NHL.com predicts Canadiens opening night lineup

The Montreal Canadiens haven't made much noise this offseason, which surprises some when you consider Kent Hughes's reputation for big moves from the prior two offseasons.

So, without any moves being made and the roster likely looking similar to the way it did last year, NHL.com independent writer Sean Farrell gave his projection for the Habs roster. If the Habs can stay healthy, they will improve their numbers from last year. But, the need for a top-six forward has never been more apparent - so the pick of Ivan Demidov is huge and the same goes for Michael Hage.

I don't totally agree with Farrell's assessment, well there is one player I don't think it makes sense where he is lined up. But without any moves and this players play from the past, I get why he is where he is. Anywho, without further ado lets dive into what his projected lines look like.

Line 1

Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkovsky

The top line remains intact in this exercise and that should come as no surprise, they were brilliant and powered the Habs offence. Juraj Slafkovsky looked like a different player than we saw during his rookie season and he is only going to continue getting better. His game is the perfect complement to Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

Caufield is also likely to take a big step, and yes he did take one last season, but with a 28-goal season under his belt, I think the confidence has to be at an all-time high. Add in Lane Hutson on the power play and even during five-on-five and I expect Caufield will benefit in a big way from his brilliance. I would be surprised if he didn't reach the 40-45 goal range this season.

Then there is Suzuki, who I think is maybe a little underrated on the power play, because he isn't viewed as the big shooter. Suzuki just handles the puck so often and calms things down, almost like a general but up front. With the captain continuing to get better all around each season, I see big things for the top line.

Line 2

Alex Newhook - Kirby Dach - Josh Anderson

I think that we saw only a glimpse of what Alex Newhook is going to become with the Canadiens and with a constant centre to play with, I think he will take another step. The second line underwent lots of different changes, with Sean Monahan getting traded and Kirby Dach being hurt, then Brendan Gallagher and Joshua Roy having looks. I think Newhook has the chops to be a top-six forward, but he doesn't have anybody to challenge him right now.

Dach in my opinion is the only player that is an actual top-six talent and I think if he can remain healthy then the Canadiens are going to be very well off. If he can improve his faceoffs, the second line should be a great support to the top trio. Dach has the potential, in my opinion to produce 30 goals and 30 assists without issue.

I don't think that Josh Anderson belongs anywhere near the second line, and I also don't think that he will have another season like the one he just had. That said, I think that he belongs on the third line and I would rank a few guys ahead of him. I don't necessarily think that his game is suitable for the second line, I would instead put Joshua Roy in his place.

Line 3

Joel Armia - Jake Evans - Brendan Gallagher

The third line is going to be an energy line that can produce a bit of offence, but this version of the line I think will struggle a bit. On paper, it doesn't look too bad, but aside from Brendan Gallagher, nobody gets involved in the offence. So, I think that Gallagher belongs, but I would personally switch things up a little bit.

I think that Christian Dvorak's injury is the only reason why Evans had to play on the third line. But with Dvorak back, I think he should play on the third line to be showcased for a trade. He isn't much of an upgrade on Evans offensively, but he has a little more of a playmaking game than Evans.

Joel Armia is an interesting player because he can turn it on and play quite well, much like he did last year. But he can also be invisible for long stretches and contribute very little to the offence. If he can continue playing great away from the puck, then he could be a solid fit there.

Line 4

Michael Pezzetta - Christian Dvorak - Rafael Harvey-Pinard

Michael Pezzetta is exactly what you want in a fourth-line forward, he hits, shoots, skates hard and competes every shift. I think with the more talented players coming up through the pipeline, he will end up in Laval, but for now, I like this add. Pezzetta will do more of the same and he will likely look to improve other parts of his game to secure his place in the lineup.

Jake Evans in my eyes belongs on the fourth line in the centre role because his offensive game is suitable for a fourth line role. His blend of speed and strong faceoff skills make him an ideal piece to help the line start with the puck. With Pezzetta already there, I think the blend of speed and grit will make the fourth line a pain to play against.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard is hurt, but regardless of that, I'm not convinced that he will remain in the lineup even if he is healthy. With his struggles last year, I think it would have come down to a conversation of him or Anderson. Honestly, I think if Anderson can rediscover his game, he would do so while playing his fast, crash and bang style.

Defence Pair 1

Mike Matheson - David Savard

I don't believe that taking apart the Kaiden Guhle - Mike Matheson pair makes much sense at all, they played well together. I do think that Guhle could play more minutes, but Matheson should see a bit of a decrease in his minutes so he is more effective. David Savard should be on the second pair and I'll explain why in the defence pair two section.

Defence Pair 2

Kaiden Guhle - Justin Barron

Guhle belongs on the top defence pairing, unless Lane Hutson leapfrogs him forcing the Habs hand. I don't have anything against Justin Barron either, but I think that Savard would be the perfect mentor for Hutson. Hutson would be able to play his game, while learning from Savard much like Guhle did.

Defence Pair 3

Arber Xhekaj - Jordan Harris

The third pair is a hard one to predict, I think that both Jordan Harris and Arber Xhekaj belong on the third pair. But I also think that Jayden Struble, Logan Mailloux and Barron could make their case for a spot in the mix. All this to say, training camp is going to be interesting, but I would like to see Xhekaj-Mailloux tested at some point, because they were good in Laval and I think that will translate to the NHL.

Goaltending

Starter

Samuel Montembeault is the starter until somebody steps in and takes the role from him or he slips. For my money, Montembeault will keep the role for a while, at least until Jacob Fowler is ready. Maybe I am wrong and Cayden Primeau will outplay him at training camp and he will finally hit his stride, grab the torch and run with it between the pipes.

Backup

Cayden Primeau has the backup role firmly in his grasp and I don't see any other goalie taking that away from him at this point. Primeau has battled and done all the right things to secure his place and I think he will continue playing there. I don't know how long he will want to stay in Montreal if he doesn't get his chance as a starter.