For Better or For Worse: Is the 2019-2020 Montreal Canadiens Roster Better than Last Year’s?

Obviously, the GM is still very concerned about the number one centre position in the club, hence his attempt to secure both Duchene and Aho who are bonafide number ones. While Domi and Danault played admirably, Domi had not played centre since his junior days and could not consistently match up against the likes of Patrice Bergeron, Sidney Crosby, and Steven Stamkos in the East. Danault, on the other hand, did very well in his role as critical faceoff taker and shut down centre against the other team’s front line centres; so much so that he was even considered a long shot Selke candidate. He does, however, lack a little offensive ability to be a top two centre.

Thus, a true number one centre is still lacking on the club. Hockey legend Scotty Bowman publicly declared last season that Jesperi Kotkaniemi will be that centre, but not for a few more seasons. He even went as far as comparing his play to the late, great Jean Beliveau. Lofty comparison for the young Finn. I do expect KK (Kotkaniemi) to move up the lineup this season, to at least the number two centre position. In turn, ideally, Domi would be transferred back to his natural position as a winger. If Ryan Poehling makes the big club, I expect him to start on the fourth line, with the chance of moving up to the third line as the season progresses.

As for Nick Suzuki and Noah Juulsen, I expect them to make the team out of training camp, or at least be the first call-ups from the Laval Rocket. As I see it, and as Suzuki demonstrated in the recent rookie tournament, he is a formidable force at right wing (especially when paired with Poehling). While naturally a centre, I envision Suzuki cracking the Habs line up as a right winger, either in the third or second line position.

Finally, since Juulsen’s vision issues have been addressed, I see him taking the final right side defence position, likely just beating out Christian Folin. These young players will play a role with this year’s roster, but exactly how impactful they will be remains to be seen.

In conclusion, we witnessed a massive turnaround from the Montreal Canadiens last season compared to the previous one. What will we see this season? Ownership and management did their so called “best” to upgrade the roster and push for a playoff spot this season. However, mediocrity, or just making the playoffs, should not be acceptable-it’s not good enough. That is not how one establishes a winning culture. That is not the Montreal Canadiens.

If all goes according to plan, the 2019-20 version of the Habs should outdo the team from last year, and if the St Louis Blues serve as example, certainly once a team makes the playoffs, as Bergy says, “anything can happen.” We will soon know if this season’s squad will perform better than the last. Let the puck drop!