As of late there has been much discussion regarding the leadership of the Montreal Canadiens. The dramatic spiral down the standings of the team during the 2015-2016 season had as much to do off the ice as it did with their play on it. Truly, it was a perfect firestorm of everything that could go wrong, did.

Carey Price injured twice? Check.

Brendan Gallagher injured twice? Check.

Rookie Captain struggling as the team’s adversity was tested time and time again? Check.

Rookie backup goaltender struggling? Check.

Rumours of a rift in the locker room involving P.K. Subban? Check.

Lack of veteran leadership? Check.

Coaching and management being questioned? Check.

Canadiens general manager knew that he had to make changes to address the Canadiens weaknesses at leadership and has done so in spectacular fashion. The importance of convincing Kirk Muller to return once again to the organization as an associate coach cannot be understated. The staff behind the bench was sorely missing that link between the players and head coach. That Bergevin and Michel Therrien recognized this and scooped up Muller almost immediately after he parted ways from the St. Louis Blues left Canadiens fans pleasantly surprised and elated.

Last season, the Canadiens did not have one player on their roster that had hoisted a Stanley Cup. This type of experience is vital in the dressing room, especially considering the younger age of the team. There needs to be someone who has been there before, who knows what it takes to get over the hump, to draw from past experience. Muller will help in this instance but so will newcomer Andrew Shaw who won two Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. Shaw was not a passenger en route to the Blackhawks victories. His versatility and grittiness will come in handy, as well as his ability to step up when it counts with 35 points in 68 playoff games. All this before the age of 25 makes him a young veteran with invaluable experience.

The injuries to Carey Price were impossible to predict. The Canadiens had hoped that his recovery would be quicker and they were too slow to react when it became obvious that they needed additional help in nets. Mike Condon became the de-facto starter and while he performed admirably especially through Price’s first injury in November, he simply could not sustain a high level of play consistently throughout the season. The signing of veteran Al Montoya provides extra insurance and comfort to the team should Price be forced to miss time due to injury. No one is blaming Condon for not being able to hold the fort while Price was out, but he needed more time further develop into a starter's role.

The arrival of Shea Weber through the Subban trade has re-ignited the captaincy debate in Montreal. On one hand, some believe that Pacioretty should do the so-called right thing and give Weber the ‘C’ on his jersey. Others say that Weber should be given the captain’s role at the end of the season, after the dust has settled in his first year as a Canadiens. There is no doubt that Weber was regarded as one of the top captains in the NHL through his time in Nashville. He is a stoic figure and one of the most respected players in the league. The trade to Montreal certainly came as a shock to Weber. Anointing him as Captain would be putting the pressure to win squarely on his shoulders. It is unfair to place that burden on Weber. He needs time to adjust to the Canadiens, to the city, to the media. It would also disrupt the rhythm of the locker room who will already be making the adjustment of life without Subban. Undoubtedly, Weber brings leadership with him amongst his many traits. He does not need a 'C' to prove it.

The surprise signing of Alexander Radulov on July 1st addressed the team’s need for offense. However, it also brings further leadership into the locker room as by all accounts Radulov was an exemplary captain while playing in the KHL. The supposed biggest knock on him, however hard it may for people to believe is that he now cares too much. Having a player who cares that much is desirable. Having a player with his skill is desirable. Radulov deserves a fair chance to prove himself on and off the ice in Montreal.

Last September, the players voted to make Pacioretty their captain by a supposed wide margin. It was a difficult season for Pacioretty and no one was more disappointed than himself. He has vowed to be better and learn from his experiences. Perhaps though, Pacioretty should receive some kudos for how he handled the past season. It would have been easy for the Canadiens to thrown in the towel last January or February as their playoff hopes all but vanished. However for all that happened, they very rarely took a night off. The compete level was there more often than not. This was not a team that stopped playing for each other. I give credence to Pacioretty for keeping the team together and accountable. He should not be doubted or underestimated. He has shown resilience and determination, especially when recovering from injuries. He is fiercely loyal and desires to emulate the late great Jean Beliveau. Some say that great players are not necessarily great leaders. This is a fair statement. However, simply because one is not a natural born leader does not mean that it cannot be learned. When there is a will, there is a way. Pacioretty will now be able to lean on Weber, Muller and Shaw, three tools that were not at his disposal the previous season.

The future health of the Canadiens cannot be predicted. However, they are certainly in a better place to deal with adversity than they were a year ago. The leadership question has been addressed on and off the ice. Disagree with the P.K. Subban trade all you may want. What’s done is done. The Canadiens and the city of Montreal can only look to the roster that they now have and move forward. Bergevin has changed the fabric of team. This is his Canadiens. This will be his make or break moment. There is no going back.

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