Montreal Canadiens Roundtable: Which New Player Has Biggest Impact? Who Leads Habs in Points?

Montreal Canadiens season opening roundtable

1) Which new member of the Habs will have the biggest impact this season?

Scott Cowan: While I believe that Josh Anderson’s performance is critical for the Canadiens this season, the benefit of the doubt can still be given due to his recent injury troubles and adjustment to a new team and a new system. In contrast, however, I do feel that Tyler Toffoli, despite being a similarly new addition, will have the biggest impact for the Canadiens this season.

While still an extremely talented player, Anderson hasn’t yet showcased much consistency to support his breakout 47-point season in 2018-19, though I do believe he has the potential to equal, if not surpass that total. Toffoli on the other hand, has showcased that consistency, having posted 34 points or more in all but one of his seven NHL seasons. Couple that with four seasons with 20 goals or more, and its easy to see why many see Toffoli as a no risk signing for the Canadiens, and a player who seems poised to continue his consistent performances in a Canadiens system that’s well suited to his style of play.

Teddy Elliott: For me, it’s a tossup between Jake Allen and Alex Romanov. In terms of impact, both have the potential to dramatically change the dynamics of the team like never before. Allen represents the solution to the Habs’ backup goalie dilemma and if he can successfully play 20 to 25 games, Carey Price will be poised and well-rested for a deep playoff run.

As we’ve seen in the past, a rested Price is a dangerous Price and he can single-handedly win a playoff series. As for Romanov, it’s yet to be determined whether he’ll live up to the hype but all signs point to a resounding yes so far. If Romanov works out, the Habs will have made up for the Sergachev blunder in my opinion (and not because they’re both Russian!)