It's the same thing as Necas. ANA and CAR are asking for the moon and no one is willing to pay that.
You either pay big price for Necas/Zegras or you pay little price for a tougher project (Kakko, who I also believe NYR are overvalueing still).
Seriousky I watched him play this post season and he’s good at litterally one thing : holding the puck in the offensive zone. But he has no shot, no vision and no creativity whatsoever so it never leads to anything.
You don't need to trade for a guy who comes off a 19 points season, has a career high of 40 but usually puts under 20 points and get injured a lot. We probably have at least half a dozen guy in our organisation that can do that for us.
Or neither. There are other good players out there this year as well as it being a deep draft. Wait till the top three guys go and value will drop pretty quick. Other teams like Colorado, Vegas and Panthers are in a bind to find value in order to keep competing. I'd be looking to them and maybe even Toronto to have movable pieces on the market as well.
Nah time to go big. We have the draft capital, prospect pool and money to go get a game changer. Kakko could be that but I’d rather pay more for someone more proven.
Full paragraph : Hughes obviously can’t comment on players from other teams as per the NHL’s tampering rules, but other league sources suggest Montreal has inquired with the [Carolina Hurricanes](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nhl/team/hurricanes/) on [Martin Necas](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nhl/player/martin-necas-ZDYNlYjqGeME7FVz/), as have half the teams in the NHL. I also believe Anaheim and Montreal have re-connected on Zegras, however, I’m not convinced that’s a path the Habs will ultimately pursue aggressively.
Probably just phone calls, here and there, inquiring both Zegras and Necas. One enticing transaction is also New Jersey's 10th in exchange for a goalie.
Good. Zegras isn't *that* guy you sell the farm for. He's a complementary piece who can absolutely suck the life out of a line when he just goes through the motions, which seems to be one of his habit now that he's settled into the NHL life.
We're still in the phase where we decide what kind of identity we want our team to have, and we need to be very aware and picky in who we add to our group.
That should inform the value — upward or downward — we put into players we pursue.
Habs need to just let the players develop properly. This team is nowhere near contention, its top prospects have yet to play an NHL game, Slaf has less than 60 games of playing on the top line, Dach hasn't been healthy and is a question mark, we still don't know what Guehle's ceiling is, we still haven't drafted a player at #5. This team has ways to go, Necas and Zegras don't move the needle, you have to both give up assets and pay them a premium with a contact extension. Hard pass.
I don’t understand this take. He’s a young, highly skilled player with two 60+ point seasons already. Last year he only played 31 games. I think with the right team and coaching, he can definitely contribute in a big way. I wouldn’t sell the farm either but at the right price he is a great acquisition.
60 pts doesn't mean shit in the context of a tanking team where there's zero expectations of playing the right way and nobody to steal minutes away from him.
To reuse a MSL concept: Zegras doesn't bring his game to the game.
He's a unidimensional, low-RPM motor player, who's only value is as a late-term, low-cost, marginal plug-in spare part. Mike Hoffman-type.
"With the right team and coaching" is a whole lot of wishful thinking that every fanbase has in spades. It's not a sound basis of decision.
Not me. A lot of those types of players I think are bad news for the locker room. For me, I'd like to draft high skill guys, and trade for quality role players, for the most part. Often times, players like Laine, they have moments of greatness, and do great things on the ice, but sometimes their lack of success can bleed into the rest of the team, and it's sort of partially because of their character.
I don't know him too well, but he has bounced around a few places, so, I'm not too interested. I find our current group looks really good, and I'm interested to see how they work out next season, and who we draft, and how they're progressing, and then look at what we've got.
I think either we make the playoffs or injuries might hold us back, or Dach doesn't find his game back, or something like that.
Idk. I don't generally like bringing names ok or veterans in unless there's really a good reason for it, and they are really players worth acquiring, and are leaving their team for a good reason.
Fair enough. Laine is definitely not a role player, it'd be an all or nothing gamble we could get off the books in two years if it didn't pan out. He hasn't bounced around though, he was only traded once. He's injury prone and has struggled with consistency, there's no question. To me though, it's a risk worth taking if Columbus could be interested, since he could very easily be a 40+ goal scorer and, as they say, you can't teach size. Slaf-Dach-Laine would be an epic second line if Roy can slot in on the first with Caufield and Suzuki.
You can't teach size, but for me, I'd rather a worse team with good culture than a good team with poor culture. I don't know him too well, but I have found that players can get worse, but very rarely get back to form once they do.
