Montreal Canadiens: Burning Questions Heading Into Habs Training Camp

Where Do Newcomers Fit?

The Canadiens made a lot of changes in the offseason. It shouldn’t really be a surprise that the worst team from last season was busy trying to change things and getting better in the short and long term.

Evgeni Dadonov was acquired in the Shea Weber trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is a skilled winger heading into the final year of his contract who could be an intriguing trade deadline piece. He scored 20 goals and 43 points last season and could snag a role in the Habs top six with a strong training camp.

Kirby Dach was picked up at the trade deadline in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. The third overall pick in 2019 will be looking to show he has more offence to offer than he provided in Chicago. Could he be the team’s second line centre or even first line winger with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki? Camp will decide.

Sean Monahan came to Montreal later in the offseason in what can only be described as a cap dump for the Calgary Flames. He had surgery which finished his season early, and he only had eight goals and 23 points in 65 games last season. However, he is just 27 years old and has scored 30 goals on three occasions. Can he rediscover some goal scoring and take on a big role?

Mike Matheson was the key piece in a Jeff Petry trade, and he is likely to play a big role on the blue line. Can he take on a top pairing role right out of the gate? Training camp will decide.