Asking Montreal to make the postseason after finishing last in the Atlantic Division in 2023-24 is a tall order
Besides the use of the clichéd sports quote from Jim Mora, the playoffs are a preposterous idea for the Canadiens this year. Cool. That’s settled. We’ll see you all next year.
In all seriousness, what is a fair expectation for the Martin St. Louis-led team to aim for?
The Athletic recently listed the Canadiens at a zero percent chance of making the playoffs as well as a zero percent of being a dark horse to make the final dance. What is fair to expect from the team is a steady upward trajectory. The fanbase deserves to see an improvement from the 2023-24 season in the form of results.
The top line of Nick Suzuki-Cole Caufield-Juraj Slafkovský proved to be up to snuff for the Habs. This doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement. Caufield is capable of being the scorer complementing the playmaking awareness of Suzuki and Slafkovský, yet has not surpassed the 30-goal plateau in his nascent career.
Slafkovský just signed an eight-year extension worth $7.6 million annually. He reached 50 points last year, and it would be nice to see him exceed that mark next year. It’s not to put copious amounts of pressure on the young Slovak, but when you sign a contract as valuable as his, there is an expectation for consistent play.
As for Suzuki… honestly, no notes. If he delivers a fourth-straight 82-game season with roughly 77 points, the Habs’ front office will be doing cartwheels along with the fan base.
The Canadiens have made significant changes to their medical staff over the past two years, and the hope is that will lend to limiting the numerous injuries that have plagued the team. Kirby Dach has endured freak accident injuries, but many fans are hoping he plays in at least 75 percent of the regular season.
Lastly, seeing who is the bonafide six defensemen in the lineup going forward. The Habs have plenty of options, but setting in stone the defensive unit going forward would alleviate any online fan forum speculation.
Lastly, special teams are of urgent concern. Last season, the Habs finished with a power play percentage of 17.5 percent, good enough for 27th in the league. Even if the Habs could bring that percentage closer to 20 percent next year, that would only account for an additional six goals going off of last season's total.
