Will the Canadiens Be Better Than Expected This Season?

[@davidsam445]

RIP, im watching this video after the Laine injury.

[@rodsmyth]

Habs fan for over 60 years. As long as they keep improving I am happy. Hope they surprise a few people including me!

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

Yes, if they stay healthy ! And even then..that depth is starting to show up ! Honestly, in the last 20 years i've follow them, it's the first time I see 2 potential 1st line in Montréal and that level of depth in defense is crazy ! Also the Atlantic is a pretty good division, but with very unstable teams and situation. Last year, Montréal started great but the injuries stop their progress...honestly this year, I think it won't happen again with that depth ! Also, 2 good young goalie in net, they are underrated !!

[@electrohouselover07]

DUDE Don't jinx us! Oh! Hockey Gods, he didn't mean it. You can easily send the entire team to the medical room again. Ohh! Hockey Gods, please forgive us, for we are mere fans and cannot control ourselves.

[@patrickgoulet8170]

If Montreal has two first lines the jets must have like 5 or 6 by comparison lmao

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

@@patrickgoulet8170 im looking at that roster..no not really loll

[@damathor9493]

I agree with you. Last year, Montreal had started great before all the injuries and they were in a position to fight for a Wildcard spot. I can see Montreal fighting for that spot again this year, but they have to stay healthy. I'm not saying that they will make it to the playoffs this year, but I think they will be fighting for a potential spot.

[@0racle999]

​@@electrohouselover07 PTSD they call it... I got it too 😢😂

[@guitar10masta]

I like most of your points. I believe their success relies on the natural progression of their young players, and Dach and Laine living up to their expectations. Did Detroit get better this season though? On paper I still like MTL’s Defence and goalies better than Detroit. MTL’s top 6 are gonna be fun to watch this year. Who knows maybe that youngster Mario Armia will surprise everyone.

[@guitar10masta]

I think they make the playoffs. But it’s gonna be close

[@thomasdessureault9838]

@@guitar10masta our best young prospect

[@matthewerskine918]

Future 100 point scorer ez​@@thomasdessureault9838

[@lankancheetah]

The Atlantic Division of Death.

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

The overrated Atlantic division of death...most of the team are unstable and have problems to solve. Some giants will fall this year !

[@laurent29093]

@@jean-philippedoyon9904 Boston without Swayman for example?

[@renlessard]

Fair analysis. Not yet a playoff team but they will be fun to watch

[@Le_Chapardeur]

Savard is a keeper, not only is he a veteran, he is a general going to war on the ice and a gem of a human being off the ice. Just go listen how Marty St- Louis speaks of him I would be shock and very disappointed if they trade him this season.

[@m4t67u]

Teams will be looking to trade for him at the deadline. He is the D you need in playoff games.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@m4t67u if we can get a 1st, he'll be dealt.

[@m4t67u]

@@doaftheloaf I might be of the opinion to keep him if we are in the mix for a playoff spot. It would increase his value depending on our standings

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

There are no weak teams in the Atlantic this season. Might be the strongest division in NHL history.

[@Brendajanephillips514]

I agree. As a diehard biased Habs fan. I'll be honest. I think all of Montreal Ottawa Detroit and Buffalo are good enough to regularly be wild card teams. That being said, they are all in the same position and division. I can see the Habs doing the best or worst out of the 4. And same for the rest. Do I think we WILL make the playoffs? No. Do I think we are READY and GOOD enough to make the playoffs? Yes

[@patrickgoulet8170]

Were making excuses already for when the season goes bad I guess

[@setheubank314]

😂I'm sorry the Sens, Habs and Sabers all rival the likes of the Kracken, Wild, Philly and the Ducks. This is funny.

[@BEYONDYOURIQ]

They will be better than Tranna

[@timburr4453]

Sabres and Habs are both meh, far from strongest. Lightning will take a step back...but Buffalo and Montreal are not making the playoffs. Sens prob wont either

[@Lapoire11]

Enweille donc toé

[@BloodRider1914]

I'm cautiously optimistic for the season. I won't be disappointed as long as there's improvement, but I look forward to hopefully the team being in the race for a wild card spot

[@KevinBrevin]

I hope deep down in my heart that the lightning and Bruins miss the playoffs and Detroit and Montreal manage to have the best year of the last 5 years for there franchises. Im not just saying that so the panthers can have an easy first round matchup but because both of those team's cores are incredible and deserve to see there talent appreciated for what it is.

