However I think until Staios and/or Souray come back from injury, and who knows how long that will take, I think the Oilers’ hands are tied. They can’t afford to get rid of another top 4 d-man right now, even though neither of these 2 have been playing well over the past 4-5 games. Plus, I’m not a fan of any of the Canadiens’ listed above.

Smid, however, has shown over the past season and a half that he can easily jump into the top-4. He has been arguably our most consistently good defenceman this year, and has played extremely well with both Visnovsky and Souray (although only a couple games early in the year).

Looking at the habs, this just doesn’t fly either. Outside the first line, they currently have one forward who can reliably tilt the ice the right way, eke out some points and play both special teams. One. And it’s Plekanec. Right now, Bob is looking for someone, anyone to fit alongside Pleks.

As for taking a big salary, well that means markov is out for the year. Otherwise, the habs are probably staying put for now.

This just doesn’t fly. Didn’t a week ago, doesn’t today. They don’t have trading chips.

This trade doesn’t make sense from either perspective as you other posters have noted. Habs don’t need another defenseman, especially not more error prone ones like the G men. Hamrlik and Gill provide enough of those for 5 teams combined. Oilers don’t need more talented but often ineffective forwards like the ones from the Habs on this list. I would love Plekanec actually, I’m still a fan even after a big off year for him last year. Even if he’s not scoring, he’s an excellent checking centre. I thought Kostitsyn was going to be a star in this league. He’s got tremendous skill and a great shot. I don’t see the ultimate desire to compete every night. Chipchura, although a hard worker, doesn’t contribute much.

I don’t see much happening with just those names mentioned, but when it comes to Mad Scientist Bob, you never know.