2014-2015 If I Were GM

[BigTed3]

Being the GM of the Montreal Canadiens is a dream job for many. Well now you can take on that role without the real-life stress that comes with it. Play the role of armchair GM and tell us what you would do if you were the one calling the shots.

And to make it easier, here's a link to capgeek.com's fantasy GM page, where you can see if the moves you're proposing actually work in the salary-cap world:

http://www.capgeek.com/canadiens/armchair-gm/

[smirob]

^{Ok I will get this going.}

^{To fill our need at RW:}

^{TO CHI}

^{Lars Eller}

^{Dustin Tokarski}

^{1st Round Pick 2015}

^{TO MTL}

^{Patrick Sharp}

^{Why Chicago does this: Cap space, adds an inexpensive 2nd Line Centre to replace Richards after this season, gets a 30th overall pick next year}

^{Montreal adds a top line RW}

^{Pacioretty - Plekanec - Sharp}

^{Bourque - Galchenyuk - Gallagher}

^{Prust - Desharnais - Parenteau}

^{Sekac/Bournival - Malholtra - White}

^OR>

^{TO EDM}

^Desharnais

^Tokarski

^{2nd Round Pick 2015}

^{TO MTL}

^{David Perron}

^{Edmonton seems like the type of team who likes to take wild chances on goalies, Tokarski played well and could pan out for them. Desharnais fills the hole left at 2nd line Centre.}

^{Pacioretty - Plekanec - Perron}

^{Bourque - Galchenyuk - Gallagher}

^{Sekac/Bournival - Desharnais - Parenteau}

^{Prust - Malholtra - White}

[Guest habs1952]

^{Ok I will get this going.}

^{To fill our need at RW:}

^{TO CHI}

^{Lars Eller}

^{Dustin Tokarski}

^{1st Round Pick 2015}

^{TO MTL}

^{Patrick Sharp}

^{Why Chicago does this: Cap space, adds an inexpensive 2nd Line Centre to replace Richards after this season, gets a 30th overall pick next year}

^{Montreal adds a top line RW}

^{Pacioretty - Plekanec - Sharp}

^{Bourque - Galchenyuk - Gallagher}

^{Prust - Desharnais - Parenteau}

^{Sekac/Bournival - Malholtra - White}

^OR>

^{TO EDM}

^Desharnais

^Tokarski

^{2nd Round Pick 2015}

^{TO MTL}

^{David Perron}

^{Edmonton seems like the type of team who likes to take wild chances on goalies, Tokarski played well and could pan out for them. Desharnais fills the hole left at 2nd line Centre.}

^{Pacioretty - Plekanec - Perron}

^{Bourque - Galchenyuk - Gallagher}

^{Sekac/Bournival - Desharnais - Parenteau}

^{Prust - Malholtra - White}

How can Desharnais play 3rd line center after he's been traded to the Oil?

[RicochetII]

Sharp isn't a bad idea, but I don't think that gets it done. Chicago would be better off with a younger prospect with a higher ceiling, a role-filler or play-off performer to slot into the lineup, and yes, they would probably want a first.

Perhaps:

To CHI: Bourque/Eller - Andrighetto - 1st

To MTL: Sharp

They just extended Raanta, so they are likely fine with their goaltending, if not, I could see them picking up Brodeur.

They signed Richards, so they don't need a center as much as they did, this year anyway.

They could probably get similar return with a better roster player from another team.

I believe Sharp plays LW? (Which would still be fine, to account for Galchenyuk moving to center).

Indications are that they move a D-man to stay compliant.

Edmonton I believe is out as a destination for Tokarski. They have Fasth and Scrivens. Perhaps Nygren or Pateryn could work?

To EDM: Desharnais - Nygren - 2nd

To MTL: Perron

Does Edmonton want another small center with low defensive capabilities? I doubt it.

