The
Montreal Canadiens are starting their deadline season search, this year perhaps
more earnestly than the last couple, thanks to a historically productive
offense that sees the Habs pacing to score more goals than at any point in
their GM’s 15 season run. With already 5 players with 20 or more goals, and 4
of the top 12 point leaders, one would rightly guess they’re looking at other
parts of the lineup to improve.
Top rumblings have them seeking another goaltender. Garret Sparks is performing
quite well, but has shown an inability to play well in more than 2 consecutive
games. Come the playoffs, no fan in Montreal will want to trust playoff games
to the current backup, even if it is local boy J-F Berube.
What they want however, may not even be available. So of course the option to
upgrade defensively is surely on the table. Noah Juulsen has wonderfully
overperformed playing his season alongside Norris candidate Sam Morin, and
Kurtis MacDermaid has cemented himself as a full-time top 4 guy. However, the
rental market could offer the opportunity to replace one of these positions
with a bonafide star.
If all else fails, don’t discount the possibility they even lean further in to
the positives, and management decides to add another forward. Currently, the
entire right wing of the lineup features youngsters having good seasons—but can
the club count on each and every one translating that into a much harder
playoff performance?
Basically, if you’re selling, the Habs might want to know about it. Unlike the
prior two seasons they seem entirely willing to dangle their first round pick, as
well as a couple other younger assets, and of course cash.
11/5/2024 - 258 words
