Montreal Has a Lot of Potential as Rebuild Continues

The Habs improved this season, though not by a ton in points. They also added a lot of young talent to the roster which should continue next season.
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[@lankancheetah]

I think Montreal led the league in one goal losses. Winning half of those alone puts them in the playoff hunt.

[@aaa-fv3xk]

and, this is more of an eye test metric, but they seem to love playing up to better opposition. i always find that teams on the up tend to exhibit this trait, just need to learn to be consistent against lesser or equal opposition

[@ubasic]

@@aaa-fv3xk so true, but I saw them become a "Team" through all that, that's the most important part - the "Team Game" can overcome individual shortcomings on the roster.

[@philtess3126]

But at the same time, we're also one of the team whose win are mostly ot or shootout. Seems like we can't win in regulation

[@martinlatour9311]

@@philtess3126 Put a full season Dach in there and it wouldnt be the case

[@philtess3126]

@@martinlatour9311 yea but you don't go through a rebuild just to make the playoffs. We're still a whole line away from being contenders and I don't want people to get riled up and ask for trades to win now. Exciting hockey will be in 2-3 years. Not before

[@SmurfRockRune]

I threw up a little bit at the thought of Xhekaj in Boston.

[@ubasic]

Me too! What a jarring thought, on the other hand I'm ready to see him check some Bruins into orbit. Great comment.

[@SamuelAtalla]

😂 I really hope he stays. We need more rugged players like him. It’s not only size and dishing hits, he has that dog in him. Never back down attitude. That’s what you need to win

[@doaftheloaf]

soon we could have two of them. his brother florian took big strides in junior this year. he could be an effective bottom 6 forward for us in a few years.

[@SamuelAtalla]

@@doaftheloaf i hope he pans out

[@ShaunAnderson_Sauce]

​@@ubasiche's currently booking tee times so he won't be checking any Bruins players any time soon LoL

[@bdonaghu]

I'm not a Montreal fan by any means, but even I will admit that Kent Hughes put out an absolute master class regarding Sean Monahan. Received a 1st round pick to take him from Calgary, then trades him a couple years later for another first round pick?!? Sheeeesh...

[@jonnywhite6541]

The ultimate risk/reward payout.

[@benoitrobitaille5235]

Also, there is a small possibility Monahan could sign back in Montreal because he really liked it here and we didn’t give up on him. I hope he signs wherever pays him the most because his injuries cost him a few years of prime contract and that the team in question also has cup aspirations, really loved the player he’s a fit on any NHL team.

[@LethalTobinator]

It should also be noted that he had to resign Monahan after he only played 35 games. Then he was flipped for another 1st.

[@SamuelAtalla]

What a home run that turned out to be. Credit to everyone involved from Hughes to Monahan to St.Louis and the coaching staff. The Monahan In/Out trades + Dach and Newhook trades are looking like great so far. Hughes is a Think outside the box type GM. I like it

[@stevestreet4402]

He also Traded Petry twice. He got Matheson, Légaré, and a 2nd for him, then dumped Hoffman to get him back, then traded him to Detroit for Lidstrom and a 4th....2 picks and 2 prospects for Petry and Hoffman.

[@danwalsh6919]

I'm 64 years old and was lucky enough to see some of the best years of the Habs, but I am excited to get in on the ground floor of watching this team grow into a contending team and following some of the young players here now and coming up. We went through some bad management in the past, but I have great faith in Mr. Gorton, Mr. Hughes and MSL and more importantly Habs hockey is FUN again !

[@otaviofrn_adv]

I'm not the biggest follower of les canadiens, but here's the thing: Martin was a great player, especially with the fact that he was undrafted. If he can have as a coach ahlf of the career he had playing, Montreal might be a serious team soon

[@Diamond88964]

Totally agree it’s gonna be a lot more fun starting next season

[@GillesPaquet-Allaire]

Yeah, some people will laugh at us but even if we finish 28th, Habs games was awesome to watch this year. The kids will be so good.

[@tommargarites2811]

I'm 59 years old, so like you I remember the Habs in their hayday. I like what I see lately, and know that with some patience this team could a great team again. I look forward to that day.

