The Montreal Canadiens entered the 2022-23 season with quite low expectations. Many are predicting them to be in the hunt for the first overall draft pick once again.
They sank to the bottom of the standings last season and were rewarded with that first overall pick last July. They selected Juraj Slafkovsky, but he can’t be expected to turn the fortunes of the organization around overnight.
So, there is more pain expected. The team played opening night with a lineup that consisted of four rookie defencemen, so losses will pile up at times. That quartet actually looked really good in that first game, but NHL teams just don’t survive with so many rookie blue liners in the lineup on a regular basis.
Canadiens need to look for development in rebuilding season
With that in mind, what is going to define success this season? The team is not expected to win, and head coach Martin St. Louis can’t be faulted if they miss the postseason. However, the team can’t slip into an abyss like they waddled through for much of last season.
So, what will define success for St. Louis in his first full season behind the Canadiens bench?
In a word: development. To be a little more descriptive, the team needs to see lots of gains from those young players. Whether the team wins or loses, or wins more in March than they do in October really doesn’t matter. What will matter is who is taking on leading roles in the games that are being played.
Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have grown in leaps and bounds under St. Louis. Can they continue to be dominant offensive players and approach point per game status this season? If so, give credit to the coach.
Can the youngest players grow their game? Slafkovsky won’t turn 19 until late in the season so he will still be a raw talent no matter what happens this season. But will he use his size more to win puck battles and look more confident as the season goes along and he drives to the net with defenders hanging off of him? If so, credit St. Louis.
What about Kaiden Guhle? Where he does he go from opening night when he was first on the team in ice time and looked great at both ends of the ice? Well, does he bring his offensive impact to another level?
I don’t necessarily mean points, but can he be integrated into the team’s offensive game plan at even strength and help put pressure on opposing teams for long stretches by jumping into the zone at the right times? If so, credit the coach.
And keep an eye on Kirby Dach. Can the 21 year old break out offensively at the NHL level, as his tools would suggest he should be able to do? Can he be a consistent, confident chance creator? If so, credit goes to St. Louis.
The other young defenders need to take strides as well. Jordan Harris is a smart, two-way defender who should continue to develop and take on more ice time and a bigger role. If he can cement himself as a reliable top four defender that can kill penalties, give some credit to St. Louis.
Obviously, it would be great if a veteran player like Brendan Gallagher or Mike Hoffman bounced back and had a great season. But the focus won’t be on the older players this season.
The coaching staff will be graded based on their ability to guide the young players along and create a brighter future for the Canadiens. That is why, more than wins and losses, a successful campaign for St. Louis will be defined by the growth of the youngest players on the team.
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