Montreal Canadiens: Examining The Habs Top-Six Forwards

Many Montreal Canadiens fans were left feeling confused when Kent Hughes opted to select David Reinbacher at fifth overall, while names like Matvei Michkov, Ryan Leonard and Zach Benson were available.

Many felt that passing up on a potential franchise-level, elite talent like Michkov was a big mistake. Hughes, however, stated that David Reinbacher’s don’t come easy, and he has confidence in the young talents of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and co.

Having said that, while some may agree or disagree, I am excited about two things. The development and eventual NHL ascension for Reinbacher. The second thing is seeing how the top six ends up looking, and what kind of numbers they put up in 2023 and beyond.

Canadiens Line 1 Options

Nothing has been confirmed, nor will it be until the regular season, or at the very earliest, the final preseason games approach. However, it’s almost a lock that Caufield and Suzuki will occupy two-thirds of the Canadiens top line. Where it gets confusing after that, is who slots in on their right wing.

Josh Anderson is an option, although he doesn’t exactly have the skill necessary to complement the Canadiens’ top line. Dach is also an option, but he is more of a fit as a second-line center, and I think Monahan would be a nice fit alongside the top duo, but he, in my opinion, will fit better elsewhere.

So, for the first line, I think alongside Caufield and Suzuki, at least to start the season, Rafael Harvey Pinard would be a nice fit. The concerns about size, are the same concerns for me, but given his chemistry with Suzuki, and his Gallagher-like work ethic he would be a nice addition to the trio.

Canadiens Line 2 Options

Agree or disagree, I think Kirby Dach makes the most sense as the number two centre, and because he is still working on his faceoffs, putting Sean Monahan on his wing would pay dividends. Monahan’s poise and veteran leadership, along with his faceoff prowess would provide a nice duo with Dach. Monahan is also no slouch offensively, especially around the front of the net with his ability to tip and deflect pucks.

Unlike the first line, the second line doesn’t take much thought; as to who could be the third piece to slot in. I’d narrow it down to Alex Newhook and Josh Anderson, and truthfully, the pair have polar opposite styles, but playing with a skilled guy like Dach and a smart player like Monahan, could help spark Newhook and unlock that offensive potential the team is hoping he finds.

One thing I must say is that I’m not envious of Marty St Louis’s position, because Juraj Slafkovsky and Anderson could be two nice additions to the third line while Christian Dvorak and Brendan Gallagher are veteran options there as well.

But who takes that role? Neither of them should be on the fourth line, but where’s the space? It seems a player or two might be moved ahead of camp unless all four lines are rolled nightly.

Either way, these are exciting times and although it’s a rebuild, there are some nice pieces with which to insert into the lineup. Though the Habs are in a rebuild, and passed on a potentially impactful forward to go with the trusty two-way defender at the NHL Draft, they already have plenty of options at their disposal for top six forward roles.

Training camp will answer a lot of questions. Now for the waiting game.

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