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Montreal Canadiens: Analyzing What Veteran Laden Third Line Brings To Habs Lineup

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

MONTREAL, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tanner Pearson #70 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the second period of a pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on September 29, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tanner Pearson #70 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the second period of a pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on September 29, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Sep 27, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Sean Monahan. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean Monahan

Sean Monahan was acquired from the Calgary Flames who were looking to clear out contracts. He had a great start with the Habs but ran into injury trouble. Now, with a full offseason to get healthy, and prepare for his second year in Montreal, Monahan has a big year ahead of him.

His strength down the middle gives his line the advantage of starting with the puck, and because of the intelligence and determination of his linemates, they could helm teams in their own zone using the cycle to wear them down.

Monahan is great in front of the net, and Gallagher loves to shoot early and often, while always rushing the net, which will be a pain in opposing goalies’ necks. Monahan can shoot and pass, just as well as he can defend and steal pucks, so if he can work the give-and-go with Pearson, while Gallagher sets up shop in his office, the trio could have great success on the scoresheet.

Kirby Dach and Nick Suzuki are the sexier options at centre, but Monahan has the experience and smarts to be one of the best third-line centres in the entire NHL.

The special thing about Monahan is that he is a quiet leader, while still doing all the little things right when he is on the ice. He is a great mentor to the younger centres and allows the top two centres to do their thing offensively, he can stun teams, if they take him lightly.

This line could see a lot of moving parts, but I don’t see Monahan moving positions, but staying where he is to help insulate some of the Habs’ younger wingers, because he has the ability to slow things down for his linemates.

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