The Montreal Canadiens season is not going to end like last year’s did. Not long ago we saw a run to the Stanley Cup Final and this year we hope to see a run of first round picks being selected.
The Canadiens are near the bottom of the NHL standings and have the bulk of a roster that went on a deep playoff run last season. That means they have some attractive assets for other teams.
The Habs need to decide who on the current roster is going to stick around long term and who can go elsewhere before the March 21 trade deadline.
When a team with this many veterans has a bad year, it is tempting to go full video game rebuild and essentially trade anyone over the age of 26 for first round picks and prospects. But the team is kind of in this mess because of a lack of leadership and skilled veterans who can lead the team on and off the ice.
I really don’t think it is a coincidence that the team lost Carey Price, Shea Weber, Corey Perry and Phillip Danault and were not able to replace them with free agent signings and a couple of trades.
Not only did those players bring a lot on the ice, but they were the voice of the dressing room and guide for the younger players to find fight in a game that doesn’t start well. Now, when the Canadiens fall behind in a game you pretty much know it is over.
So the team is in need of adding some youthful energy, but they have to be careful not to get rid of every veteran. Young players need someone to look up to and lead them by example when the going gets tough at the NHL level. Just look at the Ottawa Senators for the most recent example of a tremendously talented young team with no veteran leadership… they’re almost as bad as the Canadiens.
So, who will be dealt before the deadline? And who is going nowhere?
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