-------------

Out of curiosity, I was comparing Desharnais and Zuccarello the other day. While DD has been more prolific, Zuccarello has some better or comparable underlying statistics, is a left winger, and is capable of moving up and down the lineup. I wouldn't be opposed to a straight swap if the Rangers were interested. Desharnais "might" prove to be a good center for Nash.

To NYR: Desharnais

To MTL: Zuccarello

--------------

I'm also less opposed to moving Eller, as long as it is for the right return and we are resigned to retaining Desharnais. I'm also not willing to go too crazy for Yakupov or Eberle either, but if they were to bite on a deal for one of them, and we can sell them on Eller and Nygren ...

To EDM: Eller - Nygren - 1st

To MTL: Yakupov OR Eberle

---------------

Any of these moves would open up room to move Galchenyuk to center, while also replacing his position at wing.

Pacioretty - [Desharnais/Eller] - Gallagher

[Sharp/Perron/Yakupov/Eberle/Zuccarello] - Galchenyuk - Parenteau

Bournival - Plekanec - Bourque/Callup

Prust - Malhotra - Weise

[Manatee-X]

^{Why Chicago does this: Cap space, adds an inexpensive 2nd Line Centre to replace Richards after this season, gets a 30th overall pick next year}

[smirob]

How can Desharnais play 3rd line center after he's been traded to the Oil?

Sorry I meant to put Eller there.

[habsisme]

Well I will say that Sharp and Hossa may very well become available but I think that would be much more likely next year. I would imagine they'd want to move Hossa more and he also might not fetch as much back, just because of his contract situation. Chicago finds a way to keep these guys though, so we'll see

[NewfoundlandHab]

Barring any significant trades, my lineup would be

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher

Galchenyuk-Eller-Parenteau

Bournival-Plekanec-Bourque

Prust-Malholtra-Weise

Ryan Jones

Markov-Subban

Emelin-Gilbert

Beaulieu-Weaver

Ryan Jones is still unsigned and therefore could likely be had on a very low deal. If we flip Moen, we can save a million on the cao right there. Doesn't have to be Jones, but any other 13th forward at less than a million is better than Moen at 1.85.

The lines are 2 offensive lines, one two way line and one defensive, gritty line. I liked Pleks & Bourny together and Bourque plays the best two way game of any of our possible RWers, though MT seems keen on keeping him on the left.

[NewfoundlandHab]

I do think Sekac makes the team out of camp though.

[habsisme]

Del Zotto?? It's not that I think we NEED him but I could see myself seriously regretting not going after him a year from now

[31Careyprice]

-Dustin Penner is available, he is a big physical winger that likes to crash the net. I wouldn't mind signing him to a 1 year for 1-1.5 million dollars. Penner is a LW but can play both wings.

Sharp isn't a bad idea, but I don't think that gets it done. Chicago would be better off with a younger prospect with a higher ceiling, a role-filler or play-off performer to slot into the lineup, and yes, they would probably want a first.

Perhaps:

To CHI: Bourque/Eller - Andrighetto - 1st

To MTL: Sharp

Sharp at that price is a steal, rumored to be available for picks/prospects, I do this trade in a heart beat.

My line up:

Pacioretty-Desharnais-Sharp

Eller/Galchenyuk-Gallagher

Penner-Plekanec-Parenteau

Bournival-Malholtra-Weise

Prust Moen

Emelin-Subban

Markov-Gilbert

Beaulieu-Tinordi

Weaver

Price

Tokarski

[jedimaas]

-Dustin Penner is available, he is a big physical winger that likes to crash the net. I wouldn't mind signing him to a 1 year for 1-1.5 million dollars. Penner is a LW but can play both wings.

Yeah, id have some interest in Penner at the right price & for one year max. The only concern I have is that we already have a few players with the reputation of "needing motivation" (bourque, PAP) and I dont know if adding another would be great.

Ive seen an increasing number of trade proposals including Eller...MMW, unless we get a very good return (ie young talented player who reaches his potential here after we trade for him) we will regret moving Eller.

