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Montreal Canadiens: Predicting Opening Night Forward Lines

By Ken MacMillan

MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 04: The Montreal Canadiens acknowledge the fans for their victory against the Ottawa Senators during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 4, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 04: The Montreal Canadiens acknowledge the fans for their victory against the Ottawa Senators during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 4, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Montreal Canadiens have made some moves to change the look of their forward group since the end of last season. What will the forward lines look like on opening night?

The Montreal Canadiens surprised a lot of fans when they moved newcomer Max Domi to center a year ago. It worked out extremely well as he went on to set career highs in almost all offensive categories. It’s safe to say he will be a fixture at center ice next season.

There has been some minor tinkering among the Canadiens forwards since the end of last season. Andrew Shaw is gone after a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. Nicolas Deslauriers was shipped to the Anaheim Ducks.

This won’t have a huge impact on the Habs roster, but Shaw played a fairly prominent role in all situations so things will be shaken up a bit by these trades.

There are also a few young forwards that are looking to crack the lineup full time next season. Ryan Poehling had a tremendous college career and an even better NHL debut. He is knocking on the door to make the opening night lineup.

Nick Suzuki couldn’t have done much more in the OHL to prove he is NHL ready. He dominated the OHL postseason like he was playing against little kids and will make a huge push in training camp for a roster spot. His versatility and ability to play either center or right wing will play in his favour, but his age and experience will not.

The Canadiens will also have a few tough decisions to make on veterans that are making a little more than they are worth these days. Do Dale Weise or Matthew Peca stay in the NHL just because they are making big money?

Let’s take a look at the optimal opening night lineup with the players that are currently on the roster for the Montreal Canadiens.

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