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Canadiens: Three Possible Scenarios At The Blue Line

By Patrick Lortie

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 15: Alexander Romanov #27 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the New York Islanders during the first period at Centre Bell on April 15, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The New York Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 15: Alexander Romanov #27 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the New York Islanders during the first period at Centre Bell on April 15, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The New York Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Alexander Romanov (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Alexander Romanov (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

One of the best stories of last season is a story that barely got any recognition.

Lost in the exploits of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, Alexander Romanov played his sophomore season in the NHL and despite everything crumbling around him, he had a very solid season playing in 79 games. The young Russian defender has consistently played over 20 minutes a game and has elevated his game on many levels.

Romanov will likely be the Canadiens’ top defender until either Kaiden Guhle or someone else dethrones him.

However, with the right side being a little thin with only David Savard and likely Justin Barron as the only sure bets, what if Romanov as moved on the right side? It’s something that all coaches from Claude Julien, Dominique Ducharme and Martin St. Louis has experimented with.

Personally, I like Romanov a lot better on the left side, but he has shifted from one side to the other his entire playing career.

Edmundson-Romanov

Guhle-Savard

Harris-Barron

Schueneman/Clague

So in this scenario, the team won’t be forced to over-expose Barron on a top pairing. Furthermore, having Romanov on the right side means Guhle and Harris can play full time and thus having a set defensive roster. Schueneman and Clague remain spares.

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