The State of the Rebuild | 2024 Edition

[@JudgeDrey]

I'll say it again. I've never in 40 plus years been so invested and enjoyed as much the process of the rebuild of the HABS since KH took over. I'm watching the pipeline all the time. Watching rookie scrimmages. Overseas highlights. All that stuff. And I'm lovin it for some reason. And it has to be because I really feel like there are some gems comin in. I'm full of anticipation. Like a kid at Christmas lol. Except that for this, I'm not in any rush for it to get all thrown together. I'm enjoying this. The slow progress is good enough for me. Seeing the young guys look like they're having fun out there is great. All I can say.

[@neilcashaback2987]

I'm 42 years old I've been Habs fan my entire life and I've never been this excited or had this much faith in the club either

[@bobbeaton6998]

Kingkofsky...first time hearing that one! Love it! You and I have been in absolute lockstep with our beliefs of Slav becoming a complete beast when he grows out of the Pup stage. I think 25 goals and 40 assists will be realistic goals this year, then a point a game player by 25/26.

[@panterafanloco1600]

Umm... it's SHITkovsky, sir

[@alexandremartel516]

Knowing they are against a division that includes Boston Toronto Floride Tampa its gonna be difficult not to draft in the top 10 Again

[@Sac_slappper_4rce]

Toronto's future is doubtful imo with a new coach and Invisible Tavares still captain.

[@LethalTobinator]

@@Sac_slappper_4rceTavares is on the decline but he will still contribute. He gets the benefit of facing 2nd line opposition now. And his assets never relied on his foot speed. TML are talented hockey players but they are not a talented hockey team.

[@BloodRider1914]

They can still be outside the bottom 10 and finish poorly in the division, that's just the reality when teams like the Sharks, Flames, Kraken, Blackhawks, Ducks, Wild, Flyers, and possibly others might be covetting that tankathon

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

Honestly Tampa is a big mystery and must stay healthy and Boston feel like a paper tiger, i wonder if loosing Ullmark will hurt them... Toronto is in turmoil which will results in either great results or great failure the like we never seen before. Ottawa might be the surprise with a real number goalie, Detroit is weird, Florida lost a lot of assets this summer and Buffalo is the lord of choke...no that division is just very weird and up for grasp !

[@LethalTobinator]

@@jean-philippedoyon9904 Yea and the Habs are the 2nd youngest team in the league up against a division filled with experienced championship players.

[@Unholy_Louie]

With only the team in mind, without considering that, unlike the 2010s our division is insane, I feel that 50% in terms of the rebuild is a solid oppinion. This year, with or without trades, will be insanely important when we'll find ourselves at this exact date next summer. IMHO, what to watch for the most are : 1) DACH DACH DACH. FFS, let him play in a sheltered role in the very beginning if needed. Put him on the ice ONLY when sharing the ice with WiFi and other big dudes that will attack like a pack of rabid berzerk dogs if an opposing player even just BRUSH against him, or hell, even if LOOKING at Dach in a funny way. Play him on the wing at first if needed. WE DON'T CARE, he just need to PLAY. 2) We need to see newcomers in our D core. While still having some of our best in Laval. It depends on contractual issues. 3) Cole and Slav will need to keep progressing (Suzuki is already OP imho, anything more from the IRONMAN is just bonus) 4) New faces from our system need to find a place in our forward group. We could have a homegrown discounted premium bottom six, which is absolutely key in building a playoff team (e.g. Beck) 5) Demidov needs to get minutes and opportunities in the KHL. Otherwise it's commando time to bring him over. It seems to be fine though, but we never know. Bob is a goat and I'm sure he'll progress like a star either way. 6) It's still going to be a mess because of the abundance of prospects, especially on defense, and even if there is a trade before the season I still see us juggling a lot and still in the process of deciding WHO do we keep for sure, and WHO will need to go. It's not going to be easy but many hard decisions will need to be taken. What player are for sure part of our future D core for instance. The RHD matter is unfortunately a big factor, but still, Lane and Mailloux should be in our core left, Nutcracker on the right obviously. After that it's a bit of a crapshoot. We should trade Matheson while the iron is hot imho, but others might disagree... 7) Laval will be as important as MTL to judge who we want and to make our players are progressing in the right environement. So the head coach there will be important, very very so. I know they will still work in group + with MSL, but still, we need to right kind of person for the job. Any news on that btw? 8) Let's put a freaking PRIEST of every single faiths in existence on the org payroll to do exorcisms in the locker room or something. I mean it's all BS imho, but at this rate can we avoid just the BLACK PLAGUE for once? 9) Let's have fun you guys :)

