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2026 NHL UFA/Trade Thread

The benefit derived from that contract accelerated the rebuild.

The contract never inhibited the Habs in the least. Now the time is right to move on.
 
Been thinking about this …

NJD are an interesting case, after Hughes there’s a huge drop off on LD… their RD does have depth.

Matheson fits NJD stylistically and they have to take a step forward or this season will be viewed as a complete failure & Devils rebuild as being stalled - would think a 20TOI 2nd pairing veteran LD would be viewed as a valued addition.

With Hughes’ current RFA contract negotiations, Devils have some $6.2M AAV.

Is there a potential of some type of deal around:

Matheson ($4.875M AAV)
for
Mercer ($4M) + Palat ($6M - NJD eat $2M AAV for remaining 2yrs)?

Palat struggled last year, but would be a solid LW on Habs 4th line and help maintain last years win with depth motto of bottom-6 outperforming opposition, buffer some of lost PK & playoff experience. Also allows Xhekaj Jr and other prospects another season of AHL development time to percolate, and just maybe Habs can turn Palat into a sought after deadline asset this or next season for pick?

Net Habs take on $3.125AAV - NJD free up $$$ to ink Hughes & improve top-4D group
 
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Been thinking about this …

NJD are an interesting case, after Hughes there’s a huge drop off on LD… their RD does have depth.

Matheson fits NJD stylistically and they have to take a step forward or this season will be viewed as a complete failure & Devils rebuild as being stalled - would think a 20TOI 2nd pairing veteran LD would be viewed as a valued addition.

With Hughes’ current RFA contract negotiations, Devils have some $6.2M AAV.

Is there a potential of some type of deal around:

Matheson ($4.875M AAV)
for
Mercer ($4M) + Palat ($6M - NJD eat $2M AAV for remaining 2yrs)?

Palat struggled last year, but would be a solid LW on Habs 4th line and help maintain last years win with depth motto of bottom-6 outperforming opposition, buffer some of lost PK & playoff experience. Also allows Xhekaj Jr and other prospects another season of AHL development time to percolate, and just maybe Habs can turn Palat into a sought after deadline asset this or next season for pick?

Net Habs take on $3.125AAV - NJD free up $$$ to ink Hughes & improve top-4D group
hell no to the washed up Palat
 
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