With the Montreal Canadiens pushing ahead in their rebuild, there are high hopes for the core to keep improving.
The be-all and end-all measuring stick of improvement aren't just points, but for a team that will benefit from more goals, it is pretty important. Odds are pretty good that the 2024-25 season could be one where Nick Suzuki is challenged at the end of the season for the team points lead. During the 2023-24 season, Suzuki led the way with 77 points, 12 points clear of Cole Caufield's 65 points.
If the Canadiens have any hope of battling for a playoff spot come April, then some internal competition will be the perfect formula. I think that Suzuki can score a point-per-game pace without question and odds are that he achieves it next season, should his upward trend continue. But I think there are a couple of players that could keep pace with him, if not challenge him for his crown.
Two players who could match or pass Suzuki in points for the 2024-25 season
Caufield scored 65 points last season, and at many points throughout the year, his season was considered a disappointment. While I don't agree, there were certainly expectations for Caufield to hit 50 goals, but his development didn't take a step back. If he can continue playing his strong two-way game and getting to the scoring areas, there is no reason to believe he can't reach a higher goal total and best his career-high (65).
If he can stay healthy, I think that a point-per-game season isn't out of the question and I don't think he will reach his potential for at couple more seasons. I see 85-90 point potential in Caufield and I think as the power play improves he could reach that range for the next six to eight year plus. A big factor in both Suzuki and Caufield scoring will be the growth of their linemate and the third piece of the top line.
That's right, Juraj Slafkovsky - the one player on the team who has so much room to grow and mature before he reaches his prime. If Slafkovsky can continue growing as he has, I think he has the potential to lead the team in points. That is until Ivan Demidov arrives, at which point, I believe he will be the leader for most of his career.
But for the 2024-25 season, I would put my money on Slafkovsky or Caufield being the player who passes Suzuki in points if anybody does.