Episode 89: Could the Habs Trade Kaiden Guhle?

In this episode, we discuss...
In a scenario where Demidov and Lindstrom are drafted before the Canadiens make their pick, if the best player available is a defenseman, should they draft that defenseman or select the next best forward available (i.e. Igina, Sennecke, Catton)?
If they were to draft a defenseman, does that make Kaiden Guhle expendable? Should and could the Habs consider moving Guhle to get that star top 6 forward?
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Question(s) of the week:
Would you trade Kaiden Guhle for a star top 6 forward or potential star top 6 forward?
Would YOU trade Guhle and the 26th overall pick to New Jersey for Dawson Mercer and the 10th overall pick?
#gohabsgo #habs #canadiensmtl #canadiens #montrealcanadiens #nhl #nhlhockey #kaidenguhle #guhle #dawsonmercer #newjerseydevils #newepisode #podcast #hockeypodcast #hockey #nhldraft #nhlfreeagency #nhltraderumors #nhltrades #NJDevils #ivandemidov #demidov #tijiginla #newepisode #lindstrom

[@jean-francoismercier8096]

Rebuild is not done. Most likely still going to pick top 10 in '25, regardless of HuGo's off season moves.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Would depend on the moves HuGo makes, but it is possible that they finish around 8-9-10 next year. Barring injuries, we think that they could finish more like 11-15 Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@finalguildis]

Why are people sleeping so much on seneckke. This guy will be a beast

[@powers1500]

I would also be quite happy if Montreal drafted Sennecke...he has more natural talent than Lindstrom. My 3 favorite players for Montreal: Demidov, Sennecke and Buium !!!

[@user-ku8qw8bg8c]

I totally agree !

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

We think that it's because his ceiling may be high, but his floor is pretty low too. A lot of people seem to consider him as a high risk/high reward type. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go!

[@powers1500]

@@GETPUCKDPodcast Grant Mccagg believes that Anaheim and Columbus might also be interested in Sennecke...We will know friday !!!

[@FooFahFoeFum]

I have not seen any of the draft picks play... But listening to six or seven so-called experts.... I am presuming the habs will pick either Seneka or buuim ...

[@raymondspruance]

This is a unique drafted where the difference in the top 10 to 12 available picks is marginal. At 5 OA even a Bergevin level thinker would have trouble screwing up this pick. Everyone has their preferences. But whether its Buium, Catton, Sennecke, Yakemchuk, Iginla, or any of the other suspects, Montreal should be getting a core, if not impactful player. The real test of the strength of this draft is what Hughes and Co. does with the 26 OA. As I noted, this is a very deep draft and there will be excellent players available up to about 35 OA. It pains me to see so many fans pushing for the team to trade this pick, sometimes as a throw in, for this off-season's shiny new toy. That would, in this writer's opinion, be a mistake unless the return is substantial. I would suggest that the players who could be drafted at 26 OA will be the equal of any player that Montreal could acquire. Such is the depth of this draft. If it was me, instead of trading this pick for a supposed instant upgrade, I would be trying to move up in the draft if I saw a player I had identified falling.

[@jonsmith9518]

I’d make that deal for sure. They could potentially end up with Mercer, Demidov AND Senneke in that scenario. Or at the very least, Lindstrom or Iginla, Mercer and either a top D or even another forward that slides.

[@FooFahFoeFum]

You trade only if you draft a defensman they perceive as being better than all the ones they have under the age of 25

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

agreed!

[@biffstrong1079]

Best player available. Always Best player available.

[@jasdosanjh7211]

Were not good enough to draft for need. If the best player on the board is a dman; take the dman.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Habs do have a lot of prospect defensemen though. Not enough space for all of them. If they do draft a dman, someone would have to go. maybe not this year, but next year or in 2 years from now. If someone goes, who would you move?

[@jasdosanjh7211]

Barron, Struble or Harris if u just want to move someone. But if u want a good return, I consider moving Matheson, Guhle or Mailloux.

