby Dach is very valuable and has only just started his breakout.

There's ALOT of game theory here with this idea but I don't think Columbus does it because they want their center. I am intrigued by the thought process because I would assume Montreal takes Smith at 3 in this situation. If I am Sharks I still take Michkov at 4 because they still need to clear cap space of aging contracts and they can still soak up premium picks for the next 2-3 years while waiting for Michkov to arrive (also those rumors today I am going to consider BS until further notice). CBJ could easily get 2 premium centers this method and this is why I DONT see the Habs doing this. Going to be 100% honest...this trade is much more favorable to CBJ for the same reason I get mad about our side saying we should trade up to 2...we are going to take you for a ride and get something we wanted anyways but walk away with a much needed asset for free.

If they were open to it, he could easily say they are listening to offers, similar to how they have done with their late 1st rounder from LAK.