The Canadiens have had a much better season than expected this year....so much so that fans expectations have rocketed and big part of the Montreal faithfuls are now dreaming of the playoffs again. No one can think that the Canadiens are part of the favorites to hoist the cup but we've heard so many times over the years that anything can happen once you make the spring dance that many have started to believe it and they've forgotten all about the Canadiens "reset". For the Canadiens to be truly competitive though, here's what some members of the organization would love to find that Santa left under their Christmas three.
Claude Julien: A real NHL caliber defence. A team which plays both Benn and Schlemko on the same night is clearly in trouble defensively. Of course, Juulsen and Mete make their share of mistakes but these are growing pains and everyone is prepare to live with those. Benn and Schlemko however are not youngster anymore and there's not much improvement in their future no matter how hard Luke Richardson works with the members of the Tricolore blue line.
Carey Price: As soon as Shea Weber came back to the line-up this season, Carey Price's numbers were boosted but as discussed above, the Canadiens defence is not that of a true NHL outfit so the best gift that Price could receive would no doubt be a second Shea Weber. A sound defensive mind who clears the front of the net of both rebounds and enemy players for the 35 minutes a game where the real Weber is not on the ice.
Jeff Petry: Petry is currently on pace for the best offensive season of his career. After 37 games he's already got 27 points which makes him the 10th D-man in points in the whole league that is ahead of Ryan Suter, Erik Karlsson and Tyson Barrie to name a few. Just imagine how many points he could have if his shot accuracy could improve. How many times has he taken shots on the power play that have bounced of the boards only to get out of the offensive zone? If Santa's kind he'll bring Prety some shot accuracy.
Victor Mete:Christmas might have come early for the youngster, his stay in Laval looks like its done him a world of good and he looks confident and calm out on the ice now. It seems like Joel Bouchard has worked wonders for him but Mete is still looking for his all important first career NHL goal. He thought he had it earlier in the season but his goal was waved off due to some goaltender interference by Andrew Shaw. Mete's worked hard enough to deserve to light up the lamp, some help Santa pretty please?
Charles Hudon: It pains me to say this but Hudon is not a 4th line player and he's been unable to seize his opportunity on the offensive lines when it was (briefly) offered. I believe that the only way in which he'll finally established himself in the NHL is with another team and the sooner he gets this opportunity, the better. When Joel Armia is ready to come back to the line-up, Hudon could very well be the odd man out and have to clear waivers to heard to Laval. Whichever way it happens, I believe he needs to move on from Montreal.
Kirk Muller: The associate coach is responsible for the Canadiens power and it's undeniable that the special teams have struggled in Montreal this season. Therefore, if Santa could find it in his heart to bless Muller with some new and inventive power play set ups, he would be doing the Habs a huge favour!
That's what I have on my list so far...of course, we're all old enough not to believe in Santa anymore and while some of those wishes are impossible, others are quite realistic and one man could make them happen. So, I hope Marc Bergevin has a very Merry Christmas and comes back to work ready to sort out his blue line and make some moves to allow the Canadiens to be competitive.
What would you put on your list? Expecting some Tricolore gifts under the tree when the clock strikes midnight tonight? I wouldn't be surprised to find a brand new Max Domi jersey to add to my collection! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year! Don't forget to celebrate whichever mood you are in, it happens once a year and it's the best time of the year to show your friends and family how much you love them. By this, I do not mean by buying amazingly expensive presents but rather by spending time with them and letting them know how much you love and appreciate them. Be merry but be careful, no drinking and driving please, know your limits and respect them.