[@mauricelacoste1132]

Just found your channel, this was fun to listen to! Unless Habs brass think Guhle cannot handle heavy minutes (injuries ie only they know), I'd imagine no way they trade him. Also, would Jersey trade 2 question marks (#10 and Mercer) for Ghule and #26 ? Everyday of the week I bet.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Thank you for the positive feedback. appreciate it. We think that NJ would have trouble with the idea of trading away Mercer and the 10th, but Guhle is the type of dman they need and could use on their roster. In fact, the Habs have 2 defensemen who would bolster their back end.... Guhle and Xhekaj. Thank you for tuning in and for the comment Go Habs Go

[@goradhen]

It's looking more and more likely that Ghule could be traded. Love him but I have doubts he's able to bulk up which is his biggest flaw. If we end up trading then that's good it means he have quality def coming up and fill a hole on offense.

[@chrisbaker7445]

I really don’t want them to trade Guhle!!

[@chrisbaker7445]

I really don’t want them to trade Guhle!!

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

If they do, it has to be for something... someone significant. Someone that can make us all live with the idea that Guhle may and will likely succeed elsewhere. No drouin/sergachev type of deal. We don't want to move Guhle. We do think that he is a core piece on this team, but like they say, "you have to give, to get". If the Habs are not getting someone significant, then it is a BIG NO for us Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@davidgosselin1193]

Vito that was a good trade proposal. I would do it. If Demidov ia available, id draft him and whoever is left at 10 (Dickinson and Yakemchuk). And if Demidov is gone ill take Buium and Senecke. Deal

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Vito thanks you for the positive feedback. Sorry that we only got to your comment now, the 1st round of the draft came and went and the Habs killed it. What a great night it was for the Bleu Blanc Rouge. They got DemiGod... sorry... Demidov and Hage. A+ Vito's trade proposal did not happen, but it doesn't mean that it can't still happen. Habs have potentially 2 first round picks next year and this year's draft really pushed the rebuild forward. Thank you for tuning in and for the comment Go Habs Go

[@butchtarot5730]

We need to trade for a goalie. How is no one talking about that? Also Ghule should be off the table.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

We agree that Guhle should be off the table unless someone significant is coming back. No not Zegras or Necas. We don't think trading Guhle for one of them is a good idea. No one is talking about a goalie because fans and the media feel that acquiring top 6 talent, top end talent actually, is more pressing than a goalie. They just extended Monty, Primeau showed that he can play in the NHL (as a backup for now), and Fowler is in the pipeline. Additionally, the Habs have never struggled to find a goalie. We won't see a Carey Price for a very long time (if ever), but Monty can do a serviceable job for the next 2-3 years. We think so any way. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@powers1500]

If you want to trade to get a very good player, then it will cost you either a high draft pick or one of your core players...In Montreal, we want to trade away the players we don't need for what we really need. It just does not work that way...!!!

[@dav4303]

But then we can’t get rid of all our bad contracts.Just kidding. We should keep our 2 1st rds Trade for 10 Get 1 of Demidov Lindstrom or Sennecke with 5 and Yakemchuk with 10 and Surin with 26. Then we are bigger and meaner. Now trade for Laine. To do this use Guhle Matheson a couple forward prospects and protected 1stnext year

[@powers1500]

@@dav4303 If we can draft at 5th, 10th and 26th, that would surely help the futur. Hopefully, Hughes has a plan which will impress us all !!

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Definitely have to give to get. the question is what are we all willing to give? Yes a lot of Habs fans, ourselves included get attached to certain players and have trouble letting them go. we also have the tendency to fall in love with potential and what a player can be VS what they are. However, Guhle hasn't hit his prime yet and is already capable of defending against some of the best. If the Habs did move him, we get the feeling that it wouldn't be very long before some regret starts to settle in. Again, it would all depend on who would come back. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in. Go Habs Go

[@raymondspruance]