[@martinlatour9311]

Halfway through the rebuild? What? You people are insane if you think fans are gonna wait 6-7 years to see a half decent team on ice. No reason a rebuild should take this long

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

The defense prospect pool is excellent, top of the league no question, the forward group really took a boost in the last draft with Demidov, Hage and the others but it could use one more year of drafting good forwards to be next level ! The goalie prospect pool is pretty much Fowler being the key. This year will either be first year trying the playoff but not going crazy or last year of rebuild...cause those 2 first round pick look very good right now ! For the first time in the last 20 years i follow the CH, i feel we have a competent and professional management, development and drafting team !! Hugues is a wizard with contract and trades, i mean nothing against Bergevin and Timmins but they were gambler taking big risk for little results and their assets and cap management was abysmal. The core of Montréal is signed long term below 30 millions...it's insane good management ! This year, the only thing i want to see is a second line growing, Dach healthy and one or 2 f the 4 super talented defensemen of the prospect pool emerge as top 4 ! The rest is gravy !!!

[@thenextpoetician6328]

I started watching hockey with the first game of the '71 playoffs. Completely hooked, but slacked off for a lot of years. Just wasn't worth it. They needed that management overhaul desperately. Bergevin apparently didn't have a plan. KH does. Juste un peu plus de patience. ;)

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

@@thenextpoetician6328 Exact ! Sa construction est similaire au Lightning.

[@thenextpoetician6328]

@@jean-philippedoyon9904 Semblerait que oui. C'est du monde de charactère qu'ils veulent. C'est essentiel.

[@ThompsonExpress]

For the point #3, big time. This rebuild aint anywhere done. But the pieces we have already just oozes potential. Montreal is stuck in a division filled with top tier teams, so I agree with your ranking prediction. But Montreal is building up this team and seeing the moves made by Kent Hughes are Hug(h)es. I can't wait to see MTL being competitive again

[@derfman1792]

81 👍 in 18 minutes..!! And 500 some views already... Goes to show how much we love Hockey Junkie's content, doesn't it?

[@cartorius]

I think this is the last rebuild year. When you claim rebuild you get basically 5 years of grace. But there’s been a lot of unanticipated developments that push it along. Slav became top 6 much faster than anticipated. Some of the D core pushed into the lineup even sparking debate on moving the vets early, and our Goalie tandem is performing above expectations. I think we finish middle of the pack this year effectively ending the rebuild and on to tuning the line up for success

[@Ketch013]

RHP broke his leg during training. It's starting already.

[@Off_Grid_Gaming]

Habs don't need him anyway.

[@thenextpoetician6328]

He's not one of the players we don't want to see injured, unfortunately for him.

[@davechan8613]

I honest to god forgot he existed until I saw that he broke his leg.

[@thenextpoetician6328]

@@davechan8613 No one but his mom would fault you. He's fading out of the picture. :)

[@bdgannon1473]

He's a feel-good story but irrelevant in the big picture.

[@seanmyers5703]

Rebuild is closer to 75% complete I think. Theyve already reached a tipping point with their prospects where they dont have enough room for all of them even on the AHL team in some positions.

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

I agree...not having enough room in the AHL is not a bad problem honestly, it just means more choices based on development and speed of development which decide when you sign the entry level contract in the first 3 years. I think they need one last year or a trade for another young top 6 to stabilize that second line and we are set long terms.

[@martinlatour9311]

The drafting phase sure is over I hope because this sucks. Time to build a team.

[@seanmyers5703]

@@martinlatour9311 question is what is their next move. Hopefully they make a trade before the season!

[@paulouellette6934]

we will make the playoff starting this season no holding back guaranteed.

[@thedoor1730]

One more season at the bottom and then we can start competing for a playoffs spot. I always been high on Dach, feel like people forgot about him or aren't believing he can stay healthy. Last year would've been so different with him in the lineup. I think he'll prove everyone wrong next season !

