Montreal Canadiens: Building a Stanley Cup contender the right way

The 2018 NHL Draft Combine is over and thanks to uplifting words from Trevor Timmins, it sounds like the Montreal Canadiens are committed to a proper build.

Trades and free agents are a good way to build a team, but the top forces in the NHL were created from drafting and developing. The Vegas Golden Knights are an obvious outlier. But teams such as the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Nashville Predators have a core build around homegrown talent. For the Montreal Canadiens to have the same success down the line, they must follow suit.

The team has great players already in the organization that have produced. Brendan Gallagher, Alex Galchenyuk, and Victor Mete look to be part of the core Marc Bergevin is trying to solidify. This year’s draft is a good opportunity to add to that for the future.

Thanks to the team’s new transparency movement with the fans, it’s starting to look like that management is taking that seriously.

Trevor Timmins met with media after the NHL Draft Combine and shared some of the thought processes ahead of the event in Dallas. Besides the already mentioned criteria in focusing on speed, skill, and character, the Montreal Canadiens are taking self-confidence into account.

The mental aspect of the game is very underrated. On more than one occasion, won’t be able to live up to their potential because of that confidence factor. Sometimes it takes a new environment to change that or for the player to find something within themselves. Seeing the Habs be more proactive on this front is another positive sign.

However, the big punchline of Timmins’ scrum was something all teams say at some point.

"We’re not looking for a quick fix. We’re looking for players that will help build this franchise into an annual contender, not just the playoffs, but to contend for the Stanley Cup."

A very cliched quote, but it does have some weight behind it. Montreal is often seen as a market that can’t handle poor seasons well. That’s been at the crux of a lot of anti-rebuild arguments. It links back to what Alex Kovalev said was the organizational issue with the Montreal Canadiens.

But taking time to add more talent through the draft and developing them properly is the best way to go.

The Montreal Canadiens Build

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Timmins’ quote could also point to how the 2018-19 season will go. If this appreciation and belief in the process are spread throughout the whole organization, then there may not be too much pressure on Bergevin to get the team into the playoffs. In fact, many may accept another year without the post-season.

That could have a season with young players on the team getting increased roles. Nikita Scherbak and Noah Juulsen come to mind here. At the same time, there should be a lot of interest in what happens with the Laval Rocket. They’re set to have an influx of talent next season led by new head coach Jöel Bouchard.

However, based on what Timmins said, I think it’s safe to say they will be brought up once they’re ready to contribute on a regular basis.

"What’s most important to us, the Montreal Canadiens, is what these players that we select are going to do for our team not just next year, but in the years to come, when they’re fully mature and able to lead the Montreal Canadiens."

“Fully mature” is what stands out. Could this hint that the Habs are going to start letting players overripe in the minors? Who knows but again it wouldn’t be the worst idea. History shows that yo-yo-ing a player hurts more than it helps. Additionally, leaving someone in the AHL until they’re too good for it will not only grow confidence, at the expense of some frustration, but allow them to start at a runner’s pace.

Optimism

There is a reason for Habs fans to look forward to this draft. The Montreal Canadiens truly look focused and committed to doing their due diligence to the organization. Bergevin’s plans are continuing to unfold before our very eyes, and the draft will be one of the many grand finales.

The mysterious element of it all warrants excitement for sure, and some of those frequently asked questions won’t be answered until the draft floor. Filip Zadina or Jesperi Kotkaniemi? Keep the third-overall pick or move it in some capacity? What impact will those four second-rounders have?

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Only time will tell. But the NHL has proven time and time again that good things come to those who wait.