If Buium is there at 5 OA you take him. He is the most valuable of all prospects: a game breaker. But I think he's going in the top 3.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Based on all of the mock drafts and draft experts, we would be surprised if he were drafted ahead of Levshunov and silayev. Not saying that it is impossible because it's not! the mock drafts are a little every from picks 2-10, but one consistency is that levshunov and silayev seem to always be the first 2 dmen projected to be drafted before any other defenseman. If the Habs did draft Buium, there will be a serious log jam on defense for the Habs. Who are you moving? you would have to think that the Habs would have to make space and trade a position of strength for a position of weakness (top 6 impact winger) Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@raymondspruance]

@@GETPUCKDPodcast One has to be cautious of the tyranny of the consensus. If we were guided by the prevailing consensus, we would have taken Wright instead of Slafkovsky. Independent thought is good think in sport management and most other human endeavors. It's all about good asset management. Taking the best player available, will provide you with the assets to secure players that fill your team's positional needs. It's never a weakness to have too many excellent players, regardless of their position. In drafting, supposed positional needs must be a secondary consideration to the principle of Best Player Available. A team can more effectively address its positional needs through targeted trades and free agency. Good drafting, provides an adroit general manager with the flexibility, options and capital necessary to build a stronger, more competitive team.

[@sebsaavysworld8469]

No way they trade Ghule unless the return is something HUGE. Players like Zegras or Necas don't get it done and there is not a chance Montreal trades Ghule for anyone at there level. Only way Montreal moves Ghule is if they are getting a guy under 24 and is a proven 30+ goals 75 pts player.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

We agree with you and we wouldn't trade him unless something significant is coming back. Afterall, we don't want to see another Drouin/Sergachev trade LOL. Necas and Zegras are not players that we would move Guhle for. There is a reason why those teams may be asking (or may have asked) for Guhle and why a trade hasn't happened yet. Clearly, Habs management thinks highly of Guhle. Otherwise, the trade for one of the guys you mentioned would've been done already Thank you for tuning in and for the comment Go Habs Go

[@timbutler3525]

Good debate!

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Thank you and we appreciate the feedback Thank you for tuning in and for the comment Go Habs Go

[@frogm549]

i would think about it

[@automatic1239]

I hear talk about trading a Kayden Ghule or a David Reinbacher for a top forward ( we may have to give a little more ) and then drafting D- man at 5. Thoughts?

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

That is something we brought up in this episode. The question we ask you is... would you trade one of Guhle or Reinbacher? if so, who are you targeting? Just an FYI, we wouldn't trade either one of them unless something big is coming back Thank you for the comment and for tuning in GO Habs GO

[@automatic1239]

@@GETPUCKDPodcast yah as per your point in this episode. We drafted Reinbacher at 5.. you would think their forecast would be he would develop into a better player than KG but KG as been a stud it’s a tough call. KG can also play both sides well

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Let me get this straight. It boils down to which way a kid picked up a hockey stick 14/15 years ago. Uh, huh. Montreal has to start pushing in a few of their presents pieces. The rotating door has to slow down. Guhle is a keeper.

[@shmitzysays]

Not saying I would do it, but based on your trade proposal, I don’t think it would set the timeline back “3-5 years.” Mercer is actually a few months older than Guhle, so the age of the swapped players is essentially the same. And Mercer has played three seasons at 82 games. Guhle isn’t close to that. So, technically, you are advancing the timeline based on experience. Yes, you have to replace a very good D-man, but you’ve got another Dach/Newhook deal and you get two top-10 picks in a draft where everyone says 10 guys could go top 4. Anyhoo, again, not saying I would do it, but it’s for sure tempting.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

setting the timeline back has more to do with the dman they would draft to replace Guhle and less about Mercer. as you mentioned, they were drafted at the same time, but dmen do tend to take a little longer to hit their prime than forwards. The trade proposal that Vito brought up is certainly worth thinking about and it's very tempting. It's one of those moves that are hard to do or you have to pause and really think about it Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@shmitzysays]

@@GETPUCKDPodcast you’re right, it is more about Guhle’s replacement than Mercer himself. To that however, I’d posit that his replacement is more likely already drafted. And I would suggest someone like, say, Reinbacher (I know they are different handed shots but Guhle played a bunch on the right side and that’s what they’d need to replace) is a lot closer to being an effective NHL defenceman than three years. Anyhoo, we’re splittin hairs here since this deal would never be offered. But it was a great scenario to think about. Love the show, fellas.