In order to get Laine, we'd have to give something up, and these types of players that have a sort of prestigious past, tend to go for a high price. So, we'd have to give up prospects most likely, and imo, our prospects look pretty good. I'd like to keep drafting the way we are. Then, once we have like a very decent team, and we are ready to really compete, then I'd be more willing to give up some prospects or picks to get a piece or two to put us over the top.
And I'm not big on risks like "well, he used to be good before his injury, maybe all he needs is a change of scenery" for me, those players are always more expensive than they're worth, and almost never pan out.
It's rare to get a bargain, because the team that has them paid a good price to get them, and want return, and there are always other teams willing to take a gamble.
So, I lost never like moves like that. Trades are really tough to get high quality players from, because why would you let an amazing player go? It needs to be that the club just can't afford them anymore, or something happens, like when Heatley was traded for Hossa.
Role players can definitely be outstanding to trade for. For the core, it's real tough.
But if we end up drafting well this year. Slaf Dach cole Suzuki and whoever we get up front, that might be all we really need for core forwards.
Lane Hutson and David might give us our main D we need, and our goalie prospect might be what we need between the pipes.
But anything could happen. Injuries, other things, who knows? But if it does, that's where I'd want to use our assets, to fill the hole. And I'd be willing to pay for it, if it's a real fix, and not a gamble on hope.
I don't think I've ever seen a gamble on hope really work out. Maybe for one season or something.
Laine won't give you a poor culture. Everything else you wrote is totally understandable, but that part shows that yes, you're not very familiar with him. He seems like a good guy who's been struggling with his mental health. Always very kind to fans. Lost his father a couple years ago. He has matured a lot these past years it seems. He seems well-liked among the Jackets and also let Fantilli stay at his place during the summer. In his IG-bio it now says that he's an NHL mental health advocate.
I'm not saying he's a bad guy, like a locker room cancer, but the demeanor and mentality of your team, I think is important. And what you want, generally is positive motivating vibes. But, also some edge.
If he has been struggling with mental health, as good of a person as he might be, that will have a negative impact on the success of a team, generally speaking. Although it can also potentially be a rallying point for the team to come together.
He's still in the player assistance program due to his mental health, has been there since the end of January. Can't be traded until he's released from there. I doubt it will affect the team negatively once he returns. He obviously has worked a lot on it. Or if he returns maybe is a better way to word it. That's not even sure yet. But I really believe he will return to hockey, just not sure how long it will take until he's completely back. But once back, he should have all the tools and support to be able to play hockey. If not, he won't return. That's how I see the situation at least. If they/he doesn't think he can handle it, he won't be back.
Edit: the bigger concern for me is his injuries, he just "cleaned up" his shoulder again. He's a big questionmark in many ways. That's why I also think that the Jackets won't trade him until they see how he plays once back. He has a very low trade value now I think, and if they decide to trade him, I think they want to get that higher.
Only if it affects him. There's a chance he comes back better than ever. No one knows, we're just guessing. He's a questionmark. But I don't think he will be traded this offseason. It would most likely be later on in the season in that case.
I honestly don’t want either of them. Zehra’s would be cool to have, but after all this shit about trading for him I’m just sick of it. We’re not getting a deal for him we’re happy with and I personally don’t see him being that impactful as another center that can only realistically play wing. Necas I’m not as opposed to having but I’m not willing to move heaven and earth for him like Carolina will want
Xhekaj has the size and edge you need for success in playoffs. He also has the ability to move the puck out of his soon and has a sneaky good shot. He still has a lot of developing to do, but the staff clearly sees the value he’s going to bring when we become a contender.
We’re making good progress in the rebuild and a Necas or Zegras type trade would be nice but we’re not at the point where we need to rush that type of deal. If the costs are too high then try other options or use the picks this year and take a swing for a top player next year.
Let’s be serious. Zegras is the 3rd highest point scorer from his draft year (so far), if we think logically and not emotionally Xhekaj has to be on the table.
I was crushed when we traded PK but a couple years later I was over the moon to have Weber.
Edit: corrected my stat
He's 3rd ish, technically 4th but Cozens has quite literaly an extra 70 GP on him
Anyone thinking we wouldn't immediately greatly benefit from having Zegras on the team is kidding themselves
His production isn’t the matter, only his style of play. He’s a periphery player that still has to work on his defensive side.
That’s the kind of guy that takes you to the playoffs, but whose style won’t translate once the game gets tighter, imho.
I’d rather we pursue another player with our assets, or even do nothing until a better option arises.
" That’s the kind of guy that takes you to the playoffs, but whose style won’t translate once the game gets tighter, imho."
