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Montreal Canadiens TPT: 2017-2018 Season Projections

By Omar L

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 20: General view of the Bell Centre prior to Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre on April 20, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 20: General view of the Bell Centre prior to Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre on April 20, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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For the first Twitter Poll Thursday, fans of the Montreal Canadiens voted on where they think the team will finish next season.

This week’s Twitter Poll was about where the Montreal Canadiens will finish next season.

The 2016-2017 Habs finished first in the Atlantic Division. One thing all fans can agree on is that the Canadiens are a playoff team. From the poll, most Habs fans think the team will finish second or third spot in the division.

When looking at the projected roster for next season, one major difference is on the blue-line. There appears to be a push for purely defensive d-men on the Habs, save for Shea Weber. Karl Alzner and David Schlemko will mainly be looked upon to keep the puck out of their own net instead of putting up points.

Additionally, the Canadiens still do not have a true number one centre yet. The hopes are still high that Alex Galchenyuk can become that, but perhaps management has given up on that. The Habs could revisit the possibility of bringing in Matt Duchene if they’re still interested. Of course that all depends on whether the Price is right (punch-line drum).

Fortunately the lack of a number one hasn’t hurt the regular season success of the Canadiens. Jonathan Drouin will be looked on to be one if not the best player on the team. The points will come Montreal’s way if he can become that.

Where the team finishes next season will depend on two things. Firstly, the health of the main roster, specifically Carey Price, and the state of the division. Some of the strong Atlantic teams were hit with injuries last season and may not be as unfortunate in the upcoming year. For that reason, the Habs have to give their A-game every night in order to finish as high as they did.

Next: Free Agent Signings: Joe Morrow

Where do you think the Habs will finish next season? Will the more defensive-minded blue-line improve the team? Has management given up on Galchenyuk being a centre? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!

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