Montreal Canadiens: The end of one thing and the beginning of another

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 7: Carey Price
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 7: Carey Price

The Montreal Canadiens played their final game of the 2017/18 season losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the fun is about to begin.

Raise your hand if you were staring at the game clock in the third period agonizingly waiting for it to hit 0. Many of you probably wanted the night to last as long as possible seeing as this would be the last time any of us would see the Montreal Canadiens suit up as the Montreal Canadiens until September. There most likely was also a portion of the fanbase checking the score of that game and others around the league to see where the Habs would finish in the standings.

Either way, there’s one solid truth now, the Montreal Canadiens season is over. Not metaphorically, it’s done. Max Pacioretty scored the opening goal against the Buffalo Sabres on October 5th, and Jeff Petry scored the team’s last in Toronto.

It’s tough not having your team in the playoffs as competitive hockey is a lot of fun to watch. But let me assure you, the fun is about to begin organizationally. There are so many possibilities coming for the Montreal Canadiens this offseason that start with the draft lottery and end with free agency.

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The team’s odds are locked in at 9.5% which doesn’t generate a lot of confidence in a victory. However, it is something. Once that goes by the Habs will have ten chances to strike NHL gold at the draft in Dallas, all of which come in the first five rounds.

Trevor Timmins and the rest of the scouting staff must’ve been putting in their best shifts around rinks once the Trade Deadline passed seeing as the Montreal Canadiens have a prime opportunity to add a significant amount of talent this year.

Then it’s the glory day of all glory days, but the glory isn’t a guarantee. Free agency has the big name in John Tavares, but there are others who could join the fold if they choose to. Marc Bergevin has a lot of cap space at his disposal, and sometimes, money talks.

Strap in Montreal Canadiens fans, because the real thrill is just getting started.

Next: Was This the Plan for Alex Galchenyu

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