[@connorkenney6938]

I feel like a lot of other markets and media are underestimating the habs and at the same time some of our fan base are over estimating. The locker room mantra this year is In The Mix. Which I feel is where they will be. Gunning for that last wild card spot. Playing meaningful hockey right up to the last week of the season.

[@depressean8295]

My optimistic habs take is that the goalie tandem is very underrated, and with how hard their top 6 is going to be to play against, their goalies are going to face fewer chances than last season. Last season the habs lost like almost 30 games by 1 goal, so they were more competitive than their record may have shown. This season I think they'll have better possession numbers because almost all of their top 6 are guys who are really hard to take the puck from, and even down the lineup, guys like Armia will win you a lot of puck battles on the boards. Their increase in possession numbers will make it easier on their defenseman and in turn, their goalies will have better years as well. The habs first line in the last like 30 games last season was also one of the best offensive lines in the NHL. If they can keep that trend going throughout a full season and can get around 60 or so goals from the 2nd line of Dach Laine and Newhook, with the improved defensive numbers, I think a lot of those games that they lost by 1, can turn. Thanks to their cap space and draft pick wealth, at the deadline, they can be aggressive if they're in a good position early, and there isn't the same pressure to make the playoffs as their is for Buffalo, Ottawa and Detroit. If they can make a move or two at the deadline, which I think is easier for them than Detroit and Ottawa, They might be able to upset some teams and make a push at a wildcard spot. Again, this is all very optimistic and not what I think will happen, but I do see an avenue for it to happen. A lot has to go right for them, but they've set themselves up for success this season for sure. Even if they sustain some injuries, I think their depth in prospects allows them to stay decently solid throughout the year. Calling up guys like Mailloux, Reinbacher, Kapanen, Beck.. won't hurt honestly.

[@patrickgoulet8170]

Or their goalies are terrible after people scout their weaknesses from last season and are out of the league at the end of the season... One or the other.

[@masonleite9504]

As a leafs fan.....yes they are underestimated, I wouldn't be completely surprised if they make the playoffs. They have consistently gotten a bit better each year and this year there is a possibility they jump. Lots of young talents bringing them up

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

@@masonleite9504 Thx for your honest analysis...it's rare from Leafs fan ! Also I think your team will be better this year, lot of interresting moves this summer !!

[@MetalCharlo]

As a Habs fan I want them above .500 but I'm not thinking about the playoffs yet tbh. I hope the Leafs can find success in the playoffs this year tho, I always have a soft spot for y'all and secretly root for them to win.

[@georgewyatt2924]

Habs fan here. I like the way the rebuild is developing. I don't see playoffs this year. 25-26 will be in the playoff hunt. 26-27 Yes. 27-28 Contender. 28-29 Stanley Cup champion.

[@razvanzamfir1545]

Pretty sure that's the year THG predicted us to be SC champions in that parody video a few months back

[@CheetahLynx]

@@razvanzamfir1545 Wait, which video? I only remember the one from years ago that had the New England Patriots winning in 2038.

[@razvanzamfir1545]

@@CheetahLynx I think it was about the Canucks winning the cup in his lifetime

[@chrisbelos2834]

Cups from 24-25 to 28-29. the new dynasty is here 😅

[@Jason-rk4nd]

Not if Ottawa has anything to say about it!

[@VictorEMusique]

The Habs lost over 30 1 goal games last year - with a bit tighter defense and maybe 15 more goals - that could mean a massive swing in the standings... Habs also lost many leads last year - if they can hold on to some of the leads .... there are some signs that they are closer than people give credit for ...

