MTL Acquires Christian Dvorak from ARI for Two Draft Picks

[Shane Falco]

 

[Phil]

I mean, it makes complete sense as a replacement for Kotkaniemi. Their career P/GP and career best years are pretty much on par, but I thought Jeff Marek framed it best when talking about this on the latest 31 Thoughts podcast when he said Dvorak exists in actuality and Kotkaniemi still exists in potentiality. It's certainly possible that Kotkaniemi will be the better player, but if you're in Montréal's positon, you want the sure and reliable thing. That's Dvorak.

[LindG1000]

Arizona with 8 picks in the top 64 already, with 11 forwards, 3 defensemen, and 2 goalies on expiring deals.

 

[Pete]

36 minutes ago, G1000 said:

Arizona with 8 picks in the top 64 already, with 11 forwards, 3 defensemen, and 2 goalies on expiring deals.

 

And with no discernable plan.

[LindG1000]

6 minutes ago, Pete said:

And with no discernable plan.

They have a plan. Whether the lottery balls will allow it or their scouting department is up to snuff or they finish the plan while still in Arizona is very much up for debate.

[Pete]

2 minutes ago, G1000 said:

They have a plan. Whether the lottery balls will allow it or their scouting department is up to snuff or they finish the plan while still in Arizona is very much up for debate.

I didn't say they don't have a plan, I said they don't have a discernible plan.

[Shane Falco]

Don’t they also need somewhere to play? Lol

[LindG1000]

There's a lot they have to figure out here. Between 80% of their roster being out of contract at the end of the year, the arena questions, the ownership questions, and the obvious tank attempt, they're basically starting a new franchise

[Phil]

I can think of worse ways to do so than with Chychun signed long-term and an avalanche of early round draft picks. They can do a ton of work in a single draft year to remodel their future while all these random vets serve as warm bodies.

[josh]

I don't think this is a horrible trade, but I don't like the Canadiens center depth. Losing Danault and Kotkaniemi for Dvorak and playing Poehling? 

[Phil]

Yeah, losing Kotkaniemi for Dvorak is fine. They've done nothing to replace Danault.

[BrooksBurner]

On 9/6/2021 at 7:50 AM, Phil said:

I mean, it makes complete sense as a replacement for Kotkaniemi. Their career P/GP and career best years are pretty much on par, but I thought Jeff Marek framed it best when talking about this on the latest 31 Thoughts podcast when he said Dvorak exists in actuality and Kotkaniemi still exists in potentiality. It's certainly possible that Kotkaniemi will be the better player, but if you're in Montréal's positon, you want the sure and reliable thing. That's Dvorak.

Good quote, but Dvorak is only 25 and also has potential to be better. Montreal wins on two fronts. The better player now, and still potentially the better player moving forward. We've seen plenty of players blossom after age 25. Both of our centers, for example.

Edited September 9, 2021 by rmc51

[Phil]

Sure, but even if he doesn't, what he is is reliable. Kotkaniemi isn't, and lacks many of the same qualities if all things are equal on production.