First Defence Pairing:
Ben Chiarot – Shea Weber
Not many Habs fans thought the Canadiens signed a top pairing defenceman when it was announced early in the summer that Ben Chiarot was heading to Montreal. However, he has played very well next to Shea Weber, shutting down the opposition and adding some surprising offence to the lineup as well.
Weber has been a rock this season, bringing it at both ends of the ice on a regular basis. He is taking on huge minutes, playing in all situations and is on track to challenge his career high in points of 56. At 34 years old he is supposed to be slowing down, but he is having his best season with the Habs.
Second Defence Pairing:
Victor Mete – Jeff Petry
Victor Mete finally scored a goal in his third NHL season and then added three more shortly afterward. He is up to nine points in 36 games, but he is playing with far more confidence than we have seen before. Even with a fully healthy lineup, the 21 year old deservers a top four role.
Mete has often been partnered with Jeff Petry and there would be no reason to separate the pair. Petry has 27 points in 46 games and is playing a lot of minutes in every situation for the Habs. He is a perfect second pairing guy behind Weber.
Third Defence Pairing:
Marco Scandella – Cale Fleury
Scandella was brought over from the Buffalo Sabres for a fourth round pick. Since then he has been moved up and down the lineup to try and find the right fit and role for him. The best spot for him right now is on the third pairing. He is a big body who can handle this role with ease, giving the Habs some depth that was desperately needed at this position.
Cale Fleury was a big surprise in camp and stole a roster spot with his great play. He continues to get better and better as the season goes on and looks like a future top four defender. He is big, physical and has a bit of an under-the-radar offensive game that springs from his skating and puck-moving ability.