[@JD200_]

Maybe not a playoff team but expect them to contend for WC2. Essentially Detroit from last year

[@MrThecoolguy55555]

If everyone stays healthy, Laine has a great season, young guys develop, goaltending is solid, AND they get some luck then I think they can make the playoffs… for better or for worse

[@mannyoliveira776]

You could almost laugh at their team a year and half ago (by the end of the 2022/2023 season), then this happens, - trade a 1st Rd & 2nd round pick in 2023 draft for Newhook - draft Reinbacher, 6th pick overall in the 2023 draft in June 2023 - during the season, 1st overall 2022 draft pick - Slafkovsk emerges as a Top 6 forward for Mtl. - trade Monahan to Wpg for a 1st Rd pick in 2024, & a 3rd Rd in 2027 at the 2024 trade deadline. - 2022 2nd Rd pick Dman - L.Hutsn has monster rookie & sophomore yrs for Boston Uni in NCAA, & plays for the Canadiens last yr, gets 2 assists in 2 games Emerges as an instantaneous Top 4 Dman. - Meanwhile L.Maillou, 1st Rd pick of 2021, has a solid yr in AHL, emerges as a Top 4 D option for the Canadiens for the 2024/25 season. - Lock up Caufld to an 8 yr deal in June 2024. - Give long term contracts to Guhl (6 yrs), & Slafkovsk ( 8 yrs) - Draft Fwd Demidov with the 5th pick overall & Fwd M.Hage with the 21st pick overall in the 2024 entry draft - Trade Jordan Harris to CLb for Laine Quite the couple of yrs for the Habs.

[@aethernovaa]

@@mannyoliveira776 don't forget that we got monahan for future considerations

[@MrThecoolguy55555]

@@mannyoliveira776 it really is incredible how well they have seemingly done in just a few short years! I love basically every move they’ve made and every contract they’ve given out. Excited to see what happens this season!

[@ChrisDeJack]

@@aethernovaa you mean for florida or calgary first this year (2025), that a bit more than future consideration :D

[@steph1433]

I agree

[@maxrates]

I love this team

[@samarchepas]

yes IF THEY ARE HEALTHY (and yes I know I repeat myself a lot about this year to year...but the injury list has been insane since the cup run)

[@PooseUnpoos3]

Just want them to be competitive and healthy. They are a great team to watch regardless. Hardly had a boring game last season. Super excited for the Dach line and watching Hutson in the NHL! Breakout season for Slafkovsky hopefully 😎

[@raymondclouston6255]

They played more one goal win or loss games than anyone last year and 2nd place wasn’t close…that means for the vast majority of the season they were in every game mostly…one or two game breakers in the lineup like say Laine and Dach….and maybe they could have sniffed the playoffs

[@clearzyyisbad]

I really hope so. They've been my favorite team for years man

[@ZacharyPOIRIER-x8r]

I love your videos, keep it up !

[@pierrepellerin249]

I think injuries have kept Mtl below their true potential for the past 3 years. I mean they were the team with the most game lost to injury both in 21-22 (around 700) and 22-23 (over 600). and they were 11th last year. As a Habs fan, I am looking foward to Hutson with the Calder, 50 goals for Caufield, 100 pts for Suzuki and a playoff spot. :)

[@BallisticSheriff]

I sure hope so and I love that cap too.

[@Brad-z4h]

I think gallagher and anderson will have decent years not to justify their contracts but alot better than last year

[@philippebeaudet821]

Expectations are that they will be better than expectations

[@MDH2181]

Habs are looking good for the future, looking forward to watching them this season 👍

[@amsro9094]

If league parity is a real thing, then just having a better streak of luck (no major injuries) for a change will be enough to get the habs another 10-15 wins, that's a wild card spot.

[@NJDevilsF4N]

parity in the league is real but the more games played the more likely the good and bad teams are separated. 82 game season means it's pretty likely that a team can't luck their way into the playoffs. 16 wins needed to win the cup or 4 to win a series means even a decent team can sometimes get a bounce that changes the playoffs. asking for 10-15 more wins based on a good streak of luck is wild considering good teams win ~45 games a year

[@patrickgoulet8170]

@@NJDevilsF4N Montreal fans thinking "so he's saying there's a chance"

[@mavs187]

2 years, you did the best job out of anyone explaining where the excitement comes from, people are confused why habs fans are so excited and think its because we think were gonnna make the playoffs but really its 2 years when experience and young guys are there, and contracts are out

[@antonchigurh7820]

Go Canadiens! Excited for this team...

[@thedamned6248]

I think Montreal and Utah are on the same trajectory. Wouldn't be surprised if they made the playoffs. But most likely, a year or two away.

