With the addition of Patrik Laine, the Montreal Canadiens had high hopes for a well-balanced top six heading into the 2024-25 season.
The top line has already been spoken for, but the supporting cast on lines two through four were looking like they would have an upgrade. With Laine out, there is an opening on the second line. Roy seemed like the likeliest guy that could have found taken it.
It didn't work out that way, Roy looked like he was a step behind or something; so if he had made the team, it's unlikely he would have started on the second line. Emil Heineman could bring some added offence, but Laine and Roy are options with more guarantees. I hope that the Canadiens can figure out a way to add flare to the middle six, but it's tough without No. 92 and 89.
Losing Laine and Roy not performing makes this forward group kind of.... it leaves you wanting more
— Costa Rontzocos (@Rontzeeez) October 7, 2024
We'll see how it ends up doing on the ice but it doesn't excite me right now
I'll let the team play first https://t.co/8ZljoKAcbL
It's hard to argue with Costa Rontzocos, the Habs don't have that out-of-your-seat feeling. Don't get me wrong the team has some interesting players, and they will very well make things fun. But Joel Armia and Alex Newhook, don't exactly spark excitement like Laine would, and I think that Roy has such high potential for more.
Who brings a wow factor?
Lane Hutson is likely to bring something more to the team, aside from what is expected out of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky. Kirby Dach is another guy who will be looked at to provide a balanced attack through the top six. I'm not sure what that looks like, but I have high hopes that he can help Newhook elevate his game to new heights.
I would say that after Dach and Newhook, I would like to see how Justin Barron can grow this year. With no right-shot defender leading the defence, Barron has a big opportunity ahead of him. David Savard is in a spot to help shelter Hutson, but he doesn't provide much offensively, whereas Barron could be a nice top-four fit if he shows enough.
If not, Logan Mailloux could push himself ahead of Barron, in due time, but the possibility is still there. If Mailloux can sharpen his away-from-the-puck game, then Barron could start to feel the heat. Thankfully for Barron, Mailloux is down in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket, so he has time to hit the ground running.
I think that Dach, Newhook and Barron are the three guys who could bring a wow factor that the club could use behind the top line.