A little over two months from now we will be gearing up for the beginning of the NHL preseason. Without a doubt, countless things will change between now and then. Even more change will occur from the beginning of preseason to the actual beginning of the season. Players will be moved. Others will be cut. Surprises will happen as a young prospect blows everyone out of the water. Over the next month, I am going to give my prediction of the 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens opening night roster. I will be wrong about some things, maybe right about others. That is all part of the fun. This is more to generate discussion and enter into conversation with one another about what you may agree or disagree with. (I am firm believer that we can disagree and still be civil with one another.)
This week we are going to dive into the forward position – which is the most complicated of all three because it is so convoluted. Once the season begins, I will release an article comparing my predictions to the actual opening night roster.
First Line:
Newhook – Suzuki – Caufield
Might as well start with my wild predictions right out of the gate. Suzuki and Caufield have found success with Anderson and Dach, but it often meant that if this line wasn’t scoring, no one else was. By adding Newhook to the line, the Habs are able to spread their scoring out, plus give Newhook a chance to shine with two extremely gifted forwards. He is going to come into camp with a chip on his shoulder in order to prove that he belongs on the Habs roster. Will Newhook stay here all year? Not likely, but it may be an interesting experiment to try out on opening night. If it is successful, Martin St. Louis will run the line as long as he can.
Second Line:
Monahan – Dach – Anderson
This line is going to be a nightmare to play against. Great puck movement plus size and skill will wear down other teams. Imagine for a moment that the first line (Newhook – Suzuki – Caufield) played an excellent shift where they kept the puck in the offensive zone. The opposing team’s defense is tired, and before they can change they have to go up against this line. A strong scoring chance, and hopefully a goal, would follow. This line will also be able to transition well out of the defensive zone. Though not perfect, this one-two punch is something the Habs have been lacking over the previous years.
Third Line:
Harvey-Pinard – Dvorak – Gallagher
Should Harvey-Pinard and Gallagher (who play similar styles) be on the same line? Probably not for the whole year, but why not try it out? With Dvorak at center, they have a good defensive minded player who can attribute offensively too. If Gallagher gets pushed away from the front of the net, Harvey-Pinard will skate in and be up in the goalie’s grill to frustrate and distract. This line will not score many pretty goals. Instead, they will be dirty and hard fought. However, a goal is a goal, and that is all that matters…as long as the ref doesn’t call every one back for whatever the current interpretation of goaltender interference is.
Fourth Line:
Pezzetta – Evans – Ylonen
This fourth line could look completely different on opening night, but I believe these are the best three players who are available for this position. Evans has earned his spot in the line-up, and there is an argument that he could be the third line center. With the Habs center depth (not something I thought I’d ever say), Evans will continue on the fourth line. Pezzetta brings grit to this line and is willing to drop the gloves when needed. Ylonen is 23, and doesn’t need to spend another year in the AHL. If he is ever going to break into the big leagues, it needs to be this year. This will be his chance to do so.
Extras:
Pitlick, Farrell
It is possible one or both of these players could slot into the fourth line. For now, they will be listed as extras. Pitlick has flashes of excellence that make him a great player to have out on the ice. Farrell is my pick to truly shine in camp and earn him a look in the NHL lineup.
Traded/Bought Out:
Armia, Hoffman
Armia has two years left, Hoffman has one year left. Neither are really in high demand, but look for Kent Hughes to try to move both of them before the start of the season. If he can’t, it is possible one of them will be bought out and the other one sent to the AHL. However, I am well aware that both of these players may potentially be in the opening night roster because they are veterans. I am hoping wisdom wins out and they are off the team. Nothing against them as players. I wish them all the best. The Habs have too many forwards, and they need to allow their young players to start playing more or their development may stagnant.
AHL:
Slafkovsky
This is not a knock against Slafkovsky. He may very well play in the NHL this season, however, I believe he needs to begin in the AHL. He hasn’t played since the middle of January, and playing in the AHL will allow him to ease back into it and really allow himself to improve his game in a professional setting without the pressure of the NHL limelight, especially in Montreal. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Slafkovsky starting his season with Laval. Let him score some goals, lay out some big hits, and get his confidence built up. Once that happens, he will be a mainstay in the Habs lineup.
Well, here are my predictions. It will be interesting to see what actually happens. What do you think? Am I right? Am I wrong? What does your opening night roster look like? Stay tuned for my article about the defense and goalies at the beginning of August!