[@kannonballz]

I think they’ll finish just out of the playoffs this year, and be picking 12th-15th. But in about 3-4 years, watch out! All the pain will be worth it, stay loyal HABS fans and be patient!

[@misterwire1331]

I'm glad Bin Laden isn't with the Habs anymore. The players seem more relaxed when travelling by air.

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

Wtf dude

[@DrizzyDrime]

@@jonathanduplantis1403 this guy voted trudeau

[@grandpuba3831]

​@@DrizzyDrimeNow now stop showing your colours...

[@DrizzyDrime]

@@grandpuba3831 I'm good. go habs go

[@TheScazighino]

He had a good scoring touch though

[@BloodRider1914]

I'm just so excited to be back in the playoffs eventually, cause these guys are not looking like chokers and I feel like they can make a pretty decent run once they breach that barrier. At the very least Suzuki and Canfield are proven preformers.

[@HabsandExposFan]

Yes! PLUS, it's clear that Slaf has excelled twice when on the international stage, playing for his country, when pride and a lot more was on the line. Dach has carried his junior team on his back. Wasn't Kaiden Guhle his team's Captain in juniors? Demidov a twice league MVP, was clutch in the playoffs before injury, and has been outspoken about his Kobe Bryant mindset of being a winning leader for his team, IE Clutch, a second gear when it counts. I have a feeling Reinbacher, with his remarkable poise for such a young D and all the moves form Euro to North America, ig going to be a Serge Savard light, in both play and leadership. Just have a good feeling about him, regarding being a good fit right in with our others, with both character, poise and as we saw in the AHL, some Grit/Steel Huevos. We're looking GOOD. OH, oops, even mini might Hutson isn't afraid to take on a 6 for and a half skyscraper in a fight when it's the right thing to do for his team. Not that we ever want him doing that again (cue on Smash bros and later, Protz), but he's got GUTS too. All good!!!!!

[@jerryrikki9466]

If they stay mostly healthy they are a fringe playoff team, they have a decent shot of making it. MTL should still prioritize development this year, playoffs a bonus

[@Darule514]

Call me crazy , I'm expecting Dach play at least full season and the Habs finishing in the middle in the standing.

[@BloodRider1914]

I'm thinking Dach could be like Alexander Barkov, always being a good player but never having a full season under his belt. Hopefully that's not the case, but it worked out fine for Florida.

[@rinobourgoin8829]

I am loving it. I don’t see why the Habs would load up with the kids this year and let them develop. If we end up at the bottom for one last time, so be it. Give Mailloux a shout with Matheson. Wifi and Guhle who needs protection. Strubble and Savard Harris as your number 7 D. Savard is going to go at some point anyways. Let Hudson and Reinbacher play big minutes together in Laval and graduate once HUGO makes space on D.

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

@@rinobourgoin8829 stop calling him wifi

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

@@rinobourgoin8829 hutson

[@djd2819]

It's going to be evolutionary but I can see the Habs taking another 5-10 Ws this year. Now, those victories will be taking the place of some OTLs so, in reality, I'm only seeing a 10-15 pt improvement in the standings. That puts them close to a WC spot but ultimately sitting out for the fourth straight year. If they bring in a top 6 forward, a WC spot isn't beyond the realm of the possible. IMO natch.

[@thomasbelanger8715]

Dach's injury and the 3-goalies-rotation cost at least 10 points to the Habs. I see them closer to 90 pts this year.

[@F2PMatione]

Being competitive for longer period and in the end having around 80-90points will be sufficient for me… let’s hope for least amount of injuries and good performances from our top guys 🫡

[@maxmleblanc]

KingKovsky, KongSlafsky, line em’ i’m smashing that button on the Cartskongsky button and getting those t-shirts of yours with that « shit on em ». Hawk tuah 😂

[@marcusgavin8048]

Spot on Junkie, spot on !!!!!!!!

[@robrick9361]

1:07 Junkie passed on an opportunity to call him Petry-Mouse? Is Junkie alright?

[@dacp1213]

the future is so so very bright for the habs.

