Habs want a 1st + 3rd for Monahan (Holloway + McLeod covers that) Monty is not for sale period and Xhekaj either for that price.

This is terrible

I like the enthusiasm but there's no way we get Holloway + McLeod for Monahan. I will agree that Monty and Xhekaj aren't available though.

Ceci > Rutta
Kulak = Xhekaj (if I'm being very generous and assuming Kulak doesn't continue to bounceback)

On top of that, you move the team's best two-way forward without replacing his defensive ability in the top-6 & then make what I'd call a lateral move defensively (comparing McLeod to either Monahan or Sturm). All things considered, I fail to see how the team improved defensively.

You value McLeod higher than a 3rd? I will admit, I don't know much about him other than what his statline says which really isn't that impressive

Montreal says no but sends you a large poutine for your troubles

A 24 year old tall, fast two-way 3C that's a good bet for ~30pts worth more than a 3rd. Beyond that, it's that he's a near-perfect fit for the team's current construction and shows flashes of more- whether as a 3C or, as of recently, playing with Draisaitl.

Monahan for Holloway maybe (would prefer a 1st).
You can drop the rest. Montreal doesn't need it (especially if Ceci is involved).
There might be an argument for Xhekaj/McLeod but I'm not going to make it.

Yes, he is valued higher than a 3rd. Tough to gauge exactly with the deflated production but I know if I had him I wouldn't be letting him go for a 3rd.

In the end the Oilers aren't really any better for all these moves, like really Raphael Lavoie is in the top 6?

The Habs aren't trading Montembeault since extending him.

These are moving deck chairs kind of trades.

Mcleod is one, if not the best at faceoffs in the league. He still hasn't shown he has the offense talent to be a top 6 center in the league, but at 24 y.o. he can still add to his game.

Mcleod and Holloway's values are so hard to define because they have delivered way under expectations so far. They would be my main targets if I was KH to make Dach/Newhook type of deal. Young middle 6 big center and winger is exactly what MTL needs.

Now cheap depth fowards won't get pried easily from EDM. They are so far in the standing right now that it would make no sense to give them up for rentals.

EDIT: I MIXED UP MY McLEODs!

Just because Holloway was a high pick dont mean he's still carrying that price tag

The SJ trade is fair, but this isn't the right time for the Sharks to acquire a star like Nuge. And he wouldn't waive his NMC for the Sharks. Maybe if he could immediately be flipped to a contender for picks and prospects.

And, I doubt Nuge waives his full NMC as well to go to a basement dweller, probably doesnt waive to go anywhere else at this time. He loves playing in Alberta close to family and on a winner.

I dont know what to tell you if you honestly believe Kulak and Xhekaj have the same value on the market..oof



He's having an awful year. Didnt score til a few weeks back. Size and speed. He has all the tools for a great top9 center.

Who said anything about market value? One premise of this AGM is "This would be an improved Defense and more responsible defensive forwards..." and my response was that, as of now, Xhekaj was at best a lateral move. This is underselling Kulak as I gave the idea the benefit of the doubt by factoring in his pre-coaching change struggles but, in reality, Kulak is clearly the better player currently.