We all know that the 2017/2018 season was a complete write off for the Montreal Canadiens, Who’s disaster season began in the pre-season.
Injuries
A main issue that ridled The Habs throughout the season was injuries to some of their most valuable players. Shea Weber was out for nearly 60 games after undergoing surgery for a tendon tear in his left foot, Which was a massive defensive blow,
Max Pacioretty was out for the last 18 games of the season with a knee injury, When a team is without their top forward and top defenceman available they tend to fall apart.
Having said that I think the biggest blow was losing Carey Price after getting concused against the Flyers by a Shayne Gostisbehere shot to the mask. Anti Niemi was called up to first choice and during that time The Habs dropped some valuable points.Positives
Although the awful injury situation that has plagued the season, The Canadiens had one player that out shone for me with 31 goals, 23 Assists and 54 points, Brendan Gallagher , Who’s had his best season thus far since being drafted by The Canadiens in 2010. Gallagher was drafted in the 5th round ,27th pick 147th overall and has since become one of the fan favourites at The Bell Centre for his skill of crashing the net, always being around the puck and constantly riling up his opponent’s. He can also provide a uplifting jolt of energy when The Habs need it most.
Yes The Habs have had their worst season in a while not making the playoffs but there is a small glimmer of hope for them and their future in the sense of winning the 1st round 3rd pick in the 2018 NHL Draft lottery.
Aswell as the 3rd pick The Habs have a 2nd round pick 35
3rd round pick 66
4th round pick 97
5th round pick 128
Which gives the organisation the opportunity to start a rebuilding process focussing on the future of The Canadiens.TRADES
The main trade we’ve seen so far is Alex Galchenyuk leaving the Habs to join Arizona In return for 23 year old LW Max Domi son of NHL hall of famer Tie Domi.
I believe Max Domi will be a offensive asset for the Canadiens for his ability of playmaking and assists plus the odd goal here and there too but think for this to work they will need to sign Max Pacioretty to a contract extension lets be honest after Alex Galcheyuk was traded the Habs will need more goal scorers next season.General manager Marc Bergevin has committed to a policy of building through the draft, but after six years of construction, the Canadiens look like a fixer-upper.
This year’s draft offers a rare opportunity to fill some of the holes in the Canadiens’ roster, either through savvy drafting or by using their many picks to acquire established NHL players.
Bergevin last picked Alex Galchenyuk as his 1st round 3rd pick back in 2012
So when its finally draft day Bergevin and the Canadiens will pick 3rd in the first round.
Here’s a look at the 3 possible draftees in the running to be picked up and heading to Montreal:
Filip Zadina (Pardubice CZE)
18,LW 6ft0 Shoots:L
QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads
Filip Zadina is a dynamic offensive forward that plays a complete game. A deft and agile skater, he exhibits explosive mobility both up and down the ice. In all three zones, he proactively looks to create problems for the opposition. His awareness is indicative of his high level of hockey sense, and he knows how to make plays and scoring chances materialize. Has a goal scorer’s toolbox, complete with the individual puck skills that one comes to expect from today’s elite offensive players. The accurate release on his shot is noteworthy and is a defining aspect of his offensive capabilities. Defensively sound, he disrupts lanes and pressures the opposition to make hasty decisions; he is tenacious in pursuit of puck control and transitions up-ice naturally. All-in-all, Zadina can be categorized as both a two-way forward with a well-rounded game and a dominant offensive force.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Pori FIN)
17,C, 6ft2 Shoots L
Ässät (FINLAND)
A smart forward with a dangerous shot, Kotkaniemi possesses a high hockey IQ and determination with the skills to back it up. Positions himself well and often seems to be a step ahead of plays. Stickhandling and creativity allow him to split professional defences as a teenager. Decent size and frame, yet a very capable skater.
Brady Tkachuk (Boston University)NCAA
18,LW 6ft3 Shoots L
Big bodied winger and isnt afraid to use it, who can use his speed and size to get into those dirty areas and plays the whole 200 feet of the rink.
Whatever the outcome of the draft Bergevin needs to use his picks wisely and get some nhl ready players to fill the gaps that have been left from last season me personally, I would like to see Brady Tkachuk drafted to Montreal but can’t see that happening as I think he will go to Vancouver.
Maybe Bergevin should free up some cap space and go in for John Tavares he could be the missing piece the Habs are looking for.
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