How the Montreal Canadiens Can Fix the Powerplay for Next Season

One could argue that if the Montreal Canadiens had a powerplay that was the slightest bit average, they probably would have made the playoffs. What went wrong and how could it be improved?

The Montreal Canadiens powerplay finished 31st overall in the NHL, and for a team that spent the majority of the season trying to maintain a wildcard spot, this was simply unacceptable. On some nights, the powerplay struggled so badly that it killed the Habs momentum.

Nearing the end of the season, the Habs deadline acquisition, Jordan Weal, was added to the powerplay unit. This added some much-needed play-making. The coaching staff also opted to place Joel Armia in the middle slot in front of the net, something they tried earlier in the season but had no success but on their second attempt, there were signs of an effective system, but at this point, it was too late.

The solution to the Habs powerplay can be solved both from within the organization, through trades or even free agency. This would allow the organization to add either short-term and/or long-term solutions.

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Looking to Free Agency

In terms of free agent signings, there are the obvious candidates such as pending UFA’s Artemi Panarin and Matt Duchene and with the Columbus Blue Jackets recently being eliminated in the second round of the NHL playoffs by the Boston Bruins, both of these player time with the Blue Jackets may have come to a close. It is highly unlikely that Artemi Panarin signs with the Montreal Canadiens on July 1st as it has been known that both the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers are in on him.

Matt Duchene could be the likeliest target for the Canadiens, especially considering the fact they had interest in him before the trade deadline. Signing Duchene would allow Max Domi to move to the wing if necessary as well as give Jesperi Kotkaniemi more time to develop into a first-line centre. Duchene is coming off of a 70-point season in 73 games as well as 10 points in 10 playoff games. The price for either of these two players would be steep, but the Habs have the cap space. Either one of the two would drastically improve the Habs powerplay if executed correctly.

Building from Within?

The Habs prospects can also be a solution to the team’s lacklustre powerplay, but it may take a full season for players like Nick Suzuki, Ryan Poehling or even Josh Brook to start making a difference. This process may be sped up with how well Suzuki has been playing for the Guelph Storm in the OHL playoffs. He would add some creativity and energy to an otherwise dull powerplay.

One of the most recent signings the Habs made could prove beneficial down the road. Recently, the Habs signed 22-year old Finnish defenceman Otto Leskinen to a two-year, entry-level contract. However, just like the previously mentioned prospects, it may be a while until Leskonen is ready to make that kind of impact.

Trades, Trades, Trades

Marc Bergevin could always opt to go for the trade route which seems very likely. No one really knows if Marc Bergevin is in on a trade until it actually happens. The organization is very secretive this way so it is hard to tell whether or not a trade or two would be the way the Habs powerplay improves.

By improving the powerplay through a trade, the Habs may be able to solve two issues at once. The team was in a desperate need for a left-handed puck-moving defenseman and getting a player like that would both improve the defense as well as the powerplay by giving Shea Weber a reliable partner.

If the Habs were to go this route, a player they may look to acquire could be Hampus Lindholm of the Anaheim Ducks. The 25-year old could be a perfect fit next to Shea Weber or even Jeff Petry and would allow Victor Mete to be moved to the second powerplay unit so that each unit has an element of speed on the blue line.

Was Coaching the Problem?

Throughout the course of the season, many fans blamed the lack of success on the powerplay on Associate Coach Kirk Muller. While it makes sense to blame him, he was not given much to work with. The majority of the players on the Habs do not have a player whose mentality is to shoot first. The team consists of playmakers looking to set up a finisher, something the team lacks. If the Habs plan on competing next season for a playoff spot, one of Marc Bergevin’s top priorities should be to acquire such a player.

Kirk Muller’s job should remain secure for the time being, but if the Montreal Canadiens go into with new pieces whether they’re from within or through trades and free agent signings, it may be time to consider a coaching change.