I don't think this year is the year. DD isn't good enough to matchup against teows, getzlaf, kopitar etc. I'd wait for a few years when galchy is ready to be that guy, and the young kids on defence are ready for an increased role. Altho markov won't be a huge impact player at that point.
- cburgess

Markov will be Gonchar at that point.

Habs have 3-4 years to win the cup. No need to sale the farm for shot term glory IMO.
- fidopro

I would agree. I wouldn't trade any top prospects this year. I think 2 years frm now is the best oportunity. Just use the next few seasons to gain experience for the young kids on the team.

I think the question is do we have enough of a shot AND enough quality prospects to burn a couple of picks. Because we can't spare any impact roster players.
- CH1909-2009

I think they still have some time.

I'm on the fence with it. I don't feel they do have much in Hamilton, but then I look at Markov's age and the way Price is playing right now. Tough choice.
- Pie

They have a short window opening this season and will probably have another medium/long window in a 3-4 years from now when the vets like Markov Plek and co. are replaced.

This group always finds a way to win. I'd grab some piece if it's like last year with Vanek.

Don't empty the farm for a cup run.

Markov will be Gonchar at that point.
- CH1909-2009

we want to hope that Beaulieu will continue to develop at his current pace then

The typos. They're everywhere.
- CH1909-2009

Do you remember agenda glasses?

Markov will be Gonchar at that point.
- CH1909-2009

That is the issue. They will need a top 2 d man to play with subban at that point. Markov would likely be on the bottom pair. Maybe package tinordi, eller and fucale along with picks to address that hole in a few years.

I would agree. I wouldn't trade any top prospects this year. I think 2 years frm now is the best oportunity. Just use the next few seasons to gain experience for the young kids on the team.
- cburgess

Only concern, Markov is not getting any younger. Hopefully they'll find some kids to take his spot.
Because in 4 years, they have to re-sign Pax and Price, byebye cup chances after that. Well... not byebye, but it will be more difficult.

I know I'm beating a dead horse but can you imagine McD on the backend, all we have to show for him now is a sombrero.
- J-P

I don't think about it.

we want to hope that Beaulieu will continue to develop at his current pace then
- Pie

I like Beaulieu but he's not going to be a Markov.

So some other food for thought, talking about #1 Cs for the Leafs, is Getzlaf (6'4" 220lbs) was about PPG when he played in junior. Freddy the Goat is 6'4" 220lbs and PPG. Also, they were 2 picks apart in their respective draft classes.
- TheMussel

we want to hope that Beaulieu will continue to develop at his current pace then
- Pie

I think he will be a good # 3 d man that you can use on the pp. I don't think he can be a steady d partner with subban tho.

I like Beaulieu but he's not going to be a Markov.
- CH1909-2009

I agree. I don't think there's many guys with Markov's mind. But he may make a solid partner for Subban.

- BINGO!

Ask them about Connor Brown

I think he will be a good # 3 d man that you can use on the pp. I don't think he can be a steady d partner with subban tho.
- cburgess

Maybe at like 30 when he's really learned the game at a veteran level but still has the legs. And even that's a maybe depending on how his hockey sense continues to develop.

Only concern, Markov is not getting any younger. Hopefully they'll find some kids to take his spot.
Because in 4 years, they have to re-sign Pax and Price, byebye cup chances after that. Well... not byebye, but it will be more difficult.
- fidopro

Ya, Its a tough situation. You have to win within the next 4 years like you said. But they aren't good enough right now without trading away the future to compete for the cup.

That is the issue. They will need a top 2 d man to play with subban at that point. Markov would likely be on the bottom pair. Maybe package tinordi, eller and fucale along with picks to address that hole in a few years.
- cburgess

HAbs need a #2 right (frank)ing now.

Markov will be burnt by the time the playoffs start.

I think he will be a good # 3 d man that you can use on the pp. I don't think he can be a steady d partner with subban tho.
- cburgess

Maybe but I am impressed with the development he is making at this level recently. I admit a good deal of it has to do with Gonchar, who is a pleasant surprise

I like Beaulieu but he's not going to be a Markov.
- CH1909-2009

No one knows what he will be. Markov didn't hit his peak until about 29-30.
I have no clue how he plays the minutes he does as effectively as he does.

Maybe at like 30 when he's really learned the game at a veteran level but still has the legs. And even that's a maybe depending on how his hockey sense continues to develop.
- CH1909-2009

That's the point. Many don't remember Markov when he first came in. He's a 35 years old vet. Give Beaulieu a few years, he'll get a lot better. Like Markov did.

I agree. I don't think there's many guys with Markov's mind. But he may make a solid partner for Subban.
- Pie

Markov and Plekanec are so smart, they're probably the only Habs players that could influence a game at their wrong position (I mean Markov as a forward and Pleks as a defenseman). It's enough of a privilege to have two like that at once, I don't think it's realistic to expect another one any time soon.

HAbs need a #2 right (frank)ing now.

Markov will be burnt by the time the playoffs start.
- WaterBoy

I agree, but I don't think its wise to get that guy right now. You would likely over pay and you want to make sure you have that guy for a cup run a few years down the road.

HAbs need a #2 right (frank)ing now.

Markov will be burnt by the time the playoffs start.
- WaterBoy

I think you'll be disappointed unless they make a serious grab for balls in Phx

Markov and Plekanec are so smart, they're probably the only Habs players that could influence a game at their wrong position (I mean Markov as a forward and Pleks as a defenseman). It's enough of a privilege to have two like that at once, I don't think it's realistic to expect another one any time soon.
- CH1909-2009

I agree, Cuz

That's the point. Many don't remember Markov when he first came in. He's a 35 years old vet. Give Beaulieu a few years, he'll get a lot better. Like Markov did.
- fidopro

I remember Markov being talked up as an exciting prospect with a lot of upside.