The Montreal Canadiens enter a key season for their development. But can they demonstrate the patience required to take the next step?
The Montreal Canadiens enter a key season for their development. But can they demonstrate the patience required to take the next step?
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Last season: 68 points with a record of 31-45-6, eighth in the Atlantic division, 28th in NHL standings, missed the playoffs.
This season: eighth in the Atlantic division
Keys to the Season
1. Suzuki and Caufield emerge as true top line NHL'ers
Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are unquestionably the top offensive players on the Canadiens and will be relied on to take another step forward. Suzuki must demonstrate that he can be a point-a-game forward to take a place among the league's top-tier talent. Caufield must follow through on his 40-plus goal pace for a full 82 games this season.
2. Alex Newhook becomes Kirby Dach 2.0
Much has been made of the success of Marty St. Louis' work with Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach. St. Louis' next project is Alex Newhook, who underachieved in Colorado with two 30-point seasons after being selected by the Avalanche in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Newhook will start the season on the second line, but his speed on the wing may push him up to become the missing link of the Canadiens top trio.
3. Juraj Slafkovsky becomes an impactful top-six forward
After being selected as a controversial first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, expectations were set high for Juraj Slafkovsky entering his rookie season. Slafkovsky's difficulties adapting to the NHL were obvious, struggling to mentally and physically keep up with the pace of the NHL, recording just 10 points in 39 games. After a much publicized off-season training regime, it will be up to Slafkovsky to show that he can be a bonafide top six player this season.
Most-likely Scenario
If they can stay healthy, the Canadiens will benefit from having a legitimate NHL roster throughout the season. While they do not have the firepower to compete with the contenders of the league, a modest improvement in the power play can help them earn a few more wins. The young core of players on offense and defense will take another step forward this season to provide a glimpse of what Canadiens fans can expect in the coming seasons.
Worst-case Scenario
It is crucial that the roster transformation continues, moving out veterans and spare parts while adding to the Canadiens asset stockpile. Injuries to key players, targeted for trade prior to the deadline will derail that plan.
Atlantic Division Projections
8. Montreal Canadiens
Click the links for projections of other teams in the Atlantic division.
2023-24 Rankings calculated by KEVIN, a predictive learning model created by Rachel Doerrie.