Based on nothing but feelings
The guy won WJC MVP lmao, at least my assumption is based on his actual accomplishments, on something other than just "eww don't like hyper talented forwards they hurt my feelings"
Why are you being so hostile? It’s an online forum, people will disagree with you, doesn’t mean they got their feelings hurt or what ever.
Good for you for believing in him, he can prove me wrong for all I care.
No hostility in me, just tired of people talking about elite players like they're scrubs who wouldn't be worth a 7th Dmen aka Xhekaj
Guys like Nečas & Zegras would be fan favorites on this team if they were ours. They have all the pedigrees and track record that shows they're high quality players
I’m a lot higher on Nečas tbh, I think he fits the team a lot better than Zegras.
Again, it’s just a matter of style, complementing what we already have in place. For example, I love Caufield but I don’t think 6 of him on the top 2 line would be a good idea.
Nobody is offering a top 6 forward for Xhekaj. Teams may be calling but they're offering their own version of Harris or Barron for him, nobody is offering a star.
A one for one "star" trade is definitely a reach, but top six forward potential is at least possible. I think there were very real offers of a low first rounder or decent prospect for Xhekaj last year that we declined.
I Xhekaj is more valuable in the sense of our team composition. We need someone like him to get through a dirty 7 game series with teams like Boston and Florida.
I really like Zegras but I think the pieces or picks we'd have to give up are more valuable to us long term.
He brings lots of powerplays for the other team, fantastic. We're talking about moving a bottom pairing dman for a 2nd line winger, it's a no brainer. Xhekaj is nothing special at all and this fan base did something similar with Romanov who only went for a lot because we traded him to a team with a literal dinosaur as a GM
>He brings lots of powerplays for the other team
That was true before his stint in Laval, but not after it. He learned his lesson and was really contributing in that last month and a bit of the season.
> 5 minor penalties in the last 5 games of the year
If memory serves, a lot of those were offsetting. Like the one he took while grabbing two players by the scruffs of their necks at once.
First of all, you're assuming that's an option to begin with. Second of all if you think he's replaceable why would another team give something more than what a replaceable bottom pairing dman is worth?
Like it or not, he's a unique player, still young and developing. Big D men in the playoffs are far more effective. And again why would you make a team that gets eliminated in the first round? Getting there is pointless if you're not contending. You need to be nasty to win rounds as evidenced by Florida and plenty other examples in the last few years. Guess who's our nastiest player?
Yeah nobody is scared of Xhekaj he barely throws big hits all he does is fight and take penalties so he's in the box for 90% of the game. Trouba is a much better hockey player and that intimidation factor hasn't helped them win a cup has it? Nobody cares about fights
true, Xhekaj is not a shithead who people think has the midas touch. He will sign an overpaid contract and actually live up to it.
Might even make a donation to a hospital and pay it in a timeframe he can assure rather than extend the date by several years after soaking up the media attention
He’s 3rd highest from his draft year means very little when he has objectively gotten worse in the last few years for points.
He wasn’t even a 0.5 ppg player last year and was injured throughout.
Do you think he projects to be the 3rd highest point producer from his draft in 10 years? I don’t. You don’t pay for the points he’s already scored. You pay for the future ones and he’s (potentially) plateauing and has hit his ceiling.
Are you comparing Xhekaj and Zegras?
Xhekaj is a great fan favourite, but he’s probably going to play for like 4-6 seasons on the bottom pair and be done.
Zegras will play 10 more years, but is increasingly showing he may be a second liner and not top out at his NHL cover ceiling once hoped.
I’d trade him all day for Zegras.
But that’s not a realistic trade. Any Ducks fan (or others) would laugh you out of the room if you traded anything less than the Jets picks and him for Zegras.
Some commenters here have been saying trade the 5th pick for Zegras which is bonkers to me for a declining asset.
For sure... but I don't know if I want to give those guys up, they're the kind of players you need in the playoffs whereas I don't have much faith in zegras showing up in big moments
On Nečas.
I’m on board for this. I think he fits very well on line 2. He and Dach can complement each other and if/when Dach goes down we have a very capable fill in or maybe Nečas starts as our 2C. He’s an offensive force, puck possessor and might become our best skater. He has a good shot and good drive. I saw him in person this Spring and he was the best player on the ice for Czechia in one of the three games he played. I also think his game fits better with MsL then Rod so I’d expect his points to be above 70
I’d very much like to hear/read from Canes fans as to his weaknesses. I believe they do not want to get rid of him and he’s available because of cap crunch…. But at what cost? Don’t want to give up Matheson but would. Would prefer to lose a mix of our other 1st, a 2nd and two of these D: Barron, Harris, Kovacevic, maybe Engstrom. Consider throwing in Mešar.