[@mickMahaus32]

i have chills thinking about it

[@pierrepellerin249]

16 OT losses and many more tight game loses. With all these kids getting better and better, the balance will begin to tip in their favor very soon. I expect them in the 85 to 90 points next year. Not quite playoff strong but it's coming.

[@Brendajanephillips514]

I think they can hit the 95-100 point mark if everything pans out right. But thats unlikely. I think 90 points is still pretty high expectations. I just look. We won't have Monahan for 82 games and we would have to need Suzuki to still be shooting at like 18% and putting up that many shots. I think that we will progress but small like 80-85 points. This part of the rebuild is the biggest hump. But we will know WHEN we will be over it. I think they need a 2nd line. RIght now it's at best Dach Newhook Roy. And that's saying Dach is healthy.

[@MaverickWall238]

Another point to add is how prominent that Armia-Newhook-Gallagher line was towards the end of the season. If that’s your 3rd line for next season with Dach coming back on a 2nd line with Roy that could be very interesting.

[@pixelj4877]

If it`s Suzuki, Dach, Newhook and Evans down the middle, what happens to Dvorak?

[@MaverickWall238]

@@pixelj4877 Ideally Dvorak's moved soon, but if he isn't, then competition throughout a lineup is never a bad thing. Plus injuries are bound to happen so you never have too many centres.

[@TheRickRoller1]

@@pixelj4877 Dach can play on the left too

[@Image1Nation]

@@TheRickRoller1think he plays right wing.

[@michelleblanc6377]

The y are still missing 2-3 players on their Top 6. Roy is not currently someone that would be considered yet top 6 on a contender. Dach is a question mark health wise year after year. Also the depth of their offence pool is nowhere near comparable as what they have on defence. They need to add more talent on offence and they need to bulk up player wise if they want to have the possibility to eventually win a Stanley Cup. I have nothing against Newhook and Caufield but the new additions will have to be more in the Dach and Slafkovsky size than the two aforementioned players to be able to compete and have the necessary size and muscle mass that a deep playoff run requires.

[@michaelb4590]

Newhook should be mentioned as he looks like a key middle six player

[@jacksonbarry5407]

I’m so excited to see if he works out for us and proves all the nay sayers wrong regarding KH trading those picks.

[@Image1Nation]

@@jacksonbarry5407Newhook had 15 goals and 34 points in 55 games while only clicking with wingers towards the end when he got separated from Anderson. He also did not play all his games at Center. Kirby Dach had 14 goals and 38 points in 58 games (last season so a year younger than Newhook was this season since they are the same age) but got to play with Suzuki and Caufield. They both ended their seasons with 15 points in 20 games (9g/6a for Dach and 6G/9a for Newhook). Dach is a two way big mobile body and Newhook is a fast skater that takes shots. We are all high on Dach but I’m also very high on Newhook.

[@tchevrier]

at the start of the season the line of Slaf, Dach and Newhook looked awesome. Both games. Unfortunately it went sideways when Dach got hurt. I'd like to see that line team up again next year

[@Image1Nation]

@@tchevrier Newhook will Center the third line with All Heart and One Man Armia while Dach and Roy complete the Celebrini line inshallah.

[@tchevrier]

@@Image1Nation no way. Beck will be the future 3rd line center

[@WeDiSFeD]

Hoping Slafkovsky takes another step next year, but all in all expectations remain low to make the playoffs. Martin St-Louis is doing exceptional work in developing the Habs’ young players, that’s what matters most right now

[@davidgee4048]

My expectations are also low for making the playoffs.. I'd just like them to be in the hunt a little more this year. Keep it competitive in the standings past Christmas.

