Canadiens: Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield Need A Centre With More Offensive Touch

The Montreal Canadiens have something cooking on the first line, but the second line could improve, and swapping Christian Dvorak out could help the two wingers find more success. Dvorak is a meat-and-potatoes type of player; the guy doesn’t smile when he scores. Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky are two of the Canadiens’ biggest personalities, and they play big on the ice. They are just lacking one piece to tie everything together.

With very little offensive touch, it’s tough to watch Slafkovsky and Caufield make plays, but Dvorak doesn’t connect with the duo. A more offensively capable centreman would benefit the Habs’ exciting young forwards. Number 28 has done an admirable job, but he is playing too high in the lineup for his skill set.

It seems obvious, and I am not questioning the Canadiens’ decision-makers. They are paid handsomely because of the work they need to do to ensure the team continues moving in the right direction. But the number two and three centres should have been swapped a while back.

Canadiens Centreman Sean Monahan Is The Man For The Job

If there ever were a more suitable role for Sean Monahan, I think you are lying. Monahan is calm and cool on the ice and does everything with purpose. He makes the right play almost all of the time, to the point where things he has made a routine of doing appear easier than what they truly are. The former Calgary Flame has a veteran presence, and the way he slows down the game and processes plays is impressive; I see shades of Sid (Crosby) all the time.

He skates in a very athletic position, and his strong edge work allows him to pivot from defence to offence and back, if necessary. Positionally, he is very aware of his space, although he makes decisions quickly. Smart defensive plays and above-average passing plays highlight Monahan’s two-way strengths.

Monahan would be the connector between Slafkovsky and Caufield, elevating the line’s play and production. If your two wingers can be fed the puck routinely coming through the neutral zone, they will rush the net. Monahan is smart and shifty, but he always finds the best position in the offensive zone to make a play or rip a puck on the net.

On the third line, Monahan’s offensive skill and instincts go to waste. Josh Anderson and Tanner Pearson have been two of the Habs’ least productive forwards, and with Dvorak, they could play a simple but responsible game.  Going back to the basics will help the line ground itself.

Slafkovsky and Caufield will have an intelligent veteran centre, who complements Nick Suzuki. Suzuki and Monahan, as a one-two punch, would be sensible, and their four wingers will agree as well; just give it some time. Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook have played well with Suzuki, and Slafkovsky and Caufield have played well. Dvorak is just limited offensively, which slows the line down.

Give the trio time to get comfortable, and Monahan could ignite 20 and 22. The offensive touches that Monahan will create for the pair should make an immediate impact. And both Slafkovsky and Caufield will benefit from more reps in the offensive zone to sharpen their toolkit.

Number 91 belongs in the middle of the Caufield, Slafkovsky line. Monahan has done everything to show his smarts, vision, skating and strong two-way play. It’s time the Habs take notice and swap Dvorak for Monahan.

He improves players around him, and his hockey IQ makes him a great centre to line up beside. I can’t think of a better player, other than the injured Kirby Dach, to play with Slafkovsky and Caufield. Depth and development are the main focuses, and making a strong top six, who will work in unison with a defensively stout, hardworking bottom six, will make a big difference for the Habs.

Sean Monahan is responsible defensively, great in the faceoff dot, and he is smart. Monahan has hockey IQ and vision, and his veteran ability to slow the pace will be huge for the young wingers. He is the centre that Caufield and Slafkovsky will benefit most from, if not Suzuki. A centre who makes the right play and plays the right way, with a nice offensive toolkit.

It’s a no-brainer: give Monahan his second centre role and let him cook with Slafkovsky and Caufield. You’ll thank me later, Kent.

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