The Montreal Canadiens did not make many roster changes this summer. They are going to need some internal growth to make the postseason next year. Here are three players that could provide a boost.
The Montreal Canadiens had a relatively quiet offseason. Well, if you don’t include the offer sheet that didn’t work. That made a lot of noise but the end result was nothing changed. The team made a few depth signings, but they didn’t grab a big name free agent or make a huge trade.
Habs general manager Marc Bergevin elected to sign depth pieces in forward Nick Cousins, defence man Ben Chiarot and goaltender Keith Kinkaid. None of those players are going to lead the team in scoring, but they will provide a little depth to the roster next season.
The Canadiens narrowly missed the most recent playoffs. Without significant additions in the offseason, it is going to take some growth from within the lineup to avoid that from happening again.
When you look at the Canadiens roster, specifically the forwards, you will see plenty of candidates to breakout next season. The Habs have one of the youngest group of forwards in the National Hockey League. The oldest forward who will play regularly next season is Paul Byron who turned 30 in April. The rest of the lineup is in their twenties, expect of course, for 19 year old Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
With 20 year olds Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki heading into their first full pro seasons, the team’s forwards could get even younger. When your entire group of forwards, aside from one winger who appears to be getting better with age, is comprised of players in their prime or just entering it there are lots of players who could suddenly blow past their previous career bests.
I think we are going to see a handful of Canadiens forwards have their best season yet next year. There are simply too many young players not to have a few of them exceed expectations.
Who should we expect to see set career highs in points next season? Let’s take a look at the three best candidates.