[@angryassyrian5627]

I doubt we'll make the playoffs for the next 5 years, it all comes down to drafting and finding a goaltender (we truly were blessed to have Carey Price on this team). So far I'm already not confident in Kent Hughes' drafting record but we'll see what happens.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

@@angryassyrian5627 a team doesn't just stumble upon a guy like Price every year. But here's hope

[@oogaboooga69]

I dont think its crazy to say we will make the playoffs. We could have made the playoffs this year, I mean when you think about the close games we lost.. Think about the injuries, it was all there. But rather thankfuly, we werent winning and got a chance to draft another stud. If this team is healthy and brings up the young talent, playoffs as soon as next year is very possible. Another question is, how well can this team do in the playoffs...

[@elomellow1623]

@@angryassyrian5627 Well, he drafted Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, Owen Beck, Mesard and Fowler in the same draft year. Those 5, it would be difficult to argue that they won't be solid NHL players. What else would you really want? :)

[@monarchistdesade6989]

No wonder you got over 300k subs. Great analysis Sir. MTL has an optimistic future indeed and next 2 summers will define MTL for years to come.

[@yobiyhob]

Lane Hutson is the most exciting player to watch on this team since the golden days of Subban, can't wait to see him progress !

[@ianhogenbirk4390]

After Bergevin it's an absolute breath of fresh air to have a competent management willing to embrace the tank. No other way to build in a cap league, especially for a Canadian market that has trouble attracting UFAs.

[@logo960]

I agree, although, even if I'm not a fan of Bergevin, they had their hands tied a bit since on a lot of years, even a pretty weak habs team was able to sneak into the playoffs only because of Carey Price. I feel like on most years, because of Price, even if they wanted to rebuild, they would most probably get middling picks in between the 10-20 range, since he probably would've stolen a good amount of games

[@HabsDigest]

Love the analysis as always. Really excited for the next few seasons. It's a privilege to be able to say i have full confidence in my team's future.

[@4u2nvHock3y]

Love to see you here firstly but yeah I 100% agree I have a lot of confidence in our teams future. I feel like this current roster this season was good enough! And Caufield had a down year. Dach didn't play. Hutson Reinbacher Mailloix didn't play. Roy played only 20 games. Beck Mesar and more are also still not here. Fowler isn't here. AND we have a top hopefully 5 pick this year.

[@TheBraylen78]

@@4u2nvHock3ypeople need to stop forgetting about Volohkin too. Kids a machine.

[@masmullin]

The habs will barely miss the playoffs next year.

[@CosmicGrind]

Habs are definitely on the come up and it's exciting. Imo it's good for hockey that the Habs are good

[@otaviofrn_adv]

even being a Bruins fan, I agree with the last sentence. Montreal is synonimous with the game. Even after they stopped winning the Cup the fans never lost a step. As said by Dick Irvin Jr in 2014, the people keep coming.

[@Elmirgtr]

@@otaviofrn_adv I am a habs fan since 2013. Mostly because how much I loved the city when I visited. I used to live in Alberta as non-canadian, so didn't get much love up there for being a habs fan lol

[@chrisxavier3147]

Thank you sir, Slaf is coming along nicely

[@nickholmes5610]

Very excited about a core of Suzuki,Caufield,Hutson,Slafkovsky and Reinbacher, with Roy, Guhle and potentially Cayden Lindstrom to support! This team might be dynamite in a few years.

[@JoeeNaultVEVO]

My gosh these names together just pump me up

[@Aebischer1984]

Logan Mailloux also

[@densel.c8935]

Don't forget the amazing Mario Armia! Best 18 year old to play in the nhl since Mcdavid.

[@doaftheloaf]

that would be awesome if we could grab lindstrom, he's the kind of player we need. although i'd still take celebrini if given the chance. demidov would be nice too.

[@lvern60]

Shannon was right - easy to forget about Kirby. He is very much part of the core. Think you just forgot about him here...haha

[@OaksArmorial]

I’m convinced Suzuki’s 70ish points were the hardest earned 70ish points in the league. I mean, these guys were tough to watch.

[@brianhum8765]

If not for Bedard's injury, his 70 points would've been infinitely more difficult to obtain. Don't see a lot of Canadians games but presuming he's played with Caufield and Slafkovsky for most/all of the year (that's the depth chart I'm seeing online), those guys are infinitely better than what Bedard had to work with; their roster was historically bad even before losing Hall for the whole year and he was a massive % of the actual NHL talent they had.

