A Winning Habit
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Montreal Canadiens: 3 Reasons For Optimism In 2023-24

By Ken MacMillan

Apr 4, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) shoots a puck during warm-up before the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) shoots a puck during warm-up before the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /

Health

The Montreal Canadiens had absolutely no luck at all when it came to injuries over the past two seasons. They could not seem to catch a break. Every little incident turned in to the worst case scenario, and every injury seemed to last longer than anyone initially expected.

Sean Monahan was hurt about a quarter of the way into the season and it seemed for months like he was soon to return. He never did. Joel Edmundson was reported to be close to ready at the start of training camp and then missed nearly two dozen games at the start of the season. Kirby Dach was in the midst of a breakout season but was injured for 24 games. Cole Caufield played great for 48 games but was then shut down for the rest of the season.

Nick Suzuki was the only player on the roster that played all 82 games. Johnathan Kovacevic was second on the team in games played with 77. No one else played 70 games.

There is no way this can happen again. I mean, it did just happen twice in a row, but it can’t possibly happen a third time, can it? The Canadiens did hire new medical personnel which will hopefully make a difference.

Having a more healthy roster would have made a huge difference last season. Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle and Caufield all missed nearly half the season, and the team would have been much better with those three players healthy.

There is reason to believe the team will be more fortunate when it comes to injuries next season, and that would lead to a much improved on ice product as well.

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