[@FalloutUrMum]

I feel like every team has improved in some way this off season, and it's likely that in the end we see teams basically have the same points standings as last year, but harder

[@tIhIngan]

Shannon mentions Kirby Dach staying healthy so often, right now Kirby Dach is on track for getting run over by the Zamboni during warm-ups of the next pre-season game.

[@jordanhogan6511]

Nothing out othe realm of possibilities Injuries happen teams get hot teams get cold. They definitely got a shot

[@NGC-7635]

The team is suprisingly dangerous. I don't think they have much hope of playoffs currently with the division they're in, but if too many opposing teams sleep on them the Habs do have a shot at it.

[@Abdelrahman678]

I am a Colorado Avalanche fan and I wish to Montreal Canadiens the best of luck

[@MetalCharlo]

I wish the Avs another cup, from a Habs fan!

[@Abdelrahman678]

@@MetalCharlo 💙❤

[@edvedder7835]

Great presentation. I think you're correct in your assessment. Lowish expectations this season. Kapanen is threatening Dvorak's position and making the team.

[@254zero]

They added Laine for free basically. They will definitely be better

[@stevenreid2571]

Buyer beware. It's definitely high risk/high reward because of the cap hit.

[@joeblow4794]

@@stevenreid2571the cap hit is irrelevant it’s only for two years and then you can sign him to a better deal … if he performs well win win

[@patrickgoulet8170]

@@joeblow4794 it's gonna be funny to see you make that argument when he hasn't scored in 10 or 20 games at a time

[@patrickgoulet8170]

Should just offer sheet swayman for like 20 million, the cap hit is irrelevant anyway

[@JediMasterZao]

@@patrickgoulet8170 But that's precisely why the cap hit doesn't matter: if he does suck then too bad so sad, he's gone in 2 years and we've got nothing else to use that cap on in the meantime as the team starts to be competitive... not to mention we have over 9M in cap space even *with* Laine's contract on the sheet.

[@French_Canadian_Pea_Soup]

This didn't aged well

[@bozo8603]

I've been saying they're better than people might be giving them credit for, but playoffs, especially in their division, aren't in the picture unless something magical happens.

[@markhodge7]

Montreal is the only magical team in the NHL. Just look at their history of pulling Cups out of a hat. Recent history shows how they can surprising show up in the finals❤

[@michaelbury1941]

If they are healthy, they will Be battling for a wildcard

[@lyallarblaster3416]

You definitely can't take them lightly.

[@wardregular5281]

I think a 10 point improvement in the standings this season is very realistic for the Habs, and I feel like that would be considered a successful campaign for them. More importantly for me as a Habs fan, I think they are going to be a lot of fun to watch, and that's what excites me most. I want my team to entertain me, bring me out of my chair, and I feel like that's exactly where we're headed. Games within the division should be great tilts this year! Go Habs Go!

[@alexschannel8636]

Everyone seems to forget: Montreal was ahead of Buffalo for like 80% of the season last year until March when the players kinda realized playoffs were def not attainable for the Habs We only finished 2 points behind Ottawa while losing all 4 games to them, which means against the rest of the league Montreal was better than Ottawa Montreal has been the most injured team in the league over the last 3 seasons and that has to stop at some point. I cannot wait for the standings to catch up with the underlying intangibles for the Habs and proving everyone wrong. Also Montreal might sneakily have one of the best goaltending tandems in the league.

[@kenevinparent2314]

Regarding your question at the end; On paper I think the analysis is spot on. But, we all know an NHL season ever unsually unfolds as it looks on papper in the summer. If the Habs are healthy and some other teams struggle with injuries, it would really only take a couple of hot streaks to make a real splash. If the Habs can steal wins from the teams ranked ahead of them, they could be a surprise. They might knock on the door of the playoffs this year.

[@AKmumu]

With the Laine injury, probably similar to last season

[@WilliamGauthierQC]

I like to think that Montreal might maybe be close to a wild card this season, if not, close

[@ratoftoska7497]

We don't have many RHD on our NHL lineup. Guhle is a LHD filling the right side for now. On our current regular roster, we only have Savard and Barron as a 6/7.

