Montreal Canadiens players share final thoughts and decision in exit interviews

The Montreal Canadiens stepped in front of the mics for the last time this season as they held their exit interviews at the Bell Centre.

It’s always too early to say goodbye and see you later, but that was what the Montreal Canadiens faced Tuesday morning. Their season is over, and the players congregated in the locker room to hold their exit interviews for the year.

The first quote to come out of the Montreal Canadiens was from Jeff Petry saying the team has a good group of players talented young people. In the past, a line like that would’ve been followed with groans and eye rolls, but the Habs proved they were just that regardless of where they finished in the standings. However, not making the playoffs always stings.

What was and will continue to be discussed from the Habs this season is the powerplay. The team has had man advantage issues in the past, but it was at a different level this year. Montreal would go through long stretches without getting anything done making their scoring at 5v5 that more important. Coincidently, when the Montreal Canadiens were shut down when things were evened out, their offence was completely shot.

At a point, it was more than who lined up where and who did what. The Habs got in their own heads more often than not, and it led to a very underwhelming powerplay.

That’s likely something that gets addressed in some capacity over the offseason as the Habs may have added a few extra points if they were able to click.

Going or Staying?

With a year without the playoffs, the World Hockey Championships are going to be brought up. Petry was invited to play by Team USA but turned down the opportunity choosing to stay at home with two young kids and a third on the way.

Price is taking the same approach, forgoing his invitation to play for Team Canada.

The same won’t be said for Tomas Tatar who confirmed that he would be going for Team Slovakia. It seems to be an easy decision for him considering the tournament is set to take place in Slovakia this year. This marks Tatar’s fourth appearance at the Championships lacing up in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Out of all the stints, his run in 2014 was the most impressive as he put up four goals and four assists in seven games.

Victor Mete commented little on the likelihood of playing for Team Canada as he hasn’t been asked, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the young defenceman head out if called upon.

Sticking with the mantra of rest and health, Weber told media he would not be participating at the Worlds. Weber hasn’t done so since the summer of 2012 when he had 12 points in nine games but given his calendar year, taking time off is the better option.

Paul Byron declined his offer to go as well. Byron, who is usually a healthy name on the Montreal Canadiens, ran into a number of things that took him out of the lineup. Aside from the injuries, he also served a three-game suspension for his hit on MacKenzie Weegar which set the league on fire, including the aftermath.

Andrew Shaw had a bounce-back season in every aspect of the game. Team Canada has contacted him about participating, but he’s holding off on giving an answer as he’d like to speak with team doctors first. Health has been an issue for Shaw, and it may be a better option for him to rest this summer even though he wants to play.

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Jesperi Kotkaniemi is on the fence as well after being invited by Team Finland. The 2018 third-overall pick has played a lot of hockey dating back to last summer at the U20s to the Rookie Tournament, to preseason and his eventual NHL debut. His game began to falter down the stretch and Julien held fatigue as the culprit.

Take a summer off wouldn’t be the worst idea for the 18-year-old, especially as he’ll be expected to build off the season he had this year. Though another stint playing with Kaapo Kakko would be interesting, especially if (emphasis on if) the Montreal Canadiens get lucky at the 2019 NHL Draft Lottery.

To not much of a surprise, Brendan Gallagher isn’t taking part. Gallagher had a career year hitting 30 goals for the second season in a row including his first NHL hat-trick. But his type of play comes with a price, especially in front of the net, and resting up in the summer will be a luxury for Gallagher.

Talk about a successful year when the Montreal Canadiens have nine players invited to go.

On a more sombre note, there could be some possible goodbyes with Nate Thompson and Jordie Benn. Thompson said he believed management was happy with what he brought to the ice after the trade deadline would be happy to resign. Benn mirrored that sentiment saying he would love to return to Montreal. Whether that happens or not will be a deep conversation, especially with the number of young talent who could push their way through.

Of all the things to say, Petry’s season reflection stood out the most.

He’s absolutely right. Projections had the Montreal Canadiens not able to win games, score goals, and see their summer additions not have as big as an impact as expected. That was all wrong. The Habs were one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference all season, and a lot of the success came with their ability to score goals via the contributions of Tatar and Max Domi.

Another key line from Gallagher had him say this season showed a lot of people what the city and its fans are capable of. Think to how loud the Bell Centre was when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning. Montreal is dying to get into the playoffs, and the players are going to channel that desire and drive and hopefully get there next season.

Reflection isn’t only about thinking but acting. The Montreal Canadiens will have a lot to think about this summer, and it’ll be interesting to see what they can do to have a better performance next year.