[@jean-lucst-cyr2762]

Why none of you talk about Inginla? I think this player has what we should be looking for if Demidov or Lindstrom are gone!

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

@jean-lucst-cyr2762 actually, during the episode Vito mentions iginla and says that if Demidov and Lindstrom are taken before montreal picks, Vito would go with Iginla. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@benoitvalenti3859]

If we trade Guhle for let's say Zegras, that means we are drafting one of Dickinson, Levshunov or Buium. All three of them are said to be top 2.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

We agree. If the Habs draft a dman it is because they are moving one of their top D and they believe that the Dman they are drafting will/could be better than what they have. We would NOT trade Guhle for Zegras. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@user-ku8qw8bg8c]

100% dave !

[@jean-francoismercier8096]

Reinbacher does not replace Guhle. Guhle's regualr position is LHD, Reinbacher plays RHD.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Yes, but the idea is if you have reinbacher as a 2way D who can do what Guhle does, then you can pair reinbacher with a more offensive D on the left i.e. hutson

[@nrich5127]

Any body is tradable if the price is right .... but the price for Ghule would be very high for a proven young NHL first line defenseman who is still developing.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

100%. Well said Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Injury and D- men. Xjkic or, however, the spelling, has to be gone.

[@paulgiardetti1579]

I am with Matt, They have to believe that Reinbacher is the guy, I would do that deal if you get Mercer , it is a hockey trade and then they get d with either pick, Guhle will not be a Weber, only 6 2, Arber is the guy who could be Weber, Guhle is a tweener , he is not good enough to run pp, that is Hudson anyways, and not big enough to be Weber. Maybe Could get both Seanecka and inginla.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Arber definitely has the bite in his game that Weber had, and he can back it up if he has to. When comparing Guhle to Weber, it's more about his defensive game, his ability to clear the front of the net, and leadership. Skating wise, Guhle is miles ahead of weber. Guhle is listed at 6'3, an inch shorter than weber. He is NOT as bulky as weber was, but bulking up shouldn't be an issue. Hutson will QB a PP for sure. We think that Guhle would have success on the PP, but he is so effective on the defensive side of the game that he is better suited for the PK. His mobility allows him to be a very versatile dman though. Imagine a shut down pair of Guhle and Reinbacher. That would be an annoying pairing to deal with. Now, we all know that you have to give to get and the Habs have too many dmen. Is Mercer and the 10th enough for you or if you're trading Guhle or including him in a package, would it have to be for a bigger name and more star power? Thank you for tuning in and for the comment Go Habs Go

[@evenslemire2982]

I would do it for what its worth 😂

[@finalguildis]

Guhle, late 1st rounder, harris or another prospect for mcgroaty and ehlers. Trade ehlers and a 3rd to carolina for necas. Draft buium and then trade matheson and next year's Calgarys 1st with another prospect as a sweetener for a top 10-14 pick and get seneckke.

[@francoisbouvier7861]

The Senneke part is interesting.

[@victorjoseph8948]

who got it wrong in LA with PL Dubois?

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Well, Rob Blake did. He came out saying so. Now, did some people behind the scenes help influence him in making the acquisition? We don't know, we're not a part of those convos or in those war rooms. It does make you wonder though... Could Marc Bergevin have had a hand in that acquisition? Thank you for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@dav4303]

We need NJ 10th for Matheson ,forward prospect or 2 not Beck

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Who would your 2 forward prospects be?

[@bobbymaldini7653]

the worst kind of fan are like like Vito or Dave something like that.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

LoL how so?

