Episode 182 of the Hockey free For All Podcast. Let’s call this episode the Center and ripple effect episode as that will be the primary discussion. But before I start, a slight detour first.

#1. Why is anyone surprised by the Montreal Canadiens hot start and how they are playing?

 #2. The Montreal Canadiens have extremely solid, if not the best management in the entire NHL and the perfect head coach.

#3. The Montreal Canadiens have drafted better than anyone else has for years now.

#4. The Montreal Canadiens have the top prospect pool.

#5. The Montreal Canadiens have the top player development department and staff.

#6. Seriously, why does anyone think that the Montreal Canadiens need Steven Stamkos? 35 years old and 8 million per season and is not even remote producing to or at that level.

#7. I wouldn’t trade Patrik Laine, straight up for Steven Stamkos. Patrik Laines 8.7 million contract and annual cap hit expires at the completion of the 2025/2026 season. Steven Stamkos’s contract still has 3 more years at 8-million per season. Montreal gains nothing with this player.

#8. Really, Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flame. He’s 34 years old and carries with him 5 more years at 7 million per season. Montreal gets nothing in this acquisition that they do not already have.

#9. Ryan O’Reily from Nashville. Someone explain how this makes any sense or any kind. He brings absolutely nothing that Jake Evans does not already bring to the organization.

#9. Bo Horvat, again why?  He brings 6 years remaining of an 8 year contract that has an annual cap hit of 8.5 million dollars per season that runs through the 20230/2031 season. How many have failed finance 101

#10. The only one that might make some kind of sense. Jordan Kyrou of the St. Louis Blues. He’s 27. But it not only stunt the development of prospect Michael Hage, it would destroy his career and no one is even remotely worth that.

#11. The Montreal Canadiens have their 4 long term center within the Organization. Number one, their captain Nick Suzuki, Number 2. With many, many skills that cannot be taught that a player either possesses or does not possess Michael Hage at the University of Michigan. At number 3. Oliver Kapanen, and number 4 Jerad Davidson.

#12.Because of Jeff Gorton, Kent Huges and an absolutely amazing scouting department headed by Martin LaPointe and Nik Bobrov that brings in tremendous talent consistently for Adam Nicholas and Scott Pellerin the Director and Assistant Director of Hockey Development, the Montreal Canadiens are set up for long term success.