Canadiens: Grading Some of the New Kids on the Block

Mathieu Perreault: 8 Games, 3-1-4 totals: B+

Perreault was a bit of a wild card for the Canadiens after being picked up on a one-year deal late into this past off-season. After concluding a four-year deal with a $4.125 million AAV with the Winnipeg Jets, Perreault settled for a heavily reduced US $950,000 in Montreal. A former sixth round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2006, Perreault struggled to find his footing early on in the NHL before finding a permanent role with a young and hungry Jets team.

Having put up four consecutive 40-point seasons from 2013-14 to 2016-17, Perreault has developed a reputation as a talented two-way center and multi-purposed Swiss army knife, being at home nearly anywhere in the Canadiens lineup. While his offense has trailed off considerably in past seasons, a hat-trick in Montreal’s last matchup against the Red Wings showed Perreault can still put the puck in the net when needed, and thus far has been dependable and reliable for the Canadiens, being tied for the team lead with a solid +3 rating. While an eye injury will see him sidelined for the next few weeks if not longer, look for Perreault to resume his solid play once he makes a return to the Canadiens lineup.