Montreal Canadiens: Expectations for Max Domi, breakout candidates, and cap space

3) Who is your breakout candidate for the 2018-19 season? 

WS: I think this is a no-brainer, Victor Mete. Mete skates as well as anyone on the Canadiens roster and has the potential to be an elite offensive blue liner. Mete skates with such ease he makes it look easy. Similar to Erik Karlsson, P.K. Subban and Drew Doughty, his feet get him out of so many tough situations in his own end. Mete will have a great opportunity with Weber out of the lineup to play some tougher minutes in the earlier part of the season. If he reaches his potential that will make the Canadiens a better team.

ZC: It’s an interesting question. You’re going to hear this a lot from me and, probably get sick of it, but this is a developmental year for Montreal. Although we might not see a ton of “breakout” players, progress is the key. I still think this signing went under the radar, but I’m very excited to see what Matthew Peca brings to the Canadiens. I think with his speed, he can really cause some havoc on teams, especially in transition from the neutral zone. Ideally, Peca can play the role of a smart third-line center, potentially flanked by Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Armia.

KC: I’m going to go with Charles Hudon. Maybe I should ask what qualifies as a breakout season because what I’m going to predict for Hudon won’t exactly get fantasy players jumping over each other like it’s Black Friday at Walmart. Hudon always had a bit of an offensive game through junior and the AHL, and has shown some skill with the big club.

I remember him being snake-bitten a bit so perhaps he’ll have a bit more luck this upcoming season. Improving on last year’s very low 5.6% shooting percentage and I’ll say we can see Hudon increasing his totals to 15 goals and 25-ish assists.