Round Up: Ensuring a succesful offseason for the Montreal Canadiens

2) What can the Montreal Canadiens do this offseason to have it considered a success or failure?

ED: This offseason would be considered a failure if the Habs don’t address the top-four LD issue. Whether it’s a top pairing or second pairing player, it’s crucial to get at least one. Solidifying the top 4 would help them get a few extra points in the standings.

The offseason would also be a failure if they didn’t do anything to address the powerplay. Whether it’s from signings, trades or coaching changes, something needs to give.

S: This offseason is a defining one for this organization. If they are ever able to attract a big name, it would be now. I would consider this offseason a success if the team is able to add a top 4 left defenceman. That is in my eyes the most pressing need. I would absolutely love to see Montreal go after Shayne Gostisbehere whose stock has fallen a bit due to an off year.

However, I believe that he will regain his footing and produce 60 points, be defensively sound and quarterback our powerplay, all while playing first pairing minutes if he joins the team.

Adding a top-six forward would be the icing on the cake, but on the other hand, so many talented youngsters are coming through the ranks that such a signing could become obsolete within two years. The offseason would be a failure if Bergevin decides to ignore the hole at left defence and roll with Kulak on the second pairing. Kulak is serviceable in that position, but serviceable isn’t going to cut it on a team hoping to contend.