Canadiens players speak for first time this season at 48th annual Golf Tournament
By Nate Duffett
The start of the hockey season for most teams isn't about being on the ice at all. It usually begins with an annual Golf Tournament, where players and staff gather to raise money for a worthy cause and media can get access to them for the first time. The Canadiens have been doing this to open the season for 48 years, and people were excited to hear from the players this year in particular. It has been an exciting offseason for the Canadiens, and we finally got to hear from new acquisition Patrik Laine and recently recovered Kirby Dach.
#Habs owner Geoff Molson on heading into Year 3 of their rebuild: "there's every reason to believe we'd be in the mix competing for a playoff spot"
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) September 16, 2024
#Habs Jeff Gorton says being "in the mix" means the team will still be playing meaningful games post-trade deadline down the stretch of the regular season.
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) September 16, 2024
The owner and vice president of hockey operations seem high on their teams' chances in 2024-25. It's unlikely they would get fans hopes up with these comments unless they were serious about contending. At the very least, these comments could mean that they won't be sellers at the deadline and will make an honest effort to compete for a playoff spot.
#Habs Martin St-Louis says he will take over the powerplay duties with Alex Burrows moving on from the coaching staff.
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) September 16, 2024
#Habs Martin St-Louis says he's excited to coach Patrik Laine and hopefully get him back to being the dynamic player he has been in the past.
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) September 16, 2024
The Canadiens powerplay looked good under Alex Burrows last season. Another season of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, with Laine and possibly Lane Hutson added to the mix, will give Martin St. Louis a blank slate to work with and could be the most compelling powerplay Canadiens fans have seen in years.
Kirby Dach says he feels 100%.
— Kenzie Lalonde (@KenzieTSN) September 16, 2024
“I felt like I was ready to play games at the end of last year.”
When discussing lineup, Dach shares his preference is centre, but will play wherever needed. #Habs pic.twitter.com/97X1ImesVF
A healthy Kirby Dach could give fans their best glance into the organization's future. If Dach plays a full season, records 50+ points, and unlocks the old Patrik Laine, the potential for this core will go through the roof. It's safe to say there would be plenty of hype for next season, but they could be playoff contenders as early as this season with a healthy Dach. After learning of Dach's health, Molson and Gorton's comments about being in the mix make plenty of sense.
Patrik Laine on expectations of his play:
— Kenzie Lalonde (@KenzieTSN) September 16, 2024
“Stay healthy and have a good time. When you do those two things there’s a really good chance for success.” #Habs pic.twitter.com/7mnKDGMngQ
I can't say enough good things about Laine's mindset since the trade to the Canadiens. It's one thing to say all the right things in the media and it's another thing to put it all together on the ice. However, Canadiens fans must be excited about the probability of that happening this season for Laine.
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