This is an analysis based on the stats you can find on Hockey-Reference.com. The bottom six lineup has a mix of talent, accompanied by speed and skill. This combination presents an interesting sequence of events that may unfold during the offseason, leading into the upcoming campaign.
The reason this is crucial for the team is due to the skills attached to the bottom six players and the need to drastically improve the roster by letting go of a couple of assets that may bring in a tremendous return if the deal is right.
As I have stressed in my previous two articles. I believe the team needs a more physical approach, complemented by a goal-scoring touch to support the young core of players. This would, in fact, significantly improve the team, making it a contender if the options are present to make a reasonable move.
Analyzing the Projected Bottom-Six Lines of the Montreal Canadiens
The third line is quite interesting to me. It is comprised of Alex Newhook at center, and Zack Bolduc and Josh Anderson as the wingers. This may be the best depth line on the team and provides the Habs a unique scoring twist.
This formation is gritty enough to score goals and provide the team a second level of scoring. Following Martin St. Louis' coaching style by making taking charge plays and then speeding back to defend the zone. The size may not be evident, except for Josh Anderson, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 226 pounds.
Anderson and Newhook combined to tally 53 points for the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. Meanwhile, Zack Bolduc is a promising prospect who cracked the roster as a third-line winger. He put up good numbers last year for his previous team in an impressive fashion, playing a limited number of games.
The Fourth LIne of the Habs
The final line formation is coming in at the fourth line. Led by Jake Evans at centre, with Brenden Gallagher and Oliver Kapanen as the wingers. I would say this is another interesting formation.
To stress that Gallagher's game has declined is to say that he is not performing at the level the team had hoped for him to play at. Much like Scott Gomez when he was acquired by the team in a failed trade.
He desperately needs a fresh start, and it may be time for the team pto part ways with him on waivers or a buyout. Whatever is convenient for both parties. A trade may be the best option, allowing the team to obtain a couple of draft picks and prepare for its future.
Jake Evans is a promising forward with the potential to excel from a fourth-line position, playing in the middle-six lineup. He has good speed and skill to play the game well, and requires a more veteran player for him to feed off.
Oliver Kapanen has good size, but is still a sophomore to play the game and requires more touches to improve his gameplay. Even though he has made the roster, his gameplay will not be where the team needs it to be after this season, as he will gain more experience in this role.