What if the Montreal Canadiens plan to rely on rookies and sophomores?
By Omar L
Although we expect the Montreal Canadiens to make a big splash, it’s possible Marc Bergevin sticks to the retool plan instead, looking for in-house upgrades.
It’s tough to judge whether the retool can be deemed a failure or success yet. The Montreal Canadiens decided back in 2018 to start focusing on young players and draft picks, and it started with the drafting of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and has them heading to another NHL Draft with double-digit picks. It also ties to Marc Bergevin‘s resistance to move any of his young players for upgrades, but it makes you wonder, if not now, then when?
That’s what fans are looking at this offseason. The Habs showed a lot of good signs in the playoffs but proved they’re still missing pieces to put the puzzle together.
The Jake Allen trade was the start of something as Montreal may have their most reliable backup in years. Now, Carey Price doesn’t have to lead the league in consecutive starts again and can be fresh for any playoff contention down the line. And these playoffs proved how valuable a rested Price can be.
As far as what upgrades the Montreal Canadiens need, the scenarios have been far few in between. Max Domi‘s name comes up as a player to be moved to help the team improve upfront or shore up the defence corps. There’s also the possibility of free agency, and of course, all eyes turn to Taylor Hall, whose future with the Arizona Coyotes looks nearly impossible to extend.
And then there’s the boring answer: what if the Montreal Canadiens do nothing?
Nothing is a bit of a harsh term so let me rephrase it a bit. What if the Montreal Canadiens instead choose to stick to the guns of their retool and let the in-house options within the organization be the upgrade?