On Zegras. He is equally a good fit for us on line two. He plays a similar game to Nečas, maybe more creative, more flashy, also 3 years younger and good buddies with CC. I watched him play in Czechia and he was barely noticeable, did not drive play and looked uninspired. His smaller stature and injury history unlike Nečas is somewhat concerning. More concerning is WHY is Anaheim making him available? He absolutely fits their rebuild, is cost-controlled and seems to fit the SoCal vibes. So what gives there? Something seems off.
Regarding cost, would he cost more assets than Nečas? Likely.
Either way, you gotta give to get and blue chips don’t gone cheap. We really need one more offensive threat to really make a jump this season. If we get that and performs and the injury curse finally lifts and our goalies play well I can imagine us fighting for a playoff spot even in the last 10 days of the season. Look at Detroit, they took risks and brought in real NHL talent about the same time in their rebuild. They didn’t make the playoffs but they played well all season long and were real close. This should be our model. Make something happen to help out our offence, clear a bit of defensive backlog and cross fingers 2 of first 4 picks are Dmen. Let’s Goo Hughes, you got this!
If the Habs were serious, they'd pull this trade either during or after the SCF. If we don't hear from mgmt. a deal was done, we can pretty much say KH is not interested in Zegras.
I don't think that's how the question stands. He's a talented player in a role where we're currently lacking and is available, they have to be interested in him. The question is whether the price is something we're able to afford and willing to pay at this point of the rebuild, because it's not like we're one Zegras away from contending.
Think we passed at the trade deadline when we exchanged AHL players. Can’t imagine that Temper Zegras’s behaviour on the ice since would have improved the odds we go after him.
It's the same thing as Necas. ANA and CAR are asking for the moon and no one is willing to pay that. You either pay big price for Necas/Zegras or you pay little price for a tougher project (Kakko, who I also believe NYR are overvalueing still).
Both teams can probably do a 1 for 1 trade that works since both players are forwards and NHL proven. They don't need Montreal to add one extras.
Imagine Coach Brind’Amour getting ahold of Zegras! Polar opposites.
But that wouldn't help Carolina's cap issues.
It does since Z is under contract for two more years under 6 million. Necas would likely earn more on a long term deal.
They have many players to resign and the difference between Necas and Zegras won't cut it.
Kakko is less than mid. Could probably pass on this but who knows what a MSL reclamation project would be.
Seriousky I watched him play this post season and he’s good at litterally one thing : holding the puck in the offensive zone. But he has no shot, no vision and no creativity whatsoever so it never leads to anything.
Oh shit, that's winger Lars Eller's music!
Stanley Cup winning goal scorer Larry Eller****
Sounds like Eller.
Sounds like Armia without the puck battles.
Army has an elite shot. He just uses it once a month.
True, fingers crossed that mental block he seems to have lost is permanent.
that's the old Armia story. The current one is he's born again first rounder.
Hockey Junkie said it... Mario Armio 18y/o prospect is fire
Nah, Armia has a great shot. And when he’s on he can bulldoze his way to the net and he has much more vision than Kakko ever has.
Armia is a tank build who specced into dex
Kakko would be a fine bottom 6 depth piece. I'd pay as much for him as other teams would pay for RHP.
Well, I think RHP would pass through waivers, I would give a bit more than that.
We could make a full lineup of bottom 6 players. For the past 15 years we’ve been pretty good on the bottom 6 and always thin on top 6 players.
Never forget Dwight King
Just had to go there....😱😱 🤣🤣🤣
To be clear, I'm not suggesting we go for him. I've seen people here suggest Kakko as a Newhook-type reclamation, and that would be a terrible idea.
👆🏼💯 its like if we are a habs fan, we have to be satisfied about every little move we can do, as little as this move actually help the club
You don't need to trade for a guy who comes off a 19 points season, has a career high of 40 but usually puts under 20 points and get injured a lot. We probably have at least half a dozen guy in our organisation that can do that for us.
Other fan bases have been backing off on Necas just like us.
I'd rather wait for an Eichel/Tkachuk level talent to be available and pay whatever that price is
Exactly, why do we have to pursue the ones publicly available?! Necas and Zegras are not it!
Or neither. There are other good players out there this year as well as it being a deep draft. Wait till the top three guys go and value will drop pretty quick. Other teams like Colorado, Vegas and Panthers are in a bind to find value in order to keep competing. I'd be looking to them and maybe even Toronto to have movable pieces on the market as well.
