The future of the Montreal Canadiens blueline is flourishing right in front of us, with Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle already showing plenty of promise.
Right now the Habs still have a couple of guys to wait on that will undoubtedly be in the mix for the Canadiens blueline. Guys like Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom all have high prospects of playing for the team in the future. Moving Justin Barron is a tough one to absorb since the Canadiens needed him to hit, but the trade for Alexandre Carrier was brilliant.
Carrier is a big game player, despite standing 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds; he doesn't back down from battles and he is so smart defensively. A stabilizing presence for the young group, who still has plenty of mileage is what he brings to Montreal. Judging by Guhle's comments about Carrier, he is pretty pleased by the way that Carrier plays and opens windows for Guhle to join the rush.
Kaiden Guhle 🤝 Alexandre Carrier pic.twitter.com/wRh2TMzikW
— Le 5 à 7 (@5a7RDS) December 23, 2024
My first language is English, and I am not too good at writing or speaking French, but Guhle is essentially called Carrier solid. Guhle also said it's very pleasant to watch a player like him. Playing alongside the 28-year-old, Guhle has played fantastic.
It's amazing how Guhle playing back on his natural side and having a mobile, but defensive defenseman as his partner have impacted Guhle. He is always going to play the game the right way, but I think that Carrier's addition could spark some untapped offence from Guhle. The Edmonton, Alberta., native has great four-way mobility and a heavy shot but doesn't use the latter nearly enough.
I love David Savard, and I think he has been crucial for the development and growth of every player on the Canadiens' defence. But, yes there's a but, he just can't be relied on in a top-four role and that means a lefty has to play on the right side. Playing each defender in their natural position will draw the best from each of them.
I think Savard will be moved for a younger upgrade, perhaps even at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. If the Habs can make any run into the playoffs, the defence will be important. Having balanced defence pairings makes each defender's pass receptions and transition game smoother.
Being able to get used to certain movements allows the player to move with fluidity, which promotes quicker offence. If the defender can collect the puck and move it in one motion, the offence is laughing. This is why I think that having a righty for Hutson and one for Guhle is important to get the best out of each player.
What's next for the offence?
With the 2025 draft, the Habs will have a good chance to draft a high-impact forward to add to the cupboard. As we speak, I think the organization is in a good place on defence, and another good goalie prospect wouldn't hurt. But the offence is an interesting area because there are some great options coming down the line - Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage, Joshua Roy and Owen Beck to name a few.
It feels like the future is nearly upon us, but still, we're unsure of what Hughes has up his sleeve between now and the draft. Trades are possible, as he has shown, even if they are completely unexpected. But sticking with the same group is also an option, standing pat with the draft picks in hand for June.
The draft features some exciting young talents, and if you can, I suggest tuning into the World Junior Hockey Championships. The tournament starts on Boxing Day and showcases many of the top draft-eligible talents representing their country. Montreal's future draft pick could be playing on one of the rosters.
It's exciting to picture the current offence, and Patrik Laine, hopefully sticking around, too. Adding Hage and Demidov over the next two years should be like adding nitrous oxide to the Bugatti. Nick, Cole and Juraj are also ever-improving, and pushing to elevate the Habs through the rebuild.