Montreal Canadiens training camp is on the horizon as we have flipped the calendar to September, and with it, many questions will be answered.
An array of positional battles will occur, especially with such a young team. Many players will be desperate to show they can play in the top six, or grab a higher role than they had in previous seasons and there may be some surprises.
Certainly, the Habs are in tough in their division when you look at the overall picture, but the young talent will make for some great storylines at camp. This is sure to raise the level of internal competition and give greater meaning to the preseason games that will take place later on this month.
Playoffs are unlikely this season as the team continues its slow rebuild back to respectability, and that could be the case for perhaps for a couple more seasons. But any way that you slice it, the Canadiens are pushing the needle in the right direction, and it will take patience with this team before they are contenders in the Atlantic Division, let alone the league. Hockey is a funny sport, however, so there are always teams that disappoint in a given season and a few who also exceed expectations.
The Canadiens are looking to the latter and surprise the league. With development taking priority over rushing to compete, the young Canadiens squad can play to their strengths and grow together. Sometimes this allows a young team to find unexpected success.
Here is my attempt at predicting the Canadiens opening night lineup.
I could go with what I would like to see, but I’ve done that in the past. This is my prediction of what management, and coaching staff will decide. I will merely explain why these lines would gel together well.