Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonded
I'd be shocked if they could trade Kadri or Huberdeau.
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First of all, I think it’s unlikely the Flames trade either player but I think it’s pretty hyperbolic to say they couldn’t.
Less than a year ago Huberdeau was second in league scoring. Kadri was playing a pivotal role on a team the went on to win the cup. NHL GM’s aren’t gold fish, they have memories. There are 31 other GM’s out there contending with their own unique circumstances and expectations from ownership’s.
Kadri would be more difficult due to age and term of the contract but I think you could make a pretty reasonable case for a Huberdeau to Montreal.
You would have to think Montreal is going to be looking to make a push for the playoffs next year. The market will demand it. They have Drouin coming off the books freeing up $5.5. Depending on how much the cap jumps, they probably only have to clear $2-4 million more. That could either happen in a trade with the Flames or another team. Guys they probably could move include Hoffman, Anderson, Dvorak, Edmonson or Armia. That would clear the space.
Why would Montreal want Huberdeau? Well, seems pretty straight forward. Top line French Canadian LW who slots in with Suzuki and Caufield. Of course Montreal would want that. Would Huberdeau? Yeah, probably. I think it was rumoured before last seasons trade that Montreal had interest. Would Montreal be deterred by his performance this season? I doubt it. I’d bet they think ‘let’s get Huberdeau here under St.Louis, and away from Sutter, and I bet he returns to 100pts/season’.
What does a deal look like? First of all the Flsmes need to get their house in order. Is Treliving still here (aside: my money says no), is Sutter, does the new regime want Huberdeau? For the purposes of this discussion let’s say the Flames decide to move him. I’ll suggest:
Huberdeau for Hoffman (short term LW top 6 replacement), 2023 first round pick (higher of the two they have), 2023 second round pick, 2024 first round pick (this may get complicated due to the Monahan trade but I’ll assume they can do it).
Probably way off base but I think trading Huberdeau might not be as hard as some others believe.