Montreal Canadiens Projected Forward Line Combinations
*Keep in mind things change if Byron/Shaw aren’t healthy enough to start the year, but all signs point towards them being healthy*
Tomas Tatar-Jonathan Drouin-Brendan Gallagher
Tatar was acquired in the Max Pacioretty trade, and he should be giving every opportunity to prove his worth in the Canadiens top-six. Like I mentioned in a prior piece, it’s likely Tatar would be placed with a playmaker, and Drouin seems like a logical fit to start. Gallagher is coming off of his first 30-goal campaign and provides great IQ and jam for this top unit.
Max Domi-Phillip Danault-Artturi Lehkonen
This unit likely adds a unique element for the coaching staff, because it does a little bit of everything. It’s unlikely Lehkonen scores on just 7% of his shots again this year, and you’ll likely find him much closer to his 11% from his rookie campaign. Domi will be looking to make an immediate impact in a Canadiens sweater, and it will be interesting to see if playing in one of hockey’s best markets helps him thrive like his Father.
Paul Byron-Matthew Peca-Nikita Scherbak
Byron was able to score 20-goals for the second consecutive season and ultimately has earned his role after being a waiver claim from Calgary three seasons ago. Peca will be someone who I’ll be keeping a close eye on. He could potentially be a very good under the radar signing. You can argue that Hudon deserves a spot here, but I really like Scherbak in that role, and think he has more potential in the grand scheme of things.
Andrew Shaw-Tomas Plekanec-Joel Armia
After being dealt to the Leafs last season, it always seemed like a foregone conclusion that Plekanec would find himself back in Montreal as a free agent. With his durability and veteran presence, it’s hard to view this as a bad move for a young Canadiens team.
Extra: Charles Hudon
Do I think Hudon deserves a spot in the top-12? Yes. Do I think he could potentially be the odd man out to start the year? Also yes. A lot will depend on the health of Byron and Shaw, but with the amount of NHL bodies the Canadiens currently have, there will be a lot of competition for what’s likely to be just two spots up front.
Left out: Nicholas Deslauriers, Jacob De la Rose, Byron Froese, Hunter Shinkaruk