Montreal Canadiens: Predicting The Habs Opening Night Lineup

First Line

Caufield – Suzuki – Dach

This line looked fantastic together last season, because of the space that Dach could create for himself, he was a great play driver. The space that opens up for Caufield to deke, or get open for a one-timer and Suzuki to work a give-and-go, allowed Dach to make a nice transition onto the first trio. Suzuki can work the middle of the ice, and watch his two dynamic wingers go to work while finding opening space, and emerging as a connector or sneaky shooter.

Ideally, you would like to have Dach as the second-line centre, but he was so effective for 22 and 14, I think that is something that should be explored. If they can form a top trio, Dach solves a problem, he rounds out the Habs’ top duo. Dach isn’t overly physical, but he is strong and also happens to be 6 foot 4 212 pounds, so he adds some size for the top line.

Caufield was on pace for 40 goals before his injury, and Dach also dealt with injuries, so a full season healthy could prove very important. Suzuki posted a career-high in points, and he did so with a handful of different linemates. This trio offers a nice blend of everything, and if they can form a strong trio on the top line, Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton and Martin St. Louis will all be smiling.

Second Line

Harvey-Pinard – Newhook – Anderson

This is very much a line with question marks, but it has a nice blend of speed, tenacity and physicality, while still having offensive pop. This line is a little on the small side, but they don’t play small, and Anderson’s 6-foot-3 218 218-pound frame and hard-hitting style will open up space for his smaller linemates. Speed will be the calling card for this line, and should they develop some chemistry, they could frustrate and exhaust opponents.

Newhook is coming into the organization as the newbie, and he was a highly sought-after player by Hughes, so I fully expect him to be put into a big role. The centre role would provide a big opportunity for Newhook, and his two feisty wingers should help him adapt nicely. The line will drive the net, and create havoc – deflections and strong net-front play will be their bread and butter – and Harvey-Pinard’s Gallagher-like tenacity will be an asset for the trio.

Harvey-Pinard had a strong rookie season, and he asserted himself into the injury-ravaged lineup. Anderson matched his totals (22 points) from the 2021-22 campaign but didn’t have any consistent linemates. Adding Newhook’s speed and offensive skills in the middle will add a third piece to a line that could drive the opponent’s nuts, and make St. Louis happy.

Third Line

Slafkovsky – Monahan – Gallagher

The third line will really complement the top two lines with some added punch to the offensive attack of the Canadiens. Slafkovsky has a great shot, and an ability to carry the puck into the zone, which will play into Gallagher’s net-driving style, and Monahan’s vision will help create plays, while also providing a great two-way presence. Gallagher is less likely to shoot, but his passing will help his linemates in their offensive pursuits, and Monahan’s smart stick will get the goalie moving.

Slafkovsky remains a wildcard, his rookie season saw him show signs of what endeared him to Hughes, but injuries ultimately got the best of his first season, so this upcoming season could see him climb up in the lineup. Monahan will run the centre of the line, with Dvorak out with injury, and I think his ability to control the ice and slow things down will help Slafkovsky ease into a permanent role on the roster. Gallagher will open up space for the line, and Slafkovsky could unload a heavy shot or use his size to open lanes for Monahan to create scoring chances.

All three players struggled through injury, so I fully expect each of them to have a fire under them when they take the ice for the 2023-24 season. Monahan was given a one-year deal to prove himself, and it’s likely he wants to get back to his old self, which will help both parties, regardless of where goes beyond this season. Gallagher has dealt with frustrating injuries, so having him back healthy will add some veteran leadership to the line, which will be a benefit for Slafkovsky’s development.

Fourth Line

Heineman – Evans – Armia

Heineman has only a short sample size of play on North American ice, but his transition was quite smooth with Laval and he has played against men in the Swedish Hockey League for the past three seasons. In a perfect world, Heineman would play higher up in the lineup, but for his transition, this is the best spot for him, and Evans’ speed and smarts should be a nice welcome as his centre. Armia is on a one-way contract, and while he is very streaky, perhaps a more offensive player like Heineman can bring Armia’s game to life.

This line is an interesting one because it will feature a few different moving pieces. It’s highly likely that the only player set in stone for this line is Evans, with Armia and Heineman getting nights off for Pezzetta or Ylonen to step in. With the younger Swede and Finn nipping at both Pezzetta and Armia’s heels, they will have to elevate their play or risk losing their roster spot.

I don’t expect much offence from this line, as both Armia and Evans aren’t exactly dynamos in that respect. However, this should be a line that is trusted and Heineman could really benefit from the smart play of Evans, and Armia’s strength along the boards and in the corners. I would like to see Heineman with Evans and Ylonen, I think they would be a dynamic line with a ton of speed and the two wingers could help Evans add a little more offence to his game.

Defence Pair One

Matheson – Savard

Matheson for all intents and purposes was the leader of the Canadiens defence brigade in 2022-23, and he made Hughes look like a genius, he instantly gelled with the roster and filled a need as the number one powerplay QB. Aside from the fact that there isn’t another option to fill the spot on the right side of the top pair, Savard adds a nice balance to this pairing, allowing Matheson to carry the puck up the ice, while he stays back to cover. Savard is the shot blocker, and defensive-minded guy, whose skating isn’t a strength, but he has experience playing against other team’s top lines.

