As the Montreal Canadiens prepare for the upcoming season, the anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike. Several experts weigh in on crucial questions that could define the team’s performance this year.
Will the Canadiens Make the Playoffs?
The Canadiens’ playoff chances are a hot topic among analysts. Predictions range significantly:
- Mathias Brunet: Yes, they will finish in the top three of the Atlantic Division.
- Katherine Harvey-Pinard: Yes, missing the playoffs would be considered a failure. They are on track for the second round.
- Richard Labbé: No, the center line is likely to hinder the team’s success.
- Guillaume Lefrançois: No, inexperience and defensive losses are likely to impact their overall performance negatively.
- Simon-Olivier Lorange: No, last season’s success is not likely to repeat due to lingering uncertainties in key positions.
- Alexandre Pratt: Yes, the additions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, along with a full season of Ivan Demidov, will help, but issues at the second-line center position remain critical.
Who Will Cause the Biggest Surprise?
Experts have differing opinions on which player may emerge unexpectedly this season:
- Mathias Brunet: Kent Hughes could surprise everyone by acquiring Sidney Crosby.
- Katherine Harvey-Pinard: Lane Hutson will shine, potentially winning his first Norris Trophy.
- Richard Labbé: Zachary Bolduc is projected to score 30 goals.
- Guillaume Lefrançois: Noah Dobson’s transition from the Islanders will take time.
- Simon-Olivier Lorange: Ivan Demidov will face challenges adjusting to the NHL.
- Alexandre Pratt: Samuel Montembeault may elevate his game to become a key player for Canada in the upcoming Olympics.
Kirby Dach’s Positioning: Where Will He be in April?
Analysts question if Kirby Dach will still be the second-line center by the season’s end:
- Mathias Brunet: No, he will move to the third line alongside Alex Newhook.
- Katherine Harvey-Pinard: No, there seems to be a mismatch between Dach and the team.
- Richard Labbé: No, his initial placement will shift as the season progresses.
- Guillaume Lefrançois: No, a trade involving Dach before April seems likely.
- Simon-Olivier Lorange: No, retaining him as the second-line center indicates a lack of better options.
- Alexandre Pratt: No, a stronger option is necessary for playoff success.
Lane Hutson’s Expected Point Tally
Another vital question is about Lane Hutson’s point production:
- Mathias Brunet: He’s expected to produce 70 to 75 points.
- Katherine Harvey-Pinard: Aiming for 90 points, Hutson is anticipated to excel in his second year.
- Richard Labbé: Projected at 55 points, slightly down from last season.
- Guillaume Lefrançois: He should achieve 70, benefiting from power-play opportunities.
- Simon-Olivier Lorange: Expecting 55 points due to increased defensive responsibilities.
- Alexandre Pratt: Forecasting 55 points, with power-play time distributed more evenly.
Among Young Players, Who Will Stand Out?
The young talent within the Canadiens is set to make waves this season:
- Mathias Brunet: Zachary Bolduc is poised to score 25 goals and challenge prominent players on the roster.
- Katherine Harvey-Pinard: Bolduc will quickly integrate and become vital for team success.
- Richard Labbé: Owen Beck is seen as a player the team is ready to invest in.
- Guillaume Lefrançois: Bolduc, paired with Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki, should find success.
- Simon-Olivier Lorange: Beck could fill a natural role on the fourth line, particularly if Jake Evans is successful.
- Alexandre Pratt: Oliver Kapanen could earn significant playing time if his solid training camp performance continues.
Who Will Be the First Player to be Traded?
As the trade deadline looms, speculation arises about potential trades:
- Mathias Brunet: A first-round pick in 2026 may be dealt before the trade deadline.
- Katherine Harvey-Pinard: Alex Newhook may face a trade unless he becomes crucial to the team.
- Richard Labbé: Mike Matheson is likely to be in demand as the deadline approaches.
- Guillaume Lefrançois: Jayden Struble begins as a seventh defenseman but could move if a need arises within the team’s defense.
- Simon-Olivier Lorange: A defenseman may be traded if reinforcements are secured for the center positions.
- Alexandre Pratt: A second-round pick from Columbus received in the Patrik Laine trade may be dealt as well.
As the Canadiens gear up for the season, these questions will continue to shape discussions among fans and experts alike.
