In Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet, the insider details all the rumors and whispers he heard on trade deadline day. Among them was a long piece on Max Pacioretty, and how the Montreal Canadiens never found a deal on him because of the high value Marc Bergevin put on his captain.
Among the contenders for Pacioretty’s services were Los Angeles, who were asked for Tyler Toffoli and Gabe Vilardi as part of a package, Minnesota, who Friedman believes were asked for Charlie Coyle, and Florida who had to decline when the Canadiens asked for Vincent Trocheck. It’s clear that Montreal is not interested in just futures, but players who can jump right into their lineup in 2018-19 to help turn the ship around.
- Interestingly, Friedman also notes a possible discussion between Florida, Minnesota and New York that would have ended with Ryan McDonagh in Sunrise. While they weren’t involved in any of the day’s really big moves, you can be sure that the Panthers and Wild had their phones ringing on Monday.
- Though it was originally believed that John Hynes’ contract was set to run out at the end of the season, Friedman reports that the New Jersey Devils actually have another option year with their head coach that he believes they will pick up. Hynes has helped turn the Devils into a legitimate playoff contender in the Metropolitan Division, less than a year after winning the draft lottery and selecting Nico Hischier first-overall.
So happy the Kings declined that. That would be way overpaying for pacioretty.
Wild turned down Pacioretty for Coyle?
Vilardiand Toffoli for Paci is nuts
All of those deals are nuts. Too much from the Kings for Pacioretty. Trochek plays the more premium position and is younger (and the difference between their scoring rates isn’t significant). Coyle’s younger age, cheaper contract, and ability to play center and wing make him just as valuable.
I’ll admit, asking for Trocheck was overkill. Asking for Toffoli and Valardi isn’t THAT outrageous as Toffoli has plateaued a bit the last 2 years and very few are convinced that Valardi sticks at C. Still a reach by Bergevin but not by as much as you’d think. But Coyle being just as valuable? That’s a severe under-appreciation of Pacioretty. Coyle’s already 26 and has yet to show any consistent ability on the offensive end. Pacioretty is a legit top line LW and one of the best goal scorers in the NHL(top 5-7 over the past 5+ years) while also being one of the better defensive wingers in the game. 2 playoff runs with him is/was worth far more than Coyle, no matter how cheap his contract.
Its nuts from a Kings prospective. I dont blame the Habs for asking a high asking price. But the Kings cant part with their best prospect in years and an already good scorer for Paci
I agree…for Coyle? Couldn’t have been the only piece. Pacci isn’t a captain only cuz he scores goals. Good veteran presence on a fishbowl team. It takes some meddle for sure to be a captain in a city like Montreal.