Montreal Canadiens Should Trade for Eric Staal

There are few times when a GM is presented with an issue that can so definitely be resolved with one swift move. The proof if that for the Habs this off season, there are questions to be resolved despite their winning the division. Having recognized some scoring deficiencies, Marc Bergevin has already obtained Alexander Semin and Zack Kassian, in hopes of adding scoring to the team. In my opinion, there is one move left to make this pre-season and it’s to trade David Desharnais along with a few other pieces in order to get that last missing piece to the puzzle.

Set to make $3.5 million over for the next 2 years, David Desharnais may be one of the few pieces being moved before the season begins if my hunch is right. The reason for this is the lack of room present on the current roster for the Habs to promote one or some of their top prospects. Another two reasons I foresee him being dealt is his contract as well as his ineffectiveness on the power play and in the playoffs. The latter are most important, as the Habs need to fix their PP if they are going to improve this season and they also need someone who is going to be of impact in the playoffs if he’s going to be on the second scoring line. Finally, there’s little chance that Desharnais fits in a third line checking role. At a reported 5’7″ 165 lbs, he’s not exactly throwing the body around.

While his value to the Habs may not be a gem, he has enough offensive output to intrigue quite a few teams that need a boost of speed and skill. There are 3 teams that immediately come to mind as fits in this case. They are the Carolina Hurricanes, the Arizona Coyotes, and the Florida Panthers. However, when looking at the possible returns from each team, only the Hurricanes stand out as a possible trade partner.

Here’s how I see a potential deal breaking down.

1. David Desharnais ($3.5M), Alexei Emelin ($4.1M) and a prospect forward and draft pick in return for Eric Staal ($8.25M)

I realize that such deals are not easy to come by and are not easily put together. However, in this case I believe it fits the needs of both teams.

Hurricanes: They get a top 6 forward in Desharnais who has an extra year of control when compared to Staal, as well as a steady and physical defenseman in Emelin that will make them tougher to play against. The extra prospect, and possibly a draft pick, would add depth long-term to their forward core. They get slightly cheaper long-term, can attempt to re-sign Staal next season, and they have another quality defenseman other than Justin Faulk signed passed 2016-17. If the Hurricanes are going to get better, they need to play better defensively and get deeper overall. This trade addresses both of those needs.

Habs: They get a true leader and great experienced playoff performer. In 43 playoff games, Staal has 49 points and has a Stanley Cup ring to show for his efforts. I picture him playing between Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher and get excited about the potential of that line and the benefit it would bring both wingers long-term to play with someone like Staal. This move would also make room for one young defenseman to join the Habs on the third defensive pairing. The top candidates include Jarred Tinordi and Darren Dietz, to be eventually joined by Noah Juulsen.

The Habs assume $0.65 million more in this deal which they have the room to do and they can still attempt to resign him should things work out well this season. If not, they have a lot of cap space to use elsewhere.

Apr 11, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward

Jordan Staal

(11) and forward

Eric Staal

(12) during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at PNC Arena. The Red Wings defeated the Hurricanes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

While they could use the physical presence that Emelin provides them with on the blue line, it’s believed that he may be required to shift down to the third pairing as Nathan Beaulieu pushes for a top-4 spot. With Beaulieu and Petry playing on the second pairing, it doesn’t seem right to pay such a defenseman $4.1M per season, so it seems to make sense to attempt to move him instead. The Habs still have Tom Gilbert to pair up with Greg Pateryn if they earn it, or allow one of the youngsters to move up.

A healthy Eric Staal resolves all of the issues the Habs had in 2014-15. He provides them with a player who shows up every single game, provides them with Captain style leadership, and gives them a true playoff performer who raises his game to a new level when they come around. The only negative anyone could point to is his +/- rating, something that is a direct result of playing on a very bad team. With the Habs, their defensemen, and Carey Price, his rating will likely be very healthy to say the least.

Finally, if Max Pacioretty winds up being hurt to begin the season, the Habs have another big forward within their top 6 forwards to take on some of the physical play. Added size is definitely a bonus in this case, and when it’s up-the-middle, it’s a real premium and something the Habs have lacked for a very long time.

If I’m Marc Bergevin, I’m harassing the Hurricanes every single day until I get a deal done. It’s not going to guarantee that anything is won until the games are played, but to me, this move would prove once and for all that the Habs are ready to take the final step towards a 25th Stanley Cup and want to win it in 2015-16.

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