Montreal Canadiens: Who’s Roster Spot Does Tanner Pearson Take?

How It Could Play Out

Here’s how I see things shaking out from the domino effect of Pearson’s arrival.  I believe Andersson will be in direct competition with Evans for the 4C role. If the Swede cannot outplay the incumbent Evans in camp and preseason, he will be sent down.  If Andersson does win the job, Evans could still make the roster as a winger, pushing a guy like Armia off the list.

I also believe Heineman has a very good chance to force his way on to the club.  If he does it would also likely come at the expense of Armia.  However, Heineman has to really show out and seize his opportunity.  If he looks to be only a marginal upgrade, he will likely go back to Laval for now as he still has waiver options.

A third scenario, one in which both new Swedes win their respective camp battles by a wide margin, would bring more chaos and force the Canadiens brass into some tougher decisions.  Under those circumstances, I personally think Hughes and Gorton would prioritize Evans and Ylonen over Pezzetta.

This year more than ever feels like one where there could be some plot twists.  The Canadiens have more talent at camp than they have had in a long time and talent breeds competition.  The Habs could very well lose a decent player or two, simply because they have too many decent players.  Decisions on defense and goaltending can also affect the forward group and vice versa.

If you were hoping that current whipping boy Armia was finally going to get shown the door, I think for once it is a very real possibility.  At this point, I would say it’s probably the most likely outcome.  It won’t end there though because with so much talent on the way up, the competition for those who remain is only going to get tougher.

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