As a Habs fan, I like the idea, but maybe he can take the place of a guy like Evans.

I feel like you hate Minnesota with the NYR and PHI trades
MTL isn't too crazy but, I think Gaudreau would be worth a little more, like a 3rd

Philly probably accepts that. Are you sure Minnesota would want to do that though?

Rangers should be trying to stay younger, not older

1) Zuccarello just extended and has a NMC.

Not going anywhere.

2) Middleton is their largest and most physical d-man, and the only one of that ilk in the top 4. He's not being moved.

Especially now that Spurgeon is out for the year.

3) Hartman just extended and has a NMC.

He's not going anywhere. Especially not for as pitiful a return as a 3rd. He's easily worth a 2nd or 1st depending on the teams wanting him.

4) Gaudreau has a 15 team M-NTC. You better hope Montreal isn't on it. He's also worth a 3rd at minimum.

Too many years in Gaudreau contract

Yea the Wild would want more than just a 3rd here. If it's a pick, I'm thinking it'd be more like Columbus' 2nd.

Zucc, Freddy, and Hartzy are all locked up beyond next year so they're not on the block anyway. And Mids is not going anywhere for the time being - the Wild need more big mobile D-men, not less.

Isn't Gaudreau from Qc? and I'm willing to pay a third - but in 2025.

Yeah he's from Bromont and lives there in the offseason, I'd be shocked if MTL was on his no trade list.

You just destroyed MIN center line for no good reason. Just to afford overpaid depth wingers...

Doesn't mean he wants to play there. There's plenty of precedent of players refusing to play for their hometown teams. Minnesotan's being a prime example.

Both Blake Wheeler and Neal Pionk have actively turned down trade offers to play for Minnesota or signed in other places over Minnesota. Despite Minnesota being a better team overall at the time than what the Habs are right now.

Players in general tend to avoid rebuilding teams if they can help it.

That said, if Freddy decided to waive or if Montreal isn't on his NTC. I'd take that 2025 3rd.

Doesn't mean he wants to play there.

Just because someone lives there during the offseason doesn't mean they want to play there too. Again, both Neal Pionk and Blake Wheeler come to mind here. Both live in Minnesota during the offseason, and have refused to play in Minnesota.

Yeah man it's just an opinion, it ain't that deep. I personally think Freddy would be cool playing in MTL, but you're free to disagree. Plenty of players welcome playing in their hometown and for the team they grew up cheering for. Not really a hot take to think Freddy may be one of them, but yes I am aware that it doesn't apply to literally every player.

If he does, great! Let's get that 3rd asap.

But again, the greater percentage historically don't want to. Especially if said team is rebuilding. Which is the caveat in question here, and why I brought it up.

For French-Canadian it really depends historically - the top 6 and superstars NEVER want to play in MTL (Lecavalier, Brière, etc.), but bottom 6 guys with heart LOVE IT.

Basically, if you are a streaky talented guy that doesn't go in the corner (à la Drouin), you'll have a hard time in MTL. If you give it your all every shift...and you are consistent - then you will be loved.

Yeah that's fair, he is 30 and MTL is seemingly building slow and steady vs. trying to rush back into contention, so who knows.

If we could move him for a 3rd, I'd do it in a heartbeat.