[@OaksArmorial]

@@brianhum8765 yeah, gotta give that one to Bedard.

[@madeinedmundston]

@@brianhum8765 how many minutes did Bedard played on the PK !?

[@codekhalil6437]

However, Bedard is hailed as a generational talent. Not the likes of McDavid. But he's up there. Suzuki was never mentioned as a generational talent. He's "just" talented. They are 2 different types of players too. Bedards point total was definitely impressive though. Have to give him that. Just can't discredit slick Nick ​@@brianhum8765

[@tIhIngan]

NOOO!!! Do NOT cross everything for Kirby Dach! That's how he got hurt in the first place! Seriously hope he stays healthy, I like him.

[@daveblanco8271]

Future is looking bright in Montréal. Rebuild process definitely moving forward quicker than we would’ve thought.

[@acidraindrops1]

The reason you can’t remember the last time the Habs have rebuilt is because this is the first full rebuild in their 100+ year history ❤

[@blackvx]

Thank you for this presentation

[@THEGDB]

5 of the top 6 seem to be in place with 1 question mark being can dach stay healthy , i could see a free agent winger being added to go in the top 6 or a trade . A trade is going to have to happen eventually with how many good young d prospects in the system we currently have . I dont mibd the zegras trade rumors, but only if the price is right . The last 2 seasons hughes has made major trades invloving 1st round draft pics, so i won't be surprised when he does it again . Newhooks strong play after returning from injury seemed to fly under the radar but he answered alot of questions about if hes part of the future of the team . The goalies are completely fine , let them tandem it up , and let them decide there future with there play . I couldn't be more excited for the Montreal canadiens , its the first rebuild for the team in my lifetime .

[@doaftheloaf]

long term, the 6th will be our 1st pick this year. maybe short term if it's celebrini.

[@michelricher5549]

Newhook could also end up being a very good 3rd line center

[@doaftheloaf]

@@michelricher5549 possibly, but I see owen beck there long term. if newhook isn’t good enough for L2, we should probably trade him for someone who is.

[@THEGDB]

@doaftheloaf beck looks like a high end 3rd liner but the kind of player that doesn't look out of place when he moves up the line up

[@doaftheloaf]

@@THEGDB I agree. I see roy much the same way.

[@GoBirds802]

Great video. I’ve been a Habs fan since I can remember, I was only 5 when they hoisted their last cup, so seeing them make a cup final a few years ago was special, even though we all knew we didn’t stand a chance. That being said, I’m glad that Molson has decided to finally pull the trigger on an actual rebuild and is showing some patience in the process. Watching them patch together a roster to make the playoffs season after season, with no real long term goals was getting frustrating.

[@BOBSMITH-fp5xv]

really good content ,no non sense click bait , you got yourself a subscriber bud :)

[@annikahughes1586]

thanks for a great Habs video!

[@michelleblanc6377]

A very good analysis. It’s my first time on your channel. I think I caught somewhere in that video that you were a Bruins fan. The Bruins had a solid team for years now. It will be nice to see our relationship as rival heat up again. I wish you luck I think the Bruins will remain competitive if they can continue to bring up young and upcoming talented players as they did for so many years. It will be nice to see both teams compete against one another as they did for so many years.

[@DISTAULO]

Totally agree, great video. I'm a DIE HARD Habs fan from Montreal and I love your way of seeing the positive 🤙 would be amazing to be in the playoff run next year

[@Bet-vx3fg]

Suzuki took Slaf under its wing. As the Slaf situation improved, so did the hope of the whole team

[@tv8881]

Been waiting for this one.

[@2Late4U2Run]

Very interesting channel, good stuff in here!

[@Galvaxatron]

You should have mentioned Newhook, who was out most of the season. He did very well with Gallagher and Armia when they were matched together very late in the season. Heck Newhook and Armia had Gallagher looking like peak Gallagher during the last 10 or so games. The potential for Newhook + Dach + 1 next season is tantalizing. If they click the Habs will upgrade from a 1 line team to a 2 line team.

