After their amazing 2021 Stanley Cup Final run, the Montreal Canadiens have hit a rough patch.
They’ve missed the playoffs three years in a row and haven’t won more than 31 games in a season. In 2023-24, they ended up last in the Atlantic Division with a record of 30-36-16 and only 76 points. Surprisingly, they were just below average for the first half of the season with a 20-21-8 record by February. Fans were hopeful until Sean Monahan was traded to Winnipeg Jets; then things fell apart. They went 3-7-1 in February, scoring only 20 goals while allowing 36.
With the new season approaching, questions linger: Where will goals come from? Who will be the main goalie? Can Juraj Slafkovsky improve? Will prospects secure spots? And what about Brendan Gallagher’s contract?
Key Additions & Departures:
Additions:
- Patrik Laine, RW
- Alex Barre-Boulet, F
- Connor Hughes, G
Departures:
- Jordan Harris, D (CBJ)
- Tanner Pearson, LW (VGK)
- Johnathan Kovacevic, D (NJ)
- Chris Wideman, D (Retired)
- Mitchell Stephens, C (SEA)
- Colin White, C (SJ)
- Philippe Maillet, C (Switzerland)
- Lias Andersson, C (Switzerland)
- Filip Cederqvist, F (Sweden)
- Jesse Ylonen, RW (TB)
The team struggled offensively last season finishing low in goals and power play percentage. Trading Monahan didn’t help as he was having a good year before leaving. Nick Suzuki had career highs with 33 goals and Cole Caufield also contributed well despite his goal rate dropping.
Fans might think this news is both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Juraj Slafkovsky is under scrutiny after an underwhelming start but showed promise later on with improved performance. If he keeps it up next season alongside Suzuki and Caufield that line could be lethal!
Patrik Laine joined from Columbus Blue Jackets; once considered a top goal scorer but injuries and inconsistency have plagued him lately. At just 26 years old can he rediscover his form?
Defense:
Montreal’s defense was weak last year giving up lots of goals regularly but there are bright spots like Kaiden Guhle who signed an extension and has potential to grow into a top defender. Mike Matheson is strong offensively though defensively challenged while Justin Barron seeks more minutes along with prospects Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux looking to break into the team.
Arber Xhekaj is another player to watch; known for his toughness yet providing solid defensive play too .
Goaltending:
Jake Allen split time with Sam Montembeault before being traded leaving Montembeault as likely starter next season after posting decent numbers despite playing behind shaky defense Cayden Primeau will back him up aiming to prove himself at NHL level
Coaching:
Martin St. Louis brings fresh energy despite finishing last each year since joining mid-season in 2021 He believes young players should aim high “Show me your ceiling – we’ll fix the floor.” This mindset helps develop talents like Suzuki & Caufield
Rookies:
Logan Mailloux impressed at AHL level showing offensive skills needing defensive improvement while Lane Hutson had an outstanding college year gaining trust quickly during NHL debut Both look promising heading into camp!
Burning Questions:
1⃣ Can Patrik Laine regain form or will Montreal need another plan?
It’s up to Laine whether he becomes key player or trade bait again
2⃣ Is Martin St. Louis ‘The Guy’ for long-term coaching?
If progress stalls could see coaching change despite current optimism
3⃣ Can Habs improve their power play?
Better power play could excite fans when special teams hit ice
Prediction:
While playoffs seem unlikely this year expect more thrilling games possibly meaningful matches late-season Atlantic Division remains tough but improvements are anticipated – Vive Les Habitants! What do you think about their chances?