[@thundershock720]

Feels like it was 20 years ago

[@hockeyislife7686]

Still waiting for Kent to work his magic before September starts, hoping for a top 6 forward like laine or necas

[@martinlatour9311]

Necas most likely staying in Carolina considering all the players they lost this offseason. Could see Laine though

[@MyDarkestFriend]

The amount of pull this team has with picks and prospects make them even more dangerous when you consider trade deadlines.

[@polarhero57]

Thank you goat!

[@xxxxxx-l4h]

almost 30 games was it or 20 that were lost by 1 goal? Il stand by what i said eariler this year, Dach getting injured really cemented the habs season this year. However, new season, new dach, and hopefully a little scoring depth is added and they'll be starting to cook grand mas favourite recipes

[@StephenCardinal-r3b]

yeah i think rebuilt is close to done one more year of evaluation and think next year will have close 30 million to spend !!!!

[@HockeyGoat12-i6t]

0:01 light years? More like 2 milliseconds I mean fuck me were in 2024, thinking about 2024 in 2021 was like thinking about 2034 😂

[@matthewsansoucy]

2028-2029 stanley cup i call it here

[@robrick9361]

If not I'm coming back here to type a very harsh reply............I might even use the word "disappointed"

[@matthewsansoucy]

@@robrick9361 see you in 4 years my friend

[@MorganBurton]

nor a very bold prediction... 23rd overall? id take the over on that one!

[@georgewyatt2924]

Agree 100%. No playoffs again this year, but moving up in points. Playoffs maybe in 2 years, certainly in 3, contender in 4, winner in 5.

[@guysmith1365]

Enoufgh with the draft, free agency and a tradr is what they should be doing.

[@martinlatour9311]

Plenty of players and 2025 picks to trade. Totally agreed. Time to build an actual team

[@darcybarnes6970]

A lot of Question could be answered after this season! We are going to be a force on the backend in the future. On the offensive side we are a bit behind but have hopefully added a stud in Demidov.

[@carycwilliams]

If Montreal captures Laine, they make the playoffs. If they don’t, then they are in the fringe just on the outside this year, playoffs in 25-26

[@grandcrowdadforde6127]

by 2027

[@grandcrowdadforde6127]

two years to go;

[@Kingdennissinned]

Timmons.... I'm sure he was secretly working for the leafs.

[@toddlauretteHabsforlife]

I hated the idea that Laine could come here, i didnt want anything to do with him, but when i hear what they want, and if they will retain some salary, i am all over it now, he has 2 years left, we could flip him at the end of the season, if he plays well, or keep him. He could fit in well, if he can find his old game, and not be a fuckin baby!! A 40 goal scorer would be nice, plus he could play with Demidov, which would boost both their games.

[@jaymizzqc9971]

The habs just sign arber i need a hockey junckie video rihht meoooww🗣

[@HockeyJunkie]

@@jaymizzqc9971 about to get started

[@videopyc]

Scotty Bowman said that a team improves by 10% per year. So this season i expect 8 mores points. Therefore the CH should not make the playoffs, but they will provide good entertainement. The 2nd or 3rd year of Demidov playing in the NHL should be the year that the CH competes during the playoffs... which is 3 years from now. Hockey Junkie will have entertained us a lot by then. All of Bergevin bad contracts will have ended.

[@melleblanc971]

By the end of next week, Laine is a Hab!! Dvorak, Baron and a pick the other way.

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

No

[@mikebishop4430]

I like who you're trading but don't want Liane.

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

@@mikebishop4430 me too

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

​@@mikebishop4430who do you want then?

[@JudyPitcher]

We would have finished better if we could have won even half of those one goal games we lost last season.

[@jajakengang277]

I dont think we will be higher in the standing especially when u consider that team lower then us in the standings( Anaheim, Chicago) enhance their core

[@Jim-cz6om]

I still think they're going to trade Dvorak and / or Anderson. Unfortunately, Gallagher still has time on his contract, but he would do the team a favour by retiring.

[@HabsandExposFan]

Ghallager has amonsgt the best underlying numbers of all our players, and was one of our top 5 players down the stretch last season when he finally had a line that clicked, he was back buzzing at a 50++ point clip. He still has a LOT in him, and we are in a great cap position, so his cap is the last of my worries. Much prefer rid of Dvo and Andy as you mention.