[@Edno07]

Thanks for the video! Go Habs Go

[@acidraindrops1]

Rebuild looks solid so far

[@shintio01]

I do believe the habs will contend for a playoff spot next season. If they make it cool if not well in 2026 they should be a playoff team.

[@VRCancilla]

First time I see Montreal Canadiens actually rebuilding with smart and experienced GM great Job so far I can finally see some light in the near future .

[@quag311]

To be fair, Nic Roy was the only VGK member producing points in that MTL series.

[@mickMahaus32]

the young defensemen pool is stacked in montreal

[@KURSEDSOULS666]

Happy we started to go in the right direction we can see the core that will help this team win bring on next season

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

The defensive depth is amazing and stacked...Ghule, Mailloux, Hutson, Reinbacher, Struble, Xhekaj, Engstrom, Kohnyushkov....It's crazy ! A forward or 2 will be next picks this year and if they get the 1st it's gonna be Celebrini just because he played with Hutson. If it's 2-3 it's gonna be Demidov or Lidstrom, 4-5 is gonna be Catton or Eiserman and if it's 7, it's gonna be Tij Igninla. They would fit perfectly !

[@georgewyatt2924]

The rebuild is going just fine. I am a LONG time Habs fan, and we are often impatient (something the Leafs fans know well). However, the fan base generally accepts the current rebuild. Full marks to the management, coaching & development groups. Will changes be necessary as the team moves from playoff hopeful to contender? Maybe, but not for a couple of years yet. We are generally hopeful with the goalie and defense development. We know there is work to be done at forward, but the Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovski trio form a good base for the future. The playoffs show that strength, grit and power are critical for deep runs ... oh, and can we have a dollop of the Edmonton power play please? They're incredible. I don't expect playoffs in 24-25, but a low seed in 25-26 is possible, followed by contending in 26-27 and continuing to improve thereafter.

[@centerhice7948]

Great video . I expect them to not be a playoff team but they ll rise to around 22 nd place . They be a threat for playoff wildcard the year after next season

[@bundesautobahn7]

Just noticed the NHL shield in French on the jersey. I didn't know this was a thing on it.

[@misterwire1331]

Gotta rep home

[@otaviofrn_adv]

it became a thing some 5 or so years ago.

[@prodICYN]

@@otaviofrn_adv Dawg I have a collectible from like 2000 with LNH on it, it's been like that

[@unmitigated-claustrophobia]

Thanks for the habs content. You post and we will click.

[@FischerFan]

As a Habs fan, I've recently come to find myself liking Utah Coyotes' sniper Clayton Keller probably because of my own team's current situation. Like the Coyotes, the Habs have some pieces in place to build with. It is a matter of acquiring the depth to go places.

[@derapalum6692]

I was slightly worried that you made Kraken video 😁

[@habinations]

i have that jersey . ill try and keep it brief . im excited for this years draft . there are some blue chip picks that would move the d core down a notch . im hopeful that the first rounder from last year can make the team out of camp . as well as the ahl team being strong developing their players into something special . im also patient in the rebuild . i would expect no rfas ,or help top 6 . its a time for evaluation of talent .not a time for trying to decide who to sacrifice for short term gains .rhp and roy should be playing with the habs .they have nothing to prove in the ahl atm imo . being involved in a three way deal picking up cap is possible , gorton/hughes seem to like that type of thing . imo they have one spot on d and one on o to fill. i dont expect ylonen back . 82 points . gohabsgo

[@mr.ilikespam6081]

yeah Montreal rarely does a retool or rebuild the last time they missed 4 years in a row with out a playoffs was 1910 -1913 you know in the NHA, in the NHL the most they missed was 3 in a row 3 times and 2 in a row once.

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

They will be in the mix for a playoff spot next season I think. But so will a lot of teams. The east is crazy.

[@Kevin-qg2vs]

Think they fight for a wildcard spot next season depending how they do things this summer

[@guillaumest-gelais7631]

I think Engstrom and Konyushkov are likely to be good rookies as well ! Fun times ahead, great analysis

[@zeeshawnali4078]

Hoping we get a good pick this year.

