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

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OW: I’m on Team Nikita Scherbak for this one. The skilled forward has put up points at every level he’s played at, and although he had a few sputters in the AHL, he proved this past season that he’s ready to fill into a higher role. Scherbak is nearly a lock to make the team in my opinion, but it’ll most likely start on the third line with the number of wingers on the roster as it is.

That may hurt his point production at 5v5. However, Scherbak has the skill to set up linemates as well which could see him contribute offensively if he starts on a line with say Tomas Plekanec and Paul Byron.

I think the 22-year-old will have the biggest impact on the power play. There’s an open spot on the top unit with the Alex Galchenyuk departure, and if it’s not Lehkonen fills it, he should get minutes on the second unit. Moments like the power play is when Scherbak will be able to use his tools to the fullest. Not only does he have a great shot, but he has quick hands to get things going that could lead to scoring chances.

There’s no reason why Scherbak shouldn’t be able to score at least ten goals this upcoming season, maybe even 15 if he’s able to click with his linemates on the man advantage. But if he continues on the path he laid out for himself in the latter half of the year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him surpass that.