[@mikebishop4430]

Feel bad for RHP but he's a fringe player at best and shouldn't be taking up a spot for Roy or one of our others futures. I'm thinking if we can cut down on the injuries then maybe 20th or 21st. Goìng to be interesting to see how Monty and Primeau do this season and if Slafkovsky can maintain a good pace. And please for the love of God trade Barron for anything !

[@samuel_338]

Why not trade Harris instead

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

harris instead hes also bad

[@xLiQUiDFUSiONx]

Hot take.. we win the cup if we didn’t trade kovalchuk away 😢

[@martinlatour9311]

If we had a healthy Dach last year we easily would have been in the wildcard race. People who think we're still gonna have to tank for 2-3 years are fucking delusional. Rebuilds shouldn't take 6-7 years that is ridiculous. Honestly if we're bottom 10 again this year I'm gonna be a bit disappointed. Also, enough with picks. Time to start building a team. I feel like fans have been understanding and patient so far but if we're shit again this year people will start whining and I won't blame them.

[@mikeolmstead340]

Every one of your videos is miles ahead of most of that garbage Habs groups on Facebook. I love sharing the videos, have you thought about updating your page with some videos. Maybe your Montreal trip As A try.

[@theamazingg3773]

Cup champs next 7 years

[@robrick9361]

10 consecutive President trophies and Stanley Cups while the Maple Leafs go bankrupt.

[@djeemy]

Jake Allen is gone That is why we going to have a better season Go Monty!

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

with bad contract like anderson gally and someone eles ok we see abt that

[@habssteelers]

tired of losing and the rebuild, lets win some fucking games

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

paitent bro were ginna be good in 2 years

[@Jaspberryram12]

Canadians should move to quebec city

[@Veopoz]

Retired??

[@chrisbelos2834]

habs will end bottom 5 unless Mailloux and Hutson change the defence big time. nothing else.

[@Grandpajunk-nr2st]

Not Bin Laden💀

[@TheScotian82]

Hopefully other GMs are taking notes..

[@thathabsfan1431]

Amazing video as always Junkie! I do think the Habs are going to hold off from acquiring another top 6 forward to allow some of the players from Laval to earn that sort of role this season even if not right away, another high draft choice would just make us so nasty lol and I hope that NEXT summer Montreal could entice a big name free agent for a couple year contract🤞(I'm talking about YOU Brock Nelson I know you in here) Also if you guys would be so awesome as to check out a hockey podcast I just started from a buddy in Sweden on the Channel @RedhawksReport we go over Sweden vs North America regarding style and player development as well as covering a good few of Montreal's prospects it would be super appreciated. Link in reply

[@thathabsfan1431]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYqwfnyip7Jpi6ssi=iqPfSiFtMEL5TeFG

[@frostygear9239]

Their big red flag is still goaltending.

[@jordanstreib3898]

This rebuild as well as Buffalo and Ottawa is taking forever

[@samuel_338]

Have to run down some horrible contracts

[@ibelieveinsomething3895]

Buffalo got their Stanley cup stolen

[@TomCrouchman.]

84pts this year. if Hutson starts in the AHL. 93 points if he starts in the NHL. So probably no playoffs but we could be close

[@FishGalleon]

Injuries Injuries Injuries

[@User87l5e]

Its always next year next year next year with yall

[@samsav0434]

We are rebuilding not trying to win a cup did you watch the video😂

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

Ha the Leafs say that you goof

[@grandpuba3831]

You a sick puppy...trying to goad the Habs faithful... shame on you....

[@wookiee420]

Habs will finish 22nd

[@dadaustin4570]

Perpetual rebuilds w Russian and French plyrs

[@jlalonde1000]

Still to small that's why injuries happen big harder to injury normally

[@samkoivu]

Florida was the 7th smallest team in the league so throw out the window

[@rdspencer147]

Bro look at their team are you blind? Clearly you are because the team they have can and will win the cup but their missing one thing, belief and their belief is crushed because of people like you and everyone else that judges them.

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

why are you being mean?

[@rdspencer147]

@@JeanJames-ff3wx I’m not I just hate it when people discredit the already existing team, if they got their heads out of their ass they could win a cup easy.

[@JudyPitcher]

We would have finished better if we could have won even half of those one goal games we lost last season.