[@jayrochefort6003]

Joshua Roy is so damn underrated. He looked incredible last season in the short amount of time he played, he's a great depth player who always gives 110% effort

[@danielmontreal007]

Bet against the Habs this year at your own peril. The potential is there to shock the hockey world.

[@darcytetreault4324]

If the Canadiens stay healthy, they have a playoff-caliber forward group (bonafide top-6, and what should be a deep and effective bottom-6), defence that is young but promising, and goaltending that statistically has been amongst some of the best in the league while the team has struggled but is still being questioned in the long term. I think it is possible, but not likely, that they actually do get it together this season, and if they do, watch out, they are going to be in the hunt for a playoff spot. It is also quite possible they get hit by an injury bug, or some players take a step backwards instead of forwards (or Laine experiment doesn't work, etc.) and they fall prey to what, I agree, is the deepest division in hockey. I think for the "Prove it" teams in the Atlantic (Buffalo, Ottawa, Detroit, & Montreal), the opening 10 games are going to be crucial. Which ever of those four has the better start, is going to be the same team that by end of the year is hanging around and worrying those more established teams in the Atlantic and the East. It would not surprise me if come mid-April we see 5 teams from the Atlantic in the playoffs.

[@seannickerson5730]

With the Jeremy Swayman issue in Bean town, I could see Boston miss the play-offs. Thus making room for Detroit or Buffalo.

[@Cacuna]

The real deal is really Kapanen, I think hes the 2nd best prospect after demidov ahead of roy

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Where's Beck? Number 3 center? Likely already better than Evans.

[@raymondclouston6255]

We won’t talk about 2021 it’s not important…it maaaay be important

[@dennish.7708]

If Laine doesn’t play the best hockey of his life, being immersed in that intangible Habs’ hockey spirit, and their rich history and legacy, then there’s no hope for him. To play for the venerated Canadiens is the very pinnacle of every hockey player’s dreams.

[@colts0627]

As a Leafs fan absolutely I believe they will be . The addition of Laine is huge because I'm not going to lie I've been through addiction and mental health issues myself but it makes you stronger and more determined . Quote this one "it's never how many punches you take in life but how you take them that determines the man you are"

[@Dibzio]

I just want my Habs to make it harder for other teams to win this year. We should see some decent hockey from the team this season, but they should only be truly dangerous in another two years.

[@chrisbelos2834]

The expectations have risen since the Laine trade 100%. every habs fan is expecting the best results this roster could have. But it's just a dream. In the books for 24-25, they still have bad contracts, still have retention for Petry and Allen (4.2M total), Dvo, Armia and Evans become UFA next summer. next summer is gonna be big. I think the habs top brass are preparing for 25-26 but this year, it's the beginning of something special.

[@throckmortensnivel2850]

It will be an improvement on defence that will improve the goaltender numbers. When teams are forced to shoot from off the boards instead of in front of the net, it's much easier for goaltenders. But defence is something that takes time to learn. They have lots of good potential on defence, but it may take a couple of years to really gel. I'm hoping for big things from Slafkovsky. He improved a lot in the last half of last season, and I hope he continues on that path. I believe he has what it takes, and with luck will become one of the elite players in the league. Watching him play reminds me of Frank Mahovlich with his extra long reach. Anyhow, we'll see.

[@calbrockocat8728]

A few ifs for the Habs to be in the mix. 1- Laine pots 30 and is a positive player. 2- Dach stays healthy and is a 70 point guy.. 3. The top line scores a goal a game. The 3rd and 4th line contribute 50 goals in all. The D pots about 45 in total. Oh, and the goalies come up HUGE. Realistically, 85 points. Hopefully- knocking on the door to 100.

[@by-rc3nl]

Go Habs go, please fix the PP!

[@talonsc]

Great video (habs fan), I think best case scenario they push for 85-90 pts, my guess is around 80 range.. My hope is the young players take more steps, and the habs are a hard out for those above them.

[@FoodFollow]

I think you're bang on as usual!!