[@tchevrier]

One prospect that's been very impressive everywhere he's played is Owen Beck. And that includes his one game in the show. He impressed every shift. Another player that might be a dark horse is Bogdan Konyushkov.

[@davidgee4048]

I am Very hopeful for the future and I cannot wait for Hutson & Fowler (and whoever we draft this year) to be in the NHL and the rest of the core to be in their prime. It should be quite a team in a couple years.

[@rolandbisson7025]

With adding more size up front & a fifth pick in this year's draft perhaps Cayden lindstrom 6'4" forward would definitely help the rebuild

[@AceMatthew25414]

Ofc THG actually gives Slaf credit....People saying his PEAK is 15 more points then his 19 year old season is WILD. Not saying he 100% will be but he has the best chance to a 100 point player.

[@truenorther]

When \MTL brought Mr. Gorton after Rangers rebuild. I think Modern Montreal knew at least 3-Years of missing play-offs. Kinda worth it, the assests are amazing!! Even if Miss Play-off's another year!. MTL bought in! to be a Dynasty again, rather than patching... R.

[@onesharpmarble]

Can't help but think another year on all those young guys is gonna have a real impact, a full season of Hutson is going to be exciting. That kid has crazy wheels.

[@frankren3106]

i hope xhekaj signs long term, love what he brings to the team

[@astaynax7531]

I think Montreal will take a nice step forward next year. I don't know if they will make the playoffs but, I feel they will be close enough to play meaningful games down the stretch.

[@chrisbelos2834]

it's all about the process now. 2 more years of rebuild and we're off. and rebuild strong too. the D-core is the big problem now : who to trade, who do they keep? Mailloux will fit right in as Lane Hudson. second, third and fourth lines need to be redone also. i think we're heading the right way. too bad Dach wasn't part of it this year because he was looking dominant.

[@ubasic]

I have this thought: They need a rt D to pair with Matheson and I think Mailloux will be the guy, with Barron alternating at times. So Harris & Kovy are expendable and we'll lose some defence, but Mailloux & Hutson can help us score more to compensate, Barron can contribute, Xjekai is out until October but Struble is tough. It's definitely a juggling act, but I have faith in the management. 5-6 players' contracts are up next year, most will go as rookies show the ability to step in, like Beck, Kaponen, Heineman and don't forget D-man W. Trudeau! cheers!

[@doaftheloaf]

@@ubasic trade harris and barron. long term top four is guhle with mailloux and hutson with reinbacher. so we'll have to eventually trade matheson as well. i'd do it next offseason. don't wait too long until the asset is untradeable like josh anderson. matheson has to be dealt at the peak of his value.

[@elomellow1623]

@@doaftheloaf I'm not trading Matheson. He was born in Montréal, and he skates like the wind. You use draft picks hoping to get players like that.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@elomellow1623 he’s 30 and at his peak. he’s weak defensively. best to deal him at the peak of his value.

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

I think that when you're a team out of the playoffs at the trade deadline, you can definitely overdo selling off veterans; especially when you're a young team and some of those veterans are key as mentors to the younger stars coming up in the system. You're also resetting to zero all the time in the offseason and risk slipping into a forever rebuild. It'll be tough to make up ground in their division, with so many other teams also wanting to make the next step to the playoffs and a lot of long time powerhouse teams in the top four still hanging in there.

Agreed. Sean Monahan will be without a contract after these playoffs; maybe the Habs bring him back next year...

[@jdavidblais]

Ils sont dans la bonne direction.. 👌

[@shmitzysays]

The team would never ask Carey to retire. They want him to finish the contract he earned.

[@DrewDekes]

Don’t swear at us with that Xhekaj/Bruin talk Shannon 🤨 haha

[@Michael4Reall00]

If they can get Lindstrom or Iginla at the draft this team will be at the top 5 nhl team in 2 years they already have some good young forwards and defencemans they just need a better goaltender

[@maxymilien84]

The young D core will be solid in a year or two and so is the top 9 forwards, only a player or two away. If Monty and/or Primeau can raise their game just a notch, which can come with the D core having more experience, Mtl is set up for a bright future for many years.