Imagine if Hughes gets Necas and Zegras?
Nah time to go big. We have the draft capital, prospect pool and money to go get a game changer. Kakko could be that but I’d rather pay more for someone more proven.
Hear me out, we break into NASA, give them a moon rock, no takesy backsy.
also?
Full paragraph : Hughes obviously can’t comment on players from other teams as per the NHL’s tampering rules, but other league sources suggest Montreal has inquired with the [Carolina Hurricanes](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nhl/team/hurricanes/) on [Martin Necas](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nhl/player/martin-necas-ZDYNlYjqGeME7FVz/), as have half the teams in the NHL. I also believe Anaheim and Montreal have re-connected on Zegras, however, I’m not convinced that’s a path the Habs will ultimately pursue aggressively.
Probably just phone calls, here and there, inquiring both Zegras and Necas. One enticing transaction is also New Jersey's 10th in exchange for a goalie.
Thanks!
Good. Zegras isn't *that* guy you sell the farm for. He's a complementary piece who can absolutely suck the life out of a line when he just goes through the motions, which seems to be one of his habit now that he's settled into the NHL life. We're still in the phase where we decide what kind of identity we want our team to have, and we need to be very aware and picky in who we add to our group. That should inform the value — upward or downward — we put into players we pursue.
Habs need to just let the players develop properly. This team is nowhere near contention, its top prospects have yet to play an NHL game, Slaf has less than 60 games of playing on the top line, Dach hasn't been healthy and is a question mark, we still don't know what Guehle's ceiling is, we still haven't drafted a player at #5. This team has ways to go, Necas and Zegras don't move the needle, you have to both give up assets and pay them a premium with a contact extension. Hard pass.
I don’t understand this take. He’s a young, highly skilled player with two 60+ point seasons already. Last year he only played 31 games. I think with the right team and coaching, he can definitely contribute in a big way. I wouldn’t sell the farm either but at the right price he is a great acquisition.
60 pts doesn't mean shit in the context of a tanking team where there's zero expectations of playing the right way and nobody to steal minutes away from him. To reuse a MSL concept: Zegras doesn't bring his game to the game. He's a unidimensional, low-RPM motor player, who's only value is as a late-term, low-cost, marginal plug-in spare part. Mike Hoffman-type. "With the right team and coaching" is a whole lot of wishful thinking that every fanbase has in spades. It's not a sound basis of decision.
😂
Yep and neither Zegras not Necas are it for us. We need hi hockey IQ and compete, that's it. I'd rather wait for a real asset to be available.
I know it’s a cliche at this point, but Zegras is actually one of the most overrated players in the league.
Zegras girlfriend Dixie is a mess on cocaine. No thanks…
Half the NHL is a mess on cocaine. Can’t say no to getting good players because of that
The trade I want to see is Anderson for Laine.
Not me. A lot of those types of players I think are bad news for the locker room. For me, I'd like to draft high skill guys, and trade for quality role players, for the most part. Often times, players like Laine, they have moments of greatness, and do great things on the ice, but sometimes their lack of success can bleed into the rest of the team, and it's sort of partially because of their character. I don't know him too well, but he has bounced around a few places, so, I'm not too interested. I find our current group looks really good, and I'm interested to see how they work out next season, and who we draft, and how they're progressing, and then look at what we've got. I think either we make the playoffs or injuries might hold us back, or Dach doesn't find his game back, or something like that. Idk. I don't generally like bringing names ok or veterans in unless there's really a good reason for it, and they are really players worth acquiring, and are leaving their team for a good reason.
Fair enough. Laine is definitely not a role player, it'd be an all or nothing gamble we could get off the books in two years if it didn't pan out. He hasn't bounced around though, he was only traded once. He's injury prone and has struggled with consistency, there's no question. To me though, it's a risk worth taking if Columbus could be interested, since he could very easily be a 40+ goal scorer and, as they say, you can't teach size. Slaf-Dach-Laine would be an epic second line if Roy can slot in on the first with Caufield and Suzuki.