[@adamn7777]

Stars would have to align perfectly for the habs to make the playoffs but I can see them being the best non-playoff team in the division this year. Buffalo and Ottawa we're starting to see the ceilings for the cores theyre built around. Their top guys don't look like they have a ton of room left to grow and it's proving to not be enough. Detroit barely missed the playoffs last year but they got there by adding several veterans so again how much better are we expecting this team to be really? The habs will have most of their core guys in place this year. The last few years were just about gathering pieces to build a team and now other than Demidov, who's very important, they're all in the NHL together. They should improve a fair bit. I think an 86-90 point season is what we should expect from them this year so probably not in the playoffs but a significant improvement

[@TheNickAlberts]

You nailed it.

[@lovewinsall77]

Not now.

[@Ritz_Quackers]

Yeah it's looking really rough for us now. Laine was going to be really important for building on last year and taking a step forward.

[@lovewinsall77]

@@Ritz_Quackers Pre-season games are hard to justify when something like this happens. Laine, too, talked about not skating much for the last ten months. Pare deserved the attention he got, apart from the idiotic sneak attack by Xhekaj, who's gotta be better than that.

[@olivierpeartnoy]

I think that if healthy they will surprise some people. Suzuki will most likely stay around 75 points with elite defensive numbers, Caufield should bounce back after an underwhelming year coming back from injury, Slafkovsky will probably play the same way he played in the back half of last year, Dach and Laine are HUGE additions just by the nature of them being healthy, Anderson is bound to be less catastrophically bad than last year, all the young defencemen should see at least some growth and Hutson will definitely help with offensive zone possession. Matheson should play a bit less and will probably drop down in production, but he's really the only that I feel could have a substantially worse year than last year. Also I am confident Montembeault will continue to be solid in net, as will Primeau. I like the vibes around this team, and I feel like Hughes is still trying to move somebody before the season starts. The main thing, again, is the injuries. I swear to god if a key player gets injured for the whole season again I will unalive myself.

[@MrXanderii]

I agree with you Shannon. I don't think they will make the playoffs but they will improve. My concern is the habs can't seem to transition and unload Dvorak, Armia, Anderson. I love Dach and really hope he has a huge comeback season. I hate how some hab fans have already written him off. I would trade Matheson before I trade Savard. I think Hutson is ready to replace Matheson.

[@steve8803]

The were only 3 games back from .500 last year. Add a healthy Laine and Dach, who knows?

[@gillesjacques1022]

As long as they make the playoffs, anything can happen, as the teams ahead will be bashing each other to be top dog. Seen it before, teams that squeak in, become giant killers.

[@billyp8675]

The cup might be a stretch but its possible they make the playoffs. Atlantic is just nuts

[@wadeanthony8538]

..longtime Habs fan..IF..if.so many ifs..but one "if" not mentioned..Josh Anderson.what if he finally shows up..?

[@smaug1234]

As a Habs fan, I dont expect playoffs for this or next season, unless they have everything that can go right go their way and some other teams having a big down turn. That said I have no problem letting them grow. Staying healthy, and growing into some roles and they should be in more games and that is all I ask for.

[@patrickrichard5964]

There is just too many "IFs' for Montréal to be part of the PO this year. But none the less, the building blocks of the rebuild are adding up, with a very solid structure. I love how the Hughes/Gorton duo is trying to get this organization to the next level. Marty St-Louis is also great. Montréal's fans are over exited right now, but with solid arguments in their favor. Future looks bright.

[@IconZQc]

I wish we finish bottom 8 , get misa maybe but still have improvement all over the roster

[@chrisxavier3147]

I believe so, we will dominate for awhile once we get good

[@philippemichelvidori7248]

I don't know what Mtl will do this year ,but I guess improvements as far as the standings are concerned

[@timberwolf3781]

injuries are always a wildcard for any team... that aside, They will play games that matter in the spring and that makes me smile. Ultimately the playoffs are one more year away.

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

I agree with you : I expect a winning record but no playoffs, they'll be close tho but the division is still too strong. I think they'll be a strong playoff candidate in 2-3 years, when Demidov comes over, Slaf and Hutson enter their prime and we have a true top goalie, either Primeau or Fowler if Monty doesn't take another step. By that time, they should be close to a contender status

[@alexisscalabrini8753]

very good channel give him a thumb up!! please can you increase the sound quality I hardly ear you at max volume. thanks

[@markorr999]

It's going to depend on 3 things. Injuries. If the 2 top lines stay healthy the Habs have some real depth they can fill in spots on the bottom six. The second is the "unknown" factor of how the younger guys progress. And third how many tight games can Monty and Primeau steal for the extra points.