[@alex-dj9bx]

Don't forget that in two years, the best goalie in the NCAA right now will gonna come to MTL (Jacob Fowler).

[@bernbsy]

Seems they're focusing on goaltending and defense first. I like the combo of Montembeault and Primeau and they're stacked on defense. They need to get bigger up front with their forwards so would love to see them take Lindstrom if he's available. Playoffs are about goaltending and defense. I like the direction and identity they're building!

[@JaredLand]

Montreal San Jose Chicago All need to improve too

[@bryannewcombe858]

I think we're still underestimating Dach. He's a first liner up there with Caufield and Suzuki.

[@elomellow1623]

I think Slafkovsky's considerably better. He will be the center of the second line if he's healthy. Will play with Roy and Newhook.

[@MrDmitch88]

@@elomellow1623certainly you don’t mean slaf will play at the center position?

[@elomellow1623]

@@MrDmitch88 No I meant that Slafkvosky is a better player overall than Dach, and that Dach will be the center of the second line.

[@kokocaptainqc]

yesterday i remembered that we have Dach...for the 3rd time this season...which means i had forgottent also 3 times

[@rogerroberts2827]

I think we are pushing for a playoff spot next year.

[@Galvaxatron]

Crucial detail concerning Caufield: He was still recovering from his off season surgery throughout most of the season. His shot selection was totally different than in the past where he had a wicked snapshot. The snapshot eventually came back this season but only with like 10-12 games left. If he stays healthy next year Caufield will probably have 35ish goals.

[@billshotrod]

They will definitely be a better team, Dach has to play more then 2 games so that should help. I think they will be fighting for a playoff spot maybe not make it but close. It was a much better year to watch the games, they didn't get crushed as bad as the 2 previous years.

[@michaeldym31]

Forgot to mention Newhook, very good hockey player. Battled a high ankle sprain but when he got his rhythm back, he thrived. Speedy, versatile, and smart forward.

[@CleonofAthens]

Lets go Sean Farrell

[@MyDarkestFriend]

Montreal is on the cusp of being a dangerous team-- still a bit of chaff around the 3rd and 4th lines, but when their D matures and the goalies are more rested during the game, they will be a frustrating shut down team to play against.

[@clarkondrums2112]

I am betting Habs will make the playoffs next season. If Dach and Newhook are both healthy for a full season, the Habs could potentially have 5 20-goal scorers on the team. Excited for next season for sure.

[@ximer21]

calling it now, habs will be the wild card spot in the playoffs next year.....calling it....

[@TheTurdEye]

SLAFSQUATCH🦍🦍🦍

[@jdavidblais]

Ta yeule !! Avec tes tit nickname à la journaliste comme si cetait ton grand chum !!

[@Jlalo747]

​@@jdavidblais bro ça va? Ya qqun qui a chié dans tes céréales? Mange une snicker ou qqchose

[@christhornycroft3686]

If the Habs can improve on the back end and in goal, they should have the makings of a very good team. Suzuki needs to work on his face-offs, but he could be a Bergeron type of player with maybe a bit more offence and if Dach can figure his game out, they have a good, young 1-2 punch down the middle. I don't know that they make the playoffs next year necessarily, but I like the direction they're going in. We saw with the Canucks, who admittedly had a lot of talent to begin with, that all it can take is a few really smart moves and the right coach and you can improve quickly. I wouldn't go trading 1st round picks like the Canucks did, though. Stay the course, draft and develop good, young talent and know when to make your moves in free agency and trades.

[@alexschannel8636]

They are good enough in goal imo. Both Monty and Primeau over .900 on a 77 point team is impressive. They will get better as the team gets better.

[@jacobneron1444]

Suzuki ended up at 53% at faceoff against the best every night. I think he did good

[@doaftheloaf]

@@jacobneron1444 he has worked on his faceoffs then. a few years ago he was under 40% i think.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@alexschannel8636 perhaps, but they're still stopgaps until fowler is ready.

