The Montreal Canadiens' center depth is the best it's been in a long time, and the future looks even brighter.
Nick Suzuki has established that he is going to be the Habs' number-one centre for the long haul. Kirby Dach has found his game recently, and with improved confidence, I believe he can secure the second-line role. The third-line role is filled by Christian Dvorak, but I expect he will be gone by the end of the season at, the latest.
Then we get into the fourth line center discussion, which right now, and hopefully for the long term will be filled by Jake Evans. A former seventh-round pick, Evans was a stand at the University of Notre Dame, serving as captain of the Fighting Irish during a 46-point senior season. Now in his fifth season with the Habs, Evans is six points shy of his career-high (29 points) with 40 games remaining in the Canadiens 2024-2025 season.
In a contract year, Evans's success couldn't have come at a better time. Equally, while it will increase his value to stay in Montreal, his play has been huge for the teams' success. The complexion of the fourth-line centre role is dependent on what happens with Evans.
I would have to think that unless it boils down to dollar value, Evans has everything in Montreal that a 28-year-old could need. Familiarity and he has established himself with this team, a team that is approaching the cusp of becoming a contender for the next 10-12 years. He could surprise me and go elsewhere, but I think Montreal is where he wants to stay.
So, with Suzuki, Dach, Dvorak and Evans the center position is set for the rest of this year. If Dvorak is traded, then I suspect Newhook will slide to the third centre role, where I feel like he will be long-term anyway. When Ivan Demidov arrives, I don't think that Newhook will stay on the second line.
But that solves a problem for this season and maybe next, that is if Newhook works out at the center for the Habs. Now when Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen arrive at camp next year, I expect that they will both be in the mix for a spot. The issue is that both players will be competing for the third-line centre role, in a battle with three horses (Newhook also).
So how does Kent Hughes navigate this scenario? It is not set to happen obviously until October, but it is something that needs to be considered. Beck has looked good in the NHL, and down in the AHL he has fit in seamlessly. As for Kapanen, he looked good with Montreal in his nine games this season, before heading to the SHL with Timra IK.
With Dvorak gone, there are six centremen who will be competing for four spots in October. Another ripple in the scenario is that Newhook is the lone left-shot center. The reason why this is an issue is because a right-shot center is going to be challenged against left-shot centers on their strong side.
Could it be a trade package for a left-shot centre, or does the club roll with three righties and one lefty? Hard to say, but Kapanen and Beck are on their way soon and they will want to play. Having one on the wing and one play center is an option. But how important is it to Martin St Louis to have a balance of left and right shot centers?
The goaltending has been lights out
Cayden Primeau has found success with the Laval Rocket and that is precisely what the hope was when he went down. Just because he has lost his confidence in the NHL, it doesn't mean he is undeserving of a chance to climb back. In Laval, he can hopefully refind his game and rewrite the story of his career.
With Primeau's demotion, Jakub Dobes got his promotion, after stringing together a season plus of strong, steady play between the pipes for the Rocket. Since joining the Canadiens, Dobes has been nothing short of brilliant, and the confidence the team has in him is refreshing. Dobes deserves all the attention that has gone his way, and the net is in safe hands with him and Samuel Montembeault.
Another benefit to Dobes being able to play games is that Montembeault gets the rest that he deserves. You can ride a goaltender in the playoffs, but the regular season is a long grind, and rest is important. Since Dobes has taken over the backup role, Montembeault has continued his strong play and the Canadiens have been on a heater.