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A Few Topics For Discussion that Have Nothing to do with 3-Way Trades |
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While everyone holds their breath waiting for the next update to a 5-way deal involving the Montreal Canadiens, let’s get into a few topics of major interest headed into this season:
Second Line Production
Have the changes to the team given players like the Kostitsyns, and Tomas Plekanec a more prominent role? A lot of people believe that with Koivu, Kovalev and Tanguay out of the way, these three players will step out of the shadows and produce. But with new arrivals Cammalleri, Gionta, Gomez, Moen, Mara, and Gill there’s reason to believe that players like Pacioretty and D’Agostini are a much better fit in the mold that Bob Gainey has created this summer. Assuming the Canadiens hang on to Plekanec, and the Kostitsyns, the battle for ice-time on the second line will be absolutely fierce, and could produce a secondary-scoring unit that’s capable of supporting Montreal’s top line. So while many suggest upgrading the talent on the second line to be a necessity to Montreal’s success this season, there’s no rush to implement changes.
Captain Who?
Andrei Markov has topped his point totals for each of the last 4 seasons. Markov achieved career highs last year, despite a deficient powerplay for most of the season. Montreal’s most valuable player has been a part of the picture for longer than anyone else in the room, and many would like to see him named the next captain of the team. On play alone, that’s a title he merits; but, a captain has to speak to the media after every game and not only does Markov not speak French, he’s rather shy in English as well. Who else deserves the honor? Perhaps one of the new players, like Paul Mara, or Mike Cammalleri? I think Josh Gorges and Maxim Lapierre should have letters. If the Canadiens start the season without a captain, look for Travis Moen to win everyone over with his style of play. People in Montreal have been begging for years for a player like Moen, and no one is likely to be disappointed with his effort level.
Jaroslav Halak
A lot of people thought the signing of Curtis Sanford was an indication that Jarolsav Halak was on his way out. It appears that the Habs will hang onto him, at least to start the season. The reasonable cap hit between both Price and Halak is very advantageous to the Canadiens, if they are both able to perform with some consistency this year. Bob Gainey likely won’t be inclined to keep this situation the same if there’s nearly as much instability as both goalies showed at different times last season. But don’t expect for Halak to be shipped out the door without an upgrade on Curtis Sanford in place. That’s not a risk worth entertaining.
Scott Gomez
Let’s face it; Rangers fans rejoiced at this cap-hit moving from their team, and Canadiens fans lamented giving up a talented defenseman in Ryan McDonagh to bring in an underachieving, overpaid centreman, who boast half the size of dream acquisition, Vincent Lecavalier. But if there’s anyone with lots to prove this season, it’s Scott Gomez. He’s a proven winner, with a tremendous amount of talent, and a history of solid production next to Brian Gionta. What would having a bonafide goal-scorer in Mike Cammalleri next to him do for his confidence? The way I see it, Jacques Martin will be inclined to play these three together to start things off, and I imagine the results will be rather potent, specifically with Andrei Markov and Jaroslav Spacek running the points on the powerplay.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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