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Montreal Canadiens: Six Interesting Line Combinations During Inter-squad Games

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

MONTREAL, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Kaiden Guhle #21 of the Montreal Canadiens takes down Kristian Reichel #87 of the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Centre Bell on September 29, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Kaiden Guhle #21 of the Montreal Canadiens takes down Kristian Reichel #87 of the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at Centre Bell on September 29, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Feb 25, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Alex Newhook. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Alex Newhook. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Slafkovsky-Newhook-Anderson

This is likely just one of the stops for Alex Newhook to see where he fits best, but if he proves able to centre his own line, it could open up Monahan to slot in on Kirby Dach’s wing and help him with faceoffs. Newhook’s speed and relentless pursuit of the puck will gel perfectly with the two big bodies of Juraj Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson, and his smaller stature will be perfectly insulated by both wingers. Slafkovsky and Newhook are looking to flip the page on the new season and leave the 2022-23 season in the past, and Anderson is hoping to stay consistent, which should translate to a well-rounded line.

Slafkovsky wants to prove the Canadiens right for drafting him, by putting all the hard work he did throughout the offseason to the test during year two. This line has the potential to be a revelation, should the high hopes of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton be met by Newhook and Slafkovsky. Anderson could be the cherry on top, he creates space with his speed and large frame, and the two youngsters could wreak havoc from the increased real estate in the offensive zone.

Defensively there could be issues if Anderson and Slafkovsky don’t make a conscious effort to support their centre. But the potential to be a great complement to the top line is there, and the drive and determination from each of these guys will be the ultimate factor in determining how great they could be together. Speed, skill, size and great offensive potential describe this mine to a ‘T’ and they would be fun to watch with a bigger sample size.

Pearson-Kidney-Farrell

The Tanner Pearson acquisition seemed to spark mixed reviews, and the question of him taking away ice time from the younger guys is valid. But he does come with Stanley Cup pedigree, having his name etched on the 2014 Stanley Cup alongside former Canadien Tyler Toffoli. Sean Farrell and Riley Kidney would definitely benefit from playing alongside a player with the pedigree of Pearson, and it makes sense to add him to this very young and inexperienced line.

It may be best described as a mentorship role for Pearson, but his two young linemates aren’t some scrubs, and they should balance this trio out well. This trio would have a high IQ, and play great on both sides of the puck, with a great ability to create offence. This line does lack a shooting threat, but, in year two of the rebuild, the benefits the two young guys will gain from playing alongside Pearson would be plentiful.

Riley Kidney is smart and has some crafty puck skills, just like Sean Farrell, and if they could develop some chemistry while learning from Pearson along the way, they could really form a nice duo just in need of a shooter. Fortunately, the Canadiens have Joshua Roy and Jesse Ylonen looking for a spot, and either one should be grinning if they get to play with Kidney and Farrell. It’s only early into camp, but Farrell and Kidney looked solid with Pearson on their wing.

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