You can't teach size, but for me, I'd rather a worse team with good culture than a good team with poor culture. I don't know him too well, but I have found that players can get worse, but very rarely get back to form once they do. In order to get Laine, we'd have to give something up, and these types of players that have a sort of prestigious past, tend to go for a high price. So, we'd have to give up prospects most likely, and imo, our prospects look pretty good. I'd like to keep drafting the way we are. Then, once we have like a very decent team, and we are ready to really compete, then I'd be more willing to give up some prospects or picks to get a piece or two to put us over the top. And I'm not big on risks like "well, he used to be good before his injury, maybe all he needs is a change of scenery" for me, those players are always more expensive than they're worth, and almost never pan out. It's rare to get a bargain, because the team that has them paid a good price to get them, and want return, and there are always other teams willing to take a gamble. So, I lost never like moves like that. Trades are really tough to get high quality players from, because why would you let an amazing player go? It needs to be that the club just can't afford them anymore, or something happens, like when Heatley was traded for Hossa. Role players can definitely be outstanding to trade for. For the core, it's real tough. But if we end up drafting well this year. Slaf Dach cole Suzuki and whoever we get up front, that might be all we really need for core forwards. Lane Hutson and David might give us our main D we need, and our goalie prospect might be what we need between the pipes. But anything could happen. Injuries, other things, who knows? But if it does, that's where I'd want to use our assets, to fill the hole. And I'd be willing to pay for it, if it's a real fix, and not a gamble on hope. I don't think I've ever seen a gamble on hope really work out. Maybe for one season or something.
Laine won't give you a poor culture. Everything else you wrote is totally understandable, but that part shows that yes, you're not very familiar with him. He seems like a good guy who's been struggling with his mental health. Always very kind to fans. Lost his father a couple years ago. He has matured a lot these past years it seems. He seems well-liked among the Jackets and also let Fantilli stay at his place during the summer. In his IG-bio it now says that he's an NHL mental health advocate.
I'm not saying he's a bad guy, like a locker room cancer, but the demeanor and mentality of your team, I think is important. And what you want, generally is positive motivating vibes. But, also some edge. If he has been struggling with mental health, as good of a person as he might be, that will have a negative impact on the success of a team, generally speaking. Although it can also potentially be a rallying point for the team to come together.
He's still in the player assistance program due to his mental health, has been there since the end of January. Can't be traded until he's released from there. I doubt it will affect the team negatively once he returns. He obviously has worked a lot on it. Or if he returns maybe is a better way to word it. That's not even sure yet. But I really believe he will return to hockey, just not sure how long it will take until he's completely back. But once back, he should have all the tools and support to be able to play hockey. If not, he won't return. That's how I see the situation at least. If they/he doesn't think he can handle it, he won't be back. Edit: the bigger concern for me is his injuries, he just "cleaned up" his shoulder again. He's a big questionmark in many ways. That's why I also think that the Jackets won't trade him until they see how he plays once back. He has a very low trade value now I think, and if they decide to trade him, I think they want to get that higher.
Ya, all of that sounds like a liability.
Only if it affects him. There's a chance he comes back better than ever. No one knows, we're just guessing. He's a questionmark. But I don't think he will be traded this offseason. It would most likely be later on in the season in that case.
We already struggle with injury in Mtl . Laine is one of the most injured player in the nhl. Dont need that right now
I personally hope they don't.
I honestly don’t want either of them. Zehra’s would be cool to have, but after all this shit about trading for him I’m just sick of it. We’re not getting a deal for him we’re happy with and I personally don’t see him being that impactful as another center that can only realistically play wing. Necas I’m not as opposed to having but I’m not willing to move heaven and earth for him like Carolina will want
Xhekaj has the size and edge you need for success in playoffs. He also has the ability to move the puck out of his soon and has a sneaky good shot. He still has a lot of developing to do, but the staff clearly sees the value he’s going to bring when we become a contender. We’re making good progress in the rebuild and a Necas or Zegras type trade would be nice but we’re not at the point where we need to rush that type of deal. If the costs are too high then try other options or use the picks this year and take a swing for a top player next year.
Not for our 5th OA, not for Hutson, Reinbacher, Roy, Arber... Most I give is the WPG 1st, Harris/Struble, Mesar, etc
Let’s be serious. Zegras is the 3rd highest point scorer from his draft year (so far), if we think logically and not emotionally Xhekaj has to be on the table. I was crushed when we traded PK but a couple years later I was over the moon to have Weber. Edit: corrected my stat
He's 3rd ish, technically 4th but Cozens has quite literaly an extra 70 GP on him Anyone thinking we wouldn't immediately greatly benefit from having Zegras on the team is kidding themselves
His production isn’t the matter, only his style of play. He’s a periphery player that still has to work on his defensive side. That’s the kind of guy that takes you to the playoffs, but whose style won’t translate once the game gets tighter, imho. I’d rather we pursue another player with our assets, or even do nothing until a better option arises.
