In just five days, the puck will drop on the Montreal Canadiens' 2024-25 season, and here are the players I believe will be donning the Sainte-Flanelle on the night.
It's almost here. The Montreal Canadiens' home opener is just five days away. On October 9, the Habs' arch-rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, will be in town for the first showdown of the season. It would have been much easier to predict the opening night if Patrik Laine hadn't been taken out of action, but here we are, so without further ado, here's my projected lineup.
Forwards
Cole Caufield-Nick Suzuki-Juraj Slafkovsky
That's the easiest part of the lineup: if it isn't broke, don't fix it, and it sure isn't.
Alex Newhook-Kirby Dach-Oliver Kapanen
The standout of the camp for me (up front at least), the Finnish center, should benefit from his countryman's injury. As a pivot, he'll be able to help the second by being more efficient at the faceoff dot and just bringing so much to the table.
Joshua Roy-Christian Dvorak-Josh Anderson
St-Louis had them together from the start of camp, and I think Dvorak doesn't need as much help with center duties as Dach may need. If Kapanen's audition on the second line is successful, I think Anderson could be on his way out of town when Laine's ready to come back. Providing, of course, he bounces back from the worst season of his career from his own admission.
Brendan Gallagher-Jake Evans-Joel Armia
As Evans put it himself, three straightforward players are playing straightforward hockey. Gallagher's offensive production cannot justify a spot higher in the lineup, but his contribution from a leadership standpoint remains invaluable. Both Evans and Armia are on expiring deals and will be playing for their (hockey) lives this year. Expect both to put their best skate forward (not that Evans is ever any different).
Defensemen
Mike Matheson-Kaiden Guhle
Since arriving in Montreal, Matheson has been a rock for this defense and a productive one at that. As for Guhle, he was thrown into the deep end and showed he could do more than swim. Provided he's healthy, he's first pairing material.
Lane Hutson-David Savard
Everyone's big brother is back at it. "Big play, Dave" will help bring along another young buck by providing a much-needed safety net when the youngster inevitably tries to do too much. It's normal; he will learn. He'll get to learn in the NHL, though. Just like Slafkovsky, St-Louis will want to keep a close eye on him.
Jayden Struble-Justin Barron
Struble outplayed Arber Xhekaj at camp and beat him out of a roster spot. In fact, Xhekaj could even find himself in Laval if the Canadiens need to shed some salary to comply with the cap without putting players on LTIR before the season starts.
Spare: Arber Xhekaj. Make no mistake, there will once again be a rotation system at the pack, and he will get his opportunity,
Goaltenders
Samuel Montembeault-Cayden Primeau
It's been a while since the goalie tandem was so straightforward to define. Since the season starts with a back-to-back, the coaches may split the duties between the two goalies. My money would be on Mounty getting the home start, but time will tell.
