Will Galchenyuk Ever Become A First Line Centre?
Back in June of 2012, Canadiens fans had good reason to be optimistic. After so many years of lacking that big, talented centre, the Canadiens had drafted Alex Galchenyuk third overall in the NHL Entry Draft. It looked like the Habs finally had that number one centre they needed to compete for the coveted Stanley Cup. Galchenyuk seemed to have that blend of top skill and good size and skating ability which define quality NHL centres. The future was bright for the Canadiens.
Fast-track two and a half years. The Canadiens top line pivot is still David Desharnais. Against all logic, Desharnais still earns the most power play minutes and offensive zone starts than the other centres on the team. Even more questionable, Galchenyuk – the consensus future superstar centre – is playing as a second line winger. After making the team in his draft year (albeit in a lockout-shortened season), instead of starting his NHL career as a centre, the organization saw fit to bring him along slowly and learn the game as a winger. It seemed a sound strategy at the time, and there was not too much criticism of the move. Tyler Seguin demonstrates a good precedent for this kind of strategy. We all figured Chucky would eventually start playing centre.
Oct 21, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) before the game against Detroit Red Wings at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
It has been two seasons, and apart from a few exhibition games, Galchenyuk hasn’t really been given the chance to grow as a centre. It makes you wonder if he ever will. What is preventing the team from giving Chucky that chance? For one thing, the Habs have depth at the position. Their more experienced pivots have managed to stay healthy enough that there were simply no openings at centre ice. We are also told that the centre ice position carries with it many responsibilities which take time to learn, particularly defensive play.
While these have served as valid arguments not to play Galchenyuk at centre in the past, they are beginning to wear thin. The Canadiens can no longer claim that Galchenyuk is not ready for the defensive responsibilities of the position – not when David Desharnais clearly can’t handle them either. Being a top centre requires some consistent scoring as well, and here again, Chucky has Davey beat. In 29 games, Galchenyuk has 18 points to Desharnais’ 15. One can argue that it is also easier to pick up so many assists (13 for Desharnais) when Max Pacioretty is your line-mate. Maybe it’s time to see if someone else can thrive in that situation.
The argument that there is simply no room in the line-up is no longer valid as of this past weekend. Lars Eller was injured early in the game against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 5th. He did not return to the game, and was made an injured scratch to the line-up on the following night against the Stars in Dallas. This was the opportunity to give Galchenyuk another look at the centre position in Eller’s place. Instead, the Canadiens called up Sven Andrighetto, a winger, from the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs and made him the third line centre. Galchenyuk remained at left wing. This was the opportunity to start developing Chucky as a pivot, and they chose an AHL winger for the job instead? What was the logic in that decision?
Oct 30, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) skates with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won in overtime 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
I am not proposing that Galchenyuk become the undisputed number one centre overnight, but it would probably be a good idea to start giving him some experience at the position. Of course, like any young NHL player, he will make mistakes. Price made mistakes when he started out in the league. Detractors were always quick to point out Subban’s mistakes when he started out (and many still do). They still grew into elite NHL players. Galchenyuk can become an elite NHL centre, but without actually playing at the position, he can only ever become a great winger. Time is running out for him to develop into the position. With Eller out, the Habs coaching staff have the perfect opportunity to ease him into the role as a third-liner without putting too much pressure on the kid. It’s time to make some line-up changes. If Canadiens management is serious about Galchenyuk being the future number one centre, here is their chance to prove it.