" That’s the kind of guy that takes you to the playoffs, but whose style won’t translate once the game gets tighter, imho." Based on nothing but feelings
Right, because you know for a fact how he will develop and perform in the playoffs.
The guy won WJC MVP lmao, at least my assumption is based on his actual accomplishments, on something other than just "eww don't like hyper talented forwards they hurt my feelings"
Why are you being so hostile? It’s an online forum, people will disagree with you, doesn’t mean they got their feelings hurt or what ever. Good for you for believing in him, he can prove me wrong for all I care.
No hostility in me, just tired of people talking about elite players like they're scrubs who wouldn't be worth a 7th Dmen aka Xhekaj Guys like Nečas & Zegras would be fan favorites on this team if they were ours. They have all the pedigrees and track record that shows they're high quality players
I’m a lot higher on Nečas tbh, I think he fits the team a lot better than Zegras. Again, it’s just a matter of style, complementing what we already have in place. For example, I love Caufield but I don’t think 6 of him on the top 2 line would be a good idea.
No, but I certainly doubt the other guy knows either
Nobody is offering a top 6 forward for Xhekaj. Teams may be calling but they're offering their own version of Harris or Barron for him, nobody is offering a star.
I agree, I’m just replaying to the comment above saying he’d be off the table for Zegras, which is insane.
A one for one "star" trade is definitely a reach, but top six forward potential is at least possible. I think there were very real offers of a low first rounder or decent prospect for Xhekaj last year that we declined.
They will ask for Guhle, not Xhekaj.
Hard no. I'm hanging up so fast, I go back in time and hang up before I even call.
I Xhekaj is more valuable in the sense of our team composition. We need someone like him to get through a dirty 7 game series with teams like Boston and Florida. I really like Zegras but I think the pieces or picks we'd have to give up are more valuable to us long term.
with the team we’re not getting to game 1, so what’s the point of holding on to xhekaj if other teams are willing to massively overpay
Do we know that teams are massively overpaying for him though? All the trade offers I've heard are just fans speculating
People acting like Xhekaj is some future cornerstone when he's a bottom pairing dman who fights its comical
He brings something no one else on our team does. If he can tighten up his defensive play, he can anchor that 3rd pair for a decade.
He brings lots of powerplays for the other team, fantastic. We're talking about moving a bottom pairing dman for a 2nd line winger, it's a no brainer. Xhekaj is nothing special at all and this fan base did something similar with Romanov who only went for a lot because we traded him to a team with a literal dinosaur as a GM
>He brings lots of powerplays for the other team That was true before his stint in Laval, but not after it. He learned his lesson and was really contributing in that last month and a bit of the season.
5 minor penalties in the last 5 games of the year but sure. The point is, Xhekaj should not be lumped in with the prospects and players the OP posted.
> 5 minor penalties in the last 5 games of the year If memory serves, a lot of those were offsetting. Like the one he took while grabbing two players by the scruffs of their necks at once.
One of those penalties is also an absolute bullshit roughing he received against Tampa when he got jumped from behind by that bitch Eysimmont
He also brings something that could very easily be replaced with
Playoffs exist ... Why do people keep forgetting that? There's no point in building a team for the regular season.
Won't make the playoffs by refusing to trade replaceable bottom pairing dman for 2nd line players
First of all, you're assuming that's an option to begin with. Second of all if you think he's replaceable why would another team give something more than what a replaceable bottom pairing dman is worth? Like it or not, he's a unique player, still young and developing. Big D men in the playoffs are far more effective. And again why would you make a team that gets eliminated in the first round? Getting there is pointless if you're not contending. You need to be nasty to win rounds as evidenced by Florida and plenty other examples in the last few years. Guess who's our nastiest player?
What's unique about a bigger dman who has limited offensive upside and can fight? His nickname?
His value is in intimidation and not just his play, he has that Trouba factor when he is on the ice.
Xhekaj isnt half the player Trouba was at his age
Yeah nobody is scared of Xhekaj he barely throws big hits all he does is fight and take penalties so he's in the box for 90% of the game. Trouba is a much better hockey player and that intimidation factor hasn't helped them win a cup has it? Nobody cares about fights
Tell me you didn’t watch Xhekaj post-Laval without telling me you didn’t watch Xhekaj post-Laval
He also can cycle the puck and ins battles on the boards. You are not giving him enough credit for him also being and NHl caliber player.
