The Light at the end of the tunnel 1st Pick

Équipe: 2020-21 Canadiens de Montréal

Date de création initiale: 27 juill. 2020

Publié: 27 juill. 2020

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Dreaming that Montreal finally drafts their first overall pick in 30 years and select Alexis Lafrenière. This pick will fast forward Montreal to a playoff position in 2020-2021 hopefully.

* Offensively Montreal will have 4 four balanced lines.

- With Suzuki officially being the Center#2.

- Danault keeps his spot as #1 by default - neither Suzuki, KK or Domi can show as much maturity and consistency yet.

- With Poehling and Evans as backups when needed, Montreal will have deep formation at center.

- Kovalchuk... He's old. If we can sign a better UFA or trade for a top 6 right wing then we have too. Leaving a first round pick in the table is a must.

* Defensively will be tough for Montreal unless a trade happens before/during the season. Thus getting Vince Dunn will give a bit more of offensive punch from the D. Two second round picks might be a lot (with Jake Allen and his 4M).

- Vince Dunn for 3.85M$ and 2 years. Will stay RFA after the contract. No risks here. If he underperforms, will sign for less. If he performs well, will get a bonus.

- Jake Allen with a 2M retained salary should value a late 2nd pick from Pittsburgh (i think).

- Chiarot and Weber are not fast enough to compensate playing with each other. I dont know how "good" Dunn is defensively but will try pairing him with Weber.

- Mete shows no signs of improvement over the years and just looks like he already hit his "plateau" - maximum potential. (may finish his season at Laval). Better for his development.

*Backup Goalie Race
- McNiven looks really good. Will probably get a chance this year to perform as a backup to Price. I'm eager to see how Lindgren/McNiven battle will end up. I don't think Montreal should spend for a better UFA goalie. Lets give the young guys a chance and its cheaper.

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