I fully expect Matheson to have an even better season offensively, as the youth up front will create a ton of plays, and he can swipe in as the last layer and fire a shot on the net or hem the opposition in their own zone. Savard can shoot but often opts to pass or move in closer to the net before firing a snap shot.

The left side is a near lock unless Guhle leapfrogs Matheson, but there could be movement on the right side, should Barron or Mailloux have a solid training camp and force management’s hand. There is a spot for the taking and no offence to Savard, but he isn’t very fleet of foot, and his offence is not a strength.

Defence Pair Two

Guhle – Kovacevic

If not for Matheson, it is highly likely that Guhle would have played the majority of his season on the top pair, and should he prove versatile enough, he could very well play on the top pair alongside Matheson. However, for this exercise, I think that Guhle will grow in leaps and bounds this season as an anchor on the second pair, and emerge as one of the best young blueliners in the league. Kovacevic is just a smart, mobile defender who plays the right way, and has a big frame at 6-foot-3, his offence is limited, but should this duo form some chemistry this may lead to some increased point production.

Kovacevic was a solid waiver acquisition, and he has filled a need on the right side while giving the younger guys some time to develop before making the jump. I believe that he is a third-pairing guy, who is higher in the lineup because there aren’t other choices, and Barron hasn’t taken the next step yet. When he and Mailloux make the jump to the big club, I see Kovacevic becoming expandable or playing down in Laval.

The top four will see some new additions over the next couple of years, but Guhle will stay put, which pair is the only question? I expect by mid-season that Kovacevic will slide down the lineup, be it for Lindstrom, Barron or Mailloux. Harris’ versatility could also add another layer to the battle for the right side on the second pair.

Defence Pair Three

Xhekaj – Harris

I love Xhekaj and think he is exactly what the Canadiens need, he is a late bloomer in every sense, and with one season under his belt, I think he will grow more offensively and establish himself as a pivot on this pairing. Harris’s ability to play both sides and do so with such a calm, poised game is why he will make a strong case to stick with the club.

I expect that Lindstrom will be in the mix, otherwise, why acquire him in the Petry deal instead of a draft pick? There are a few guys in the mix right now for the third pair, but none of them have a season under their belts like Harris and Xhekaj with the Canadiens. Hockey is definitely a very in-the-moment sport, and if a younger guy asserts themselves at camp there could certainly be movement.

Xhekaj will continue dishing out black eyes to anyone who challenges him, but I think he will utilize his shot a little more, and use his skating to create some more offensive looks. Harris will move the puck efficiently while keeping an emphasis on smart positioning, and a strong defensive stick using his strong anticipation. These two guys will complement each other nicely, and if the season starts with them on the third pair, I think management will be pleased with that.

Goaltending

Starter – Samuel Montembeault

Montembeault has yet to establish himself as the starter, but at just 26 years old after a less-than-ideal outing in 2022-23, he a calm and steady presence for the Canadiens. He played 40 games which was two fewer than Allen, but his numbers were much better than Allen’s all around. Monty held a 16-19-3 stat line, with 3.42 goals/against average and a .901 save percentage, not great numbers, but better than Allen’s who looks to be his only competition.

Hughes seems to be non-committal with Casey DeSmith, so it seems likely that he will find employment elsewhere. With that said, Montembeault battled for the starting role last year, and I believe the Habs would love for him to take another step and wrestle the role away from Allen. With Dobes and Primeau battling for the starter role in Laval, Montembeault could cash in on the role now before the two others climb the ladder.

This will be a big year for Monty, so don’t tell him there are low expectations or that this team won’t make the playoffs. He will be ready to establish himself as the starter, and he knows all about Allen’s resume and accolades. Training camp will host all the answers, but it’s probable that the role is Monty’s to lose.

Backup – Jake Allen

Allen has the Stanley Cup pedigree, but he is also 33 years old, and it’s not likely that he is here to steal starts, but as a supporting piece for number 35. Based on Hughes’ comments about DeSmith’s future with the organization, it’s clear that the backup role is going to be Allen’s. For at least this season and the next, I expect that he will continue as the backup goaltender unless he decides to go elsewhere to try and win a cup before retiring.

It was an awful year overall for the Canadiens in the net, as it was primarily focused on growth. But to add to it, Allen had a very poor year, which only made matters worse. He has been transparent about his willingness to help out in the rebuild, but he will need to stay consistent if he wants to stick around.

I would assume that it will be a better year, and the poor play will be left in the past, and he just might garner some interest at the trade deadline if so. He has the experience, which is an asset for a team looking to add some depth to support their playoff push. He is appreciated in Montreal, but he is what he is, and that is a backup that doesn’t fit in with the Canadiens timeline.

This roster will certainly be a fun one to watch, and training camp will kickstart all of the excitement. With nice depth in the American League and some young players fighting for their place with the big club, there will be no shortage of competition. Year two of the rebuild will be a tough one, but the young core will be tested and earn important experience.

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