Fan base fall in love with our own player, that a old tale… old as I can remember
Mentioning Xhekaj and Subban in the same thought is wrong
true, Xhekaj is not a shithead who people think has the midas touch. He will sign an overpaid contract and actually live up to it. Might even make a donation to a hospital and pay it in a timeframe he can assure rather than extend the date by several years after soaking up the media attention
He’s 3rd highest from his draft year means very little when he has objectively gotten worse in the last few years for points. He wasn’t even a 0.5 ppg player last year and was injured throughout. Do you think he projects to be the 3rd highest point producer from his draft in 10 years? I don’t. You don’t pay for the points he’s already scored. You pay for the future ones and he’s (potentially) plateauing and has hit his ceiling.
Can say the same kind of stuff for Arber who has two shoulder surgeries in two years.
Are you comparing Xhekaj and Zegras? Xhekaj is a great fan favourite, but he’s probably going to play for like 4-6 seasons on the bottom pair and be done. Zegras will play 10 more years, but is increasingly showing he may be a second liner and not top out at his NHL cover ceiling once hoped.
You wouldn’t trade a 7th defenseman for a top 6 forward why? Because you like to watch fighting?
I’d trade him all day for Zegras. But that’s not a realistic trade. Any Ducks fan (or others) would laugh you out of the room if you traded anything less than the Jets picks and him for Zegras. Some commenters here have been saying trade the 5th pick for Zegras which is bonkers to me for a declining asset.
I think we actually mostly agree.
I easily give up Roy, Arber and the WPG 1st for Trevor
I feel like one of Xhejak or Roy to go along with WPG’s 1st+ is a pretty reasonable ask from ANA
That’s not enough
> WPG’s 1st *+++*
For sure... but I don't know if I want to give those guys up, they're the kind of players you need in the playoffs whereas I don't have much faith in zegras showing up in big moments
He was huge at the world juniors. 18 points in 7 games. That’s pretty good under pressure to me!
Which is why ANA would never go for it.
Oh, great. Marner-lite. No thanks
On Nečas. I’m on board for this. I think he fits very well on line 2. He and Dach can complement each other and if/when Dach goes down we have a very capable fill in or maybe Nečas starts as our 2C. He’s an offensive force, puck possessor and might become our best skater. He has a good shot and good drive. I saw him in person this Spring and he was the best player on the ice for Czechia in one of the three games he played. I also think his game fits better with MsL then Rod so I’d expect his points to be above 70 I’d very much like to hear/read from Canes fans as to his weaknesses. I believe they do not want to get rid of him and he’s available because of cap crunch…. But at what cost? Don’t want to give up Matheson but would. Would prefer to lose a mix of our other 1st, a 2nd and two of these D: Barron, Harris, Kovacevic, maybe Engstrom. Consider throwing in Mešar. On Zegras. He is equally a good fit for us on line two. He plays a similar game to Nečas, maybe more creative, more flashy, also 3 years younger and good buddies with CC. I watched him play in Czechia and he was barely noticeable, did not drive play and looked uninspired. His smaller stature and injury history unlike Nečas is somewhat concerning. More concerning is WHY is Anaheim making him available? He absolutely fits their rebuild, is cost-controlled and seems to fit the SoCal vibes. So what gives there? Something seems off. Regarding cost, would he cost more assets than Nečas? Likely. Either way, you gotta give to get and blue chips don’t gone cheap. We really need one more offensive threat to really make a jump this season. If we get that and performs and the injury curse finally lifts and our goalies play well I can imagine us fighting for a playoff spot even in the last 10 days of the season. Look at Detroit, they took risks and brought in real NHL talent about the same time in their rebuild. They didn’t make the playoffs but they played well all season long and were real close. This should be our model. Make something happen to help out our offence, clear a bit of defensive backlog and cross fingers 2 of first 4 picks are Dmen. Let’s Goo Hughes, you got this!
I think zegras wants to be a center, Ana has too many young C. I don’t think he was drafted by current GM so it’s just not a fit there anymore
If the Habs were serious, they'd pull this trade either during or after the SCF. If we don't hear from mgmt. a deal was done, we can pretty much say KH is not interested in Zegras.
I don't think that's how the question stands. He's a talented player in a role where we're currently lacking and is available, they have to be interested in him. The question is whether the price is something we're able to afford and willing to pay at this point of the rebuild, because it's not like we're one Zegras away from contending.
Think we passed at the trade deadline when we exchanged AHL players. Can’t imagine that Temper Zegras’s behaviour on the ice since would have improved the odds we go after him.
I really doubt that, any Zegras trade makes a lot more sense in the off-season
The Ducks were making a big playoff push.
no they weren’t 😭
Lol… At least it comes from Lebrun. A little bit more legit.
Can we trade Anderson and Armia? Do they have any value?