[@user-ku8qw8bg8c]

Look guys this is what it is ! Don waddel has said he would trade #4 ! So this is what i do i take laine and his full salary mesar or kapanen , barron and # 26 to columbus ! The point is im trying to get pick 4 or 6 tthis is the smartest move bar none ! We have a russian guy with the habs who has more contacts in russia than poutine 😂😂 ! And they still didnt take michcov !! 🤔🤔🤔

[@francoisbouvier7861]

An anglais. No "s" required at the end of mens.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

What?

[@francoisbouvier7861]

@@GETPUCKDPodcast you mean? quoi?

[@user-ku8qw8bg8c]

Look if im trading guile i want dallas Robertson!

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

WOW! that's a huge superstar player to ask for. Montreal would have to give more than Guhle that's for sure Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs GO

[@davidgosselin1193]

New Jersey would probably need more Matheson than Guhle to be Honest.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

@davidgosselin1193 maybe, but they might be intrigued of a pairing of hughes and guhle. Matheson is an attractive piece for a lot teams. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in. Go Habs Go

[@galkanftw]

Ever since the NHL went to a salary cap the Habs have not been able to win. I would easily trade Guhle we have loads of defense we don't need him he is very average and will soon be signing an over rated contract. To get out of the basement and become a contender has ALWAYS been the same way >>>DRAFT super stars you can't buy them because you end up with so many bad contracts. To me Guhle is a second round pick player he is NOT that good. Hutson on the other hand is an impact player the problem is that he will imo always be a defensive liability.I would take Dawson Mercer for Guhle in a heart beat Mercer is a hustle machine but he is a second line player not a first line player. IMO MTL missed the boat we could have had Tkachuk and Mitchkov and or Ryan Leonard and I feel we will blow it again this year and make some off the board pick.The habs need some lUCKY picks like they did with Hutson if they hope to ever become a contender...a LEGIT contender.

[@shmitzysays]

McKenna is 2026.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

You're right! We told Matt to get his details right. Thank you for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@vincepietracupa9677]

No

[@jeansebastientlebreton]

Ghule is on the trade block 🎉

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Does anybody know for sure? We all have seen how close HuGo keep their cards to their chest. Go Habs Go

[@galkanftw]

Iginla is over rated he is at best a 15+ pick I don't even want him period he is a second line player at best.

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

Well, Bob Mckenzie, Corey Pronman, and several scouts would disagree with you. Bob's final ranking has Iginla at 10 Here is the quote from his final draft rankings article "No. 10 is Tij Iginla, the son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla. The Kelowna Rockets winger scored 47 goals and 84 points in 64 games and has arguably the best shot of any prospect. Iginla was ranked as high as No. 6, no lower than No. 12 and six of 10 scouts had him in their Top 10. “He literally just kept scoring goals and playing so well this season that he made you pay attention and move him up on your list,” a scout said. “He’s not his dad - who is? - but he does have one of the hardest shots and best releases in the draft,” another scout said. “He’s showing flashes of having a power game; he’s hard to contain.” Iginla was outstanding at the U-18 World Championship and demonstrated there he’s more than a one-trick (big shot) pony. He also tested and interviewed well at the NHL Central Scouting Bureau Combine in Buffalo." Either way, thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go

[@jean-francoismercier8096]

I would trade Guhle. He is overrated, plus he has yet to learn how to protect himself. Guhle + pick #26 for Necas.

[@powers1500]

Necas has been a 3rd line player last season...I would not do it. Guhle has more value than Necas...!!!

[@FooFahFoeFum]

Ghule and 26 pick for j.t. miller

[@FooFahFoeFum]

would trade Caulfield for necas in a heartbeat .... he is stronger he can play pk ... He is faster ... Better shot ...

[@GETPUCKDPodcast]

oh! we like Necas, but Guhle hasn't hit his prime yet and can already defend very well against the best in the league. His injuries are starting to get a LITTLE concerning, but he does play a hard game. Might be harder to replace Guhle than it would be to find another Necas type. Respect and appreciate your thought though. Thank you for the comment and for tuning in Go Habs Go