[@timothycassidy7484]

Montreal is still at least two years from making the playoffs...probably three. By then they will have offloaded their older contracts like Price Anderson and Gallagher and will be able to compete for some depth players or even a top line player to fill a hole.

[@F615yo]

As a Habs fan, I totally agree. Gallagher and Anderson (although both of them outstanding human beings, tons of leadership) are dead weight on the team. Once both these contracts leave the books, then it will be a major boost forward. Not before.

[@MetalCharlo]

Definitely not 3. 1-2 more likely.

[@tylergervais3207]

I'm on habs twitter a ton and I've never seen a single person say we have too many guys on the right side of defense. We have too many guys on the left, with Matheson Guhle Hutson Xhekaj and Struble, so I hear people wanting to sell high on Matheson...

[@eurovwdubway3739]

Just watch em

[@kevinappleman8521]

Detroit is litterally in the same place as buffalo was at the end of the 2023 season. They mirrored buffalo to a tee (hot start, slip in and out, lose top plater to injury, huge losing streak to TD, come out hot back half, miss by a point or 2. Good offense (buffalo edges out, they were 3rd in the league) not good defense (edge to detroit) suspect goalie (edge buffalo due to age)). The difference is, buffalo did it with all young players, the youngest team in the league in fact, that has a higher likelihood to grow organically to a better team, while detroit has far more veterans in important positions that mostly are who you think they are at this point, if not overvalued. Couple that with their depth on d and their goalie situation as it stands, i would say detroit is the most likely of the non-playoff atlantics to regress.

[@andrewgreen815]

Jets Fan: The Atlantic Division is the toughest in the NHL. Montreal will be more competitive this season. I am not sure if they are playoff contenders. My heart says yes, my mind doesn't think so. However, it would be a joy to see them make the post season dance, however briefly.

[@heldermoreira8554]

Hi Shannon !...

[@zors5188]

I think the predictions are fair. But I also believe in the power of fresh starts for Laine and Dach, Hutson coming in for hopefully the whole season... I dont know man, I see us being 6th somewhat without too much struggle. It will be super fun to follow tho.

[@michaelb1621]

That division is tough, can see the habs being a darkhorse if they stay healthy and get the goaltending. They lost alot of games by 1 and we're super banged up last year.

[@infinity-vm4ul]

Teams trying to break out of a rebuild in the Atlantic and Central really have it rough.

[@rbrucerye]

Scoring should be better and defense should be better. Goalie situation is still questionable

[@nickholmes5610]

If Dach and Laine hit they should be better than last season. Excited to see how Cayden Primeau plays after a strong finish last season, could see him swiping the job from Montembeault or splitting it 50/50.

[@justinwillness3162]

Maybe if they didn’t draft reinbacher and kotkaniemi they would look more of a threat

[@F615yo]

As a Habs fan, I still haven't gotten over picking Reinbacher over Michkov... I'm still pissed about that. Biggest mistake of the Hughes-Gorton era so far. Not even close.

[@justinwillness3162]

@@F615yo that's why you don't draft based on position, just draft best player available then the players you pick won't turn out as busts all the time

[@F615yo]

@@justinwillness3162 I 100% agree. They already did the mistake with Kotkaniemi... and now with Michkov. Although, 2 different GMs. I STILL can't get over Michkov...

[@savax1551]

I really really want them to jump up to be just under the playoff threshold but realistically we should finish with either 7th or 8 draft pick IMO yes we improved but we still lack experience & certain key components to be back to being contenders

[@gregbayers7214]

I think you’re right they will improve this season but look out next season they are going to probably be ahead of Boston and Tampa and depending on what the Leafs do with Marner they could be ahead of them as well

[@Veopoz]

I think if Goaltending takes a step or overplays it could be fun

[@user-xn5me8iz7c]

this team is not a playoff team yet. we are getting closer and closer every year. that progression is there every year. the future is bright and i am so excited

[@blockbusterunderground]

It's gonna boil down to injuries and if Laine can gel with the team. Goaltending is a huge question mark though.