Given the right ice time and linemates I have little doubt he can be a 60+ point, two way player. Im not really opposed to moving anyone if the return is right but I think smart GMs never trade a player until he's at least been given a chance in the situation we want him to eventually play. In Eller's case, the only time he's been given that chance (EGG line) he's excelled, so it would be crazy to trade him now, imho.

[RicochetII]

Yeah, id have some interest in Penner at the right price & for one year max. The only concern I have is that we already have a few players with the reputation of "needing motivation" (bourque, PAP) and I dont know if adding another would be great.

Ive seen an increasing number of trade proposals including Eller...MMW, unless we get a very good return (ie young talented player who reaches his potential here after we trade for him) we will regret moving Eller.

Given the right ice time and linemates I have little doubt he can be a 60+ point, two way player. Im not really opposed to moving anyone if the return is right but I think smart GMs never trade a player until he's at least been given a chance in the situation we want him to eventually play. In Eller's case, the only time he's been given that chance (EGG line) he's excelled, so it would be crazy to trade him now, imho.

I tend to agree, but if we aren't moving Desharnais, we have to choose between keeping Eller or Plekanec at center. Otherwise, Galchenyuk will never get the opportunity we need, to see what he can do at the position. I'm fine with trading either towards a high-caliber offensive winger that we will get at least a few years of solid production from.

Moving either to the wing, or keeping Galchenyuk on the wing, doesn't raise our production in any significant manner.

I still believe our contention window begins next season, simply because we didn't use last season to bring the younger guys into the lineup. Now we have this year to get our ducks in a row for the next 3 to 5 years, in order to be perennial contenders. After that we should have another few years of swapping pieces in and out to stay at the top of the league before we tail off for a bit.

[jedimaas]

I tend to agree, but if we aren't moving Desharnais, we have to choose between keeping Eller or Plekanec at center.

A couple of interesting reads on HEOTP about the problems that often come from dealing centres:

Here and Here

Ive been a supporter of the idea of moving DD and if not him then possibly Plekanec (would hurt more but the return might be very good) but its an interesting hypothesis put forward. We would probably be much better off if one of our centres switched positions.

If, rather than trading Turgeon, to make room for Koivu, we had simply moved Damhpousse back to wing, we would have been a much stronger team. I know DD probably cant play wing. Eller has looked ineffective there, but what about plekanec? He's an all-situation, all type of player, if anyone could be effective with that move, it would be him imho.

Or, we simply keep Galchenyuk at LW (with i think is the plan to be honest) and go into the season with DD-Pleks-Eller-Malholtra as our 4 centres, with Galchenyuk able to move to the pivot position if there are any injuries.

[RicochetII]

I have seen those articles.

I did say we could use one of them as a winger, but that's not likely to increase our production. If we were to move a center for an offensive winger, then it could make more sense.

We also have Bournival who could garner a look at center on the 3rd line eventually, or Prust. So we still have some center depth in the lineup.

Either way, this is the season to get the experimentation out of the way.

[jeff33]

If I'm MB its a no brainer.

we want to make the team bigger and more physical, that does not compute with trading eller. if we trade him for anything less than what he is (big physical skilled fwd let alone center) i would be furious.

DD is the guy who has gotta go, and although i think the plan must be to let galchenyuk adapt throughout the year into where he can be a full time center and THEN trade DD I dont like the idea.

DD began last year with literally NO worth on the market, but finished the year strong and currently has some decent value as a 2nd line centre who can score 60 points. now conversely....what if he has a very tough year.....the fact is he is a tiny forward who plays no defense. his only value on the market is his offense, and i would be looking to trade him while he is at peak value, before the season even starts.

this seems to be the year of hard decisions and youth movement. gorges and gionta....2 other very respectable hard working guys, were moved on in favour of younger and bigger options. DD is clearly in the same group with them, and the sooner we trade him the better IMO even though I realize it puts us back a bit to start the year, I truly don't mind.

