Earlier today, Habs general manager Marc Bergevin acquired forward Devante Smith-Pelly from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange of forward Jiri Sekac. Smith-Pelly, 22 years old, has played 129 NHL games, keeping a scoring record of 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points as well as 30 penalty minutes. He has also appeared in 12 playoff games, scoring 5 goals. As for Sekac, also 22 years old, he has started 50 NHL games, scoring 7 goals and adding 9 assists for 16 points, while spending 18 minutes in the penalty box. Was the move worth it? What does that imply for the Montreal Canadiens future? Would have it been better to keep Sekac? I personally think it is a great trade for both teams and here's why.
Anaheim is getting a talented forward who has never been able to find his niche here in Montreal. Sure he has only been with the Habs for 50 games: however, he has struggled to align two solid back-to-back performances. I admit he was used to a light schedule, having played in the KHL before; however, he should have been a little more steady. Therrien used him a couple times on a second line, as well as a third line. He gave him some chances. Maybe not enough will you say, and I'll have to agree with this to some extent. However, we must keep in mind Sekac is pretty frail (6', 174-lb) and Montreal has an over-abundance of small players. In Anaheim, he will be able to prove himself on one of the top two lines, replacing either Patrick Maroon, Emerson Etem or Kyle Palmieri, with Matt Beleskey on the shelf right now.
In Smith-Pelly (6', 222-lb), the Canadiens are getting a strong and physical forward who just loves to spend most of his game in front of the opposing goalie, just like Gallagher. In terms of bodychecks, DSP is currently leading Montreal's roster with a total of 147 bodychecks, ten short of Alexei Emelin (who is still injured, which is why I am not counting him). With the playoffs starting in about a month or so, this is a pretty good time to add some muscle, especially if the Habs were to play against Boston, Philadelphia or New York for example. Will the newly acquired player be able to play on the top two lines ? I doubt so. We never know, but I highly doubt he will. However, he will be a great addition to the 3rd or 4th line, especially with Bournival (5'11'', 196-lb) and Thomas (5'09'', 176-lb). It will also give Bergevin an option to trade the enigmatic Lars Eller, since De La Rose has pretty much acquired the 3rd line center spot. We must also not forget DSP already knows some of his new teammates, having played in the World Junior Championship with Bournival, Gallagher and Beaulieu.
It is also worth nothing Bergevin will save just a little north of $500,000 in salary. Is he planning to open up some money for a bigger trade? There is a pretty solid defenseman in Toronto named Roman Polak that would be a great addition to Montreal's defensive squad and word is there could be talks ongoing involving Bournival and Thomas. Even if it's just a rumor, things are definitely getting interesting.
All in all, I think this is a pretty fair trade for both teams. Only time will tell who will have the edge on that move, but we must keep in mind this is currently not a major trade. So what do you guys think? Would you have given Sekac more time to prove what he is worth? Do you think getting Smith-Pelly means Eller is on the move?
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16 comments:
Habs fans, Please stop calling Pelly-Smith a power foward, thats like saying Parros was a power foward..17 POINTS so far this year does not make you a power foward. Stupid deal.
I am starting to wonder about GM Marc Bergevin, His signings have included Doug Murray, Bryan Allen, Manny Maholtra , the Vanek trade sucked and now this.
Sekac scored 11 goals in 47 games in the KHL, people really think he's going to score 25 in the NHL? Smith-Pelly is the net presence, the Habs need on their power play...
One question as a life long Habs fan, if you take PK Subban off this defense, whats left, or if you take MaxPacioretty from their roster, how little scoring do we have left/? That should scare Montreal fans into realizing just how little quality depth we have.
Our Depth on D is fine Tinordi, Pateryn, and Beaulieu all should be regulars... Top 6 though yup for sure you are right.
@Anonymous who posted at 6:39, can you tell me where I said DSP was a ''power forward'' ? I only mentioned he will bring some muscle, I never said he would score 50 goals, in fact I mentioned I highly doubted he'll ever get Sekac's skills.
As for the others, our depth on D is fine for the future, but for now, we're lacking a bit of experience. If the rumors about Polak could turn out to be true, that would be a great addition. He's a soldier, always ready to block shots and sacrifice himself for the team.
Let's not forget Bergevin is building the team for the future. Galchenyuk, Gallagher, Thomas... And we also have Hudon and Andrighetto in Hamilton. Next years are very promising, it's just a matter of being patient.
The Habs should inquire about the Leafs James Van Reimsdyk, the cost would probably be something like McCarron, Hudon or Fucale and Pateryn..But it would be a great deal if we had him.
I disagree with Dan Beaulieu about Smith-Pelly being a power foward, now someone like Van Reimsdyk, now Thats a power foward and someone I would love to have play for the Canadiens.
I don't understand why so many people think that Jiri Sekac will become a two-way NHL sniper. I believe Sekac is a PRODUCT OF HYPE. Nothing more. He is all flash and no bang. Compare Sekac's junior record with DSP's and tell me who has more potential to be successful at the NHL level. If Sekac had trouble scoring in the lower leagues early in his career, what makes us think he will become a scorer in the big league? I think Bergevin saw exactly who Sekac was from the beginning (that he was nothing more than hype) and took full advantage of this and waited for the right moment to trade him for someone who has a better chance succeed with the team and in the NHL.
NEED A POWER FORWARD. TRADE ELLER &FUCALE FOR A @=#1 FORWARD.
Anyone notice on some delusional Habs sites they are comparing Carey Price in many ways to Patrick Roy?? Well, Patrick has won FOUR Stanley Cups, Price, None. Also Price is Under 500 career wise in the playoffs, Comparison over!!
Fucale and Hudon I could go without. McCarron I would hold onto. 19 years old at 6'5" and 220lbs. And he's producing at an incredible rate. We desperately need someone like that in our line-up. And between Hudon and Fucale, I'd give up Fucale first because Hudon has a lot of potential.
We want to get bigger and meaner, McCarron will be able to provide that, even if he is a few years away from the NHL.
Diff NHL . Better teams , harder shots , bigger bodies , stronger opponents etc . Price is Great Roy is great both are diff . But both indeed among the greats
I agree . Sekac has a higer ceiling bit also a much lower floor . DSP you know what your getting each and every shift . Both teams fill needs . It was a great "hockey trade "
Lol scare .... WHAT build around the best goalie best defence men , argurably the best contract in pacioretty at 4 . 5 . Gallagher who's is a heart and soul machine . And one of the best young talent in Galyacheyuk
Yeah vanek 31 goals was horrible . And your forgeting . Gilbet , Weaver , Sekac , Gonchar , all while salary dumping . He took a 78 point team to the habs they are today . Do you people watch Hockey and if so any Canadians ? Lol
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