1) What are your expectations for P.K. Subban this year?

After reaching the 14-goal mark last season, despite an inconsistent powerplay, and some time spent on the sidelines as a healthy scratch, I don't think 20 goals is out of reach for Subban this season.

I expect that he'll apply what he's learned on the defensive side of the puck and manage to play a tighter style of game than we saw from him for most of last season.

Most of all, I expect that Subban will average more ice-time, and much less time spent in the penalty box. I expect to not see his name in the top-10 minor penalties taken this season, let alone in first place on the list.

2) Would you like to see the Canadiens sign a contract with Price mid-season, or should all negotiations be left until the off-season?

Absolutely. Sign it yesterday. You've already completely committed to the idea that he's your franchise player. You've cleared the way for him by trading Halak and by acquiring back-up goalies that pose zero threat to him. Find a good number, let it bleed into UFA years, and get this deal done so you know what you have for everyone else moving forward.

3) What kind of player do the Canadiens need most to fill out their roster?

At this stage, I'd love to say the Canadiens still need a tough mother for the bottom end of the lineup, but in congruence with Martin's bench strategy, that tough mother needs to know how to play. Most importantly, he needs to be a solid penalty killer. I'm not sure who the ideal candidate for the position is, but somewhere out there, he must be available.

4) Which prospect likely to start with the Bulldogs do you believe has the best chance of getting into NHL action?

If Brock Trotter is still the same player he was before he went to Russia, and all indications are that he is, if not a better a player, I think he'll be a really interesting option for the Canadiens to turn to in need. Trotter has breakaway speed, a nose for the net, and he's a finisher. He has experience playing with Desharnais, White and Pacioretty, and I'd imagine he's got his sights set on the NHL, where he believes he can make an impact.

5) Will Yannick Weber be more likely to take a spot at forward, or on defense?

Hate to say it, but unless the Canadiens plan on signing someone for the bottom two lines, Weber's likely to start up at forward, and see time on the team's second powerplay unit.

6) Who will lead the Canadiens in goals this year?

Mike Cammmalleri-- 34.

7) How many Habs will finish with 20 or more goals this year?

Cammalleri
Plekanec
Gionta
Cole
Kostitsyn
Pacioretty
Subban

8) Who do you expect more from at this stage in their respective development, Desharnais or Eller?

They serve different purposes. I expect more from Desharnais in an offensive capacity. I don't think it's beyond him to collect 40 points in a 3rd line capacity.

As for Eller, I think his game is more well-rounded, and he could develop as a good shut-down player who kicks into the offense a bit as well.

9) How would you assemble the top two lines of the Canadiens?

Cole-Plekanec-Cammalleri
Pacioretty-Gomez-Gionta

10) How many games do you expect to see Andrei Markov play this year?

I think he'll play at least 65 games.

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» Heartbreak> Brian Bannan

» Game 3 Preview: Brian Bannan

» Will the Real Habs Please Step Forward? by Andrew Wright

» Game 2 recap- Jennifer Berzan Cutler

» New Habs Blog> M.R. d'Awe