Eastside's Hockey Elite Collide

To Florida:
Klim Kostin (78)
CHI 4th 2024

To Montreal:
Mikael Granlund (77) - 1 mil retained
Luca Del Bel Belluz (56)
Sam Colangelo (73)

Habs accept. This trade has been in the works since October - it took a long time to come to terms with moving Kostin, even though I think the move strengthens Montreal's top 6. It allows them to move Eberle to 1RW, a major upgrade at that position, while still running two 86 OF centres. DBB and Colangelo strengthen the prospect pool up front after moving out Saarela, Chiasson, etc.

Moving Granlund is really tough, but this trade addresses Florida’s two biggest weaknesses up front.
The Panthers have had left/right balance issues for ages now, and Kostin finally gives us a bonafide top line RW and lets Perry and his 99FA slide over to center.
Kostin also brings an element of physicality that our top 6 has been sorely lacking.
Del Bel Belluz and Colangelo are good prospects but DBB is a fair ways off from the pros and Colangelo is currently blocked on the roster, and Kostin being so much younger than Granlund really helps make up for their departure.