I think if we can get a 2nd line LW back for DD in a kind of lateral move that would be perfect.

Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Gallagher

return player- Eller- PAP

Bourque - Plek- Sekac

Prust-Malhotra-Weise-Bournival

Our defense is set, so really i think this is the only remaining issue going forward with the roster we will be seeing this year

[East_Coast_Juggalo_13]

If I'm MB its a no brainer.

we want to make the team bigger and more physical, that does not compute with trading eller. if we trade him for anything less than what he is (big physical skilled fwd let alone center) i would be furious.

DD is the guy who has gotta go, and although i think the plan must be to let galchenyuk adapt throughout the year into where he can be a full time center and THEN trade DD I dont like the idea.

DD began last year with literally NO worth on the market, but finished the year strong and currently has some decent value as a 2nd line centre who can score 60 points. now conversely....what if he has a very tough year.....the fact is he is a tiny forward who plays no defense. his only value on the market is his offense, and i would be looking to trade him while he is at peak value, before the season even starts.

this seems to be the year of hard decisions and youth movement. gorges and gionta....2 other very respectable hard working guys, were moved on in favour of younger and bigger options. DD is clearly in the same group with them, and the sooner we trade him the better IMO even though I realize it puts us back a bit to start the year, I truly don't mind.

I think if we can get a 2nd line LW back for DD in a kind of lateral move that would be perfect.

Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Gallagher

return player- Eller- PAP

Bourque - Plek- Sekac

Prust-Malhotra-Weise-Bournival

Our defense is set, so really i think this is the only remaining issue going forward with the roster we will be seeing this year

I honestly Believe MB's plan was to have Parenteau play on the right side of Patches and DD...I still think Eller can play on the left side of Plekanec...He's got the speed and skill to...I still like the idea of adding more youth speed and size to the line up...This is the line up I would like to put on the ice opening night against Toronto:

Pacioretty, Desharnais, Parenteau

Eller, Plekanec, Sekac

Scherbak, Galchenyuk, Gallagher

Prust, Malhotra, Weise

Bourque, Moen

Emelin, Subban

Markov, Gilbert

Beaulieu, Weaver

Tinordi

Price

Budaj

[jedimaas]

DD began last year with literally NO worth on the market, but finished the year strong and currently has some decent value as a 2nd line centre who can score 60 points. now conversely....what if he has a very tough year.....the fact is he is a tiny forward who plays no defense. his only value on the market is his offense, and i would be looking to trade him while he is at peak value, before the season even starts.

this seems to be the year of hard decisions and youth movement. gorges and gionta....2 other very respectable hard working guys, were moved on in favour of younger and bigger options. DD is clearly in the same group with them, and the sooner we trade him the better IMO even though I realize it puts us back a bit to start the year, I truly don't mind.

Bingo. I hope you're right, because logically it makes sense for MB to move DD. I mentioned the articles worried about our track record of trading centres but the one thing they didnt account is that unlike when we traded Turgeon so that Koivu & Damphousse could be our #1 and 2 - we would be moving arguably our least versatile centre (DD) and we still have DD, Eller and possibly best of all 3, Galchenyuk.

[BigTed3]

The real reason to trade DD is that he's already hit peak value. I just can't envision a way he's going to become an 80-point player or 25-goal scorer, and he's already been given the best wingers on the team for 3 straight years. He's not very good defensively, and he's one of the smallest players in the league. So the realistic view is that he's not likely to produce more than what he's given us already. There's room for us to improve at the "number one" center spot, probably in the long run with Galchenyuk and even in the short term by giving more ice to Eller... if DD wasn't a francophone, you'd have to figure he's have been moved already. Yes, Briere was traded this year, but it was done to bring in another French player... hopefully, MB sees past the language ratio and realizes DD is not bringing any added value going forward. Sell high on him, Marc.