[@alexschannel8636]

Not necessarily, goalies are really difficult to project and typically bloom late. Having Fowler in the system is excellent depth and gives them some flexibility if Monty/Primeau can't get it done, however I genuinely think Monty and Primeau could be one of the best tandems in the league as early as next season@@doaftheloaf

[@Falleninator]

Dont sleep on Fowler. Future looks bright for Montreal. Colorados 2nd pick could end up by high 2nd round, maybe leverage to trade up in the draft if packaged right, maybe with one of those big contracts and their first. Anyway, we know Hughes is always working, and he's already done nore positives in his tenure so far than Bergevin did in all those years.

[@4517onlyglory]

Montreal has hockey heritage

[@Lertif]

I'm surprised that you didn't talk about Newhook. He got a pretty decent season for his first year in MTL and he could really be part of the future of this team.

[@georgemarly7317]

Realistically i expect montreal to challenge for a wildcard spot next year. If the team can avoid major injuries and the young players continue to develop. They are in a division/conference with alot of really good teams

[@Jee1978]

Slaf and Hutson will be so fun to watch next year. I think they should trade to get an earlier 2nd round pick to grab Lane's brother.

[@aaronst.pierre3080]

They need a lot of leadership and 3 full lines of forwards, including a top line still. Slafkovsky might be enough for a top line eventually, but for me, Suzuki and Caufield would be best as #2. Suzuki might be able to first line of he can become a + player. The year they went to the cup final they technically didn't make the playoffs.

[@p-o1531]

The Habs gonna be a playoff team in three more draft (24-25-26).

[@wickstv1739]

What about Joel Armia ?

[@lankancheetah]

The thing I'd watch more closely is Sam Montembeault hasn't been nearly as good since Jake Allen was traded.

[@anthonyouellet98]

Primeau seems to have improved though

[@ilcugginocanadese]

Joel Armia called...

[@kcdancause]

And Alex Newhook

[@jordanhogan6511]

YOU FORGOT XHEKAJ 3 goals 7 assists 44 games

[@meatbagfrank]

The team is 100% going to be stronger with more skilled dmen on our team like Hutson and Mailloux, although we shouldn't expect too much in the first season. It's all going to come down to who we pick up in the offseason and if it's some actual decent player instead of a plumber and Dach plays the full season, I don't think we make playoffs but we could be close to pushing a wild card spot. I think Montreal becomes a playoff team in 2-3 seasons.

[@gazzarip]

Caufield put up the 2nd most assists by a Habs winger since 2000. Only Alex Kovelev has had more in a season......

[@renlessard]

I think the Habs take Iginla.

[@doaftheloaf]

i hope we don't. we're picking too early to do that. only way i consider it at 5 is if celebrini, demidov, lindstrom, and catton are all gone by the time we pick. and i don't think that happens, because someone will take levshunov, buium , and/or silayev by then. maybe if we fall to 7. don't pick a player expecting him to be his father. tij will be a good player, but he won't be a superstar.

[@darthgogo6911]

Nice

[@JeanFredericP]

You wish that you had Xhekaj in Boston ROFL 😀

[@rinobourgoin8829]

The biggest asset for the Habs is cap space. Wiseman, Ylonen, Wideman, White, Pearson all gone this year. Then Dvo’s 4.4$M gone is one year and eventually Price’s 10.5M$ goes of the books. Move Honda civic and Harris to make space for Mailloux and Hutson. Habs will have near 25$M in cap space. 2025 UFA summer will be a great opportunity for the Habs to get a high scoring winger.

[@mikkeljensen4273]

For two goalies there were under "siege" this season I really look forward to as the team in front of gets better how they will do. Still the loss of Price as goalie(s) nerd is hard swallow.

[@hockeyislife7686]

Imagine the end of season lineup with dach, roy, reinbacher, whoever we select this season, beck, mesar, fowler and whoever we trade for in the upcoming years. OMG WERE GONNA BE GOOD

[@simon-pierrelussier2775]

* If everyone develops like we hope they will. Pro tip: that never happens.