[East_Coast_Juggalo_13]

If I were GM I would be taking advantage of CHI's need to dump salary and go after the only RW without an NTC: Marian Hossa. I'd see if CHI would do:

To CHI: Lars Eller, Magnus Nygren, 2 nd rnd 2015

To MTL: Marian Hossa

[BeanCountingHab]

The real reason to trade DD is that he's already hit peak value. I just can't envision a way he's going to become an 80-point player or 25-goal scorer, and he's already been given the best wingers on the team for 3 straight years. He's not very good defensively, and he's one of the smallest players in the league. So the realistic view is that he's not likely to produce more than what he's given us already. There's room for us to improve at the "number one" center spot, probably in the long run with Galchenyuk and even in the short term by giving more ice to Eller... if DD wasn't a francophone, you'd have to figure he's have been moved already. Yes, Briere was traded this year, but it was done to bring in another French player... hopefully, MB sees past the language ratio and realizes DD is not bringing any added value going forward. Sell high on him, Marc.

He let our captain walk, traded one of the most popular players on the team for a 2nd round pick and replaced him with a possession guy that the average fan never heard of. Short of an actual directive from Molson that ties his hands, I can't see him avoiding a trade he thinks will improve the team for non-hockey reasons.

Personally, I'd like to keep and use DD for another year or two, even if it's in a lesser role.

[tony5775]

Unless we are getting another center that is better then DD it makes no sense to move him. Last year when he started slow, everyone had a chance to play with Max (including Eller) and no one did anything productive. with that chance.

[kinot-1]

Unless we are getting another center that is better then DD it makes no sense to move him. Last year when he started slow, everyone had a chance to play with Max (including Eller) and no one did anything productive. with that chance.

Might be worth a shot to give Gally-A a chance with Max.

[BigTed3]

But why keep DD if you're going to play him in a lesser role? You're just causing his value to drop, and he really doesn't give you good value as a 3rd/4th line player. For one, he doesn't play defence well, so you'd still have to take away offensive zone starts from your 1st and 2nd lines, and in the end, you're then paying 3.5M to a bottom 6 player. So if the plan is to demote DD, I really just don't see him retaining any more value than a player like Bournival or Weise or so on. And if you don't demote DD, he's the direct cause for blocking the development of both Eller and Galchenyuk. You don't need to trade DD for another center: we'd be better off with Plekanec-Eller-Galchenyuk down the middle. What we should be trying to get for DD isa winger we can plug into the top 6-9.

[habsisme]

But why keep DD if you're going to play him in a lesser role? You're just causing his value to drop, and he really doesn't give you good value as a 3rd/4th line player. For one, he doesn't play defence well, so you'd still have to take away offensive zone starts from your 1st and 2nd lines, and in the end, you're then paying 3.5M to a bottom 6 player. So if the plan is to demote DD, I really just don't see him retaining any more value than a player like Bournival or Weise or so on. And if you don't demote DD, he's the direct cause for blocking the development of both Eller and Galchenyuk. You don't need to trade DD for another center: we'd be better off with Plekanec-Eller-Galchenyuk down the middle. What we should be trying to get for DD isa winger we can plug into the top 6-9.

I've always been a bit higher on DD than most. DD is good offensive minded 2nd line center at a VERY good cap hit that happens to mesh well with your elite goal scorer. The problem is we don't have a first line center, and we have 2 young centers that MIGHT be able to do that. I've always thought the better move is to trade the older guy who has more value and that's Plekanec... Never gonna happen though...

If I were GM I would be taking advantage of CHI's need to dump salary and go after the only RW without an NTC: Marian Hossa. I'd see if CHI would do:

To CHI: Lars Eller, Magnus Nygren, 2 nd rnd 2015

To MTL: Marian Hossa

I would do it and Chicago could be interested in Eller, but not until next year. I think if CHI moves Hossa or Sharp and that still is an IF, it will be at the 2015 draft.