Équipe: 2022-23 Canadiens de Montréal

Date de création initiale: 22 août 2022

Publié: 22 août 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Going into camp, this is how I see it:
The fact is that a steadfast Dvorak, a healthy Monahan, and a seasoned Evans are all far superior at the moment to a still-developing and lacking-in-confidence Dach at the centre position.
Similiarly, Pitlick, Armia, and eventually healthy Byron are much more suited to the fourth line than Slafkovsky is. So there is no point in having the kids in the NHL until later in the season. 13th forward spot can be filled by Stephens, Pezzetta or on the waiver wire.
Best thing for Dach and Slaf would be to go down to Laval and form a dominant line with Ylonen. That line could then come up after the trade deadline and stay together going forward into next year and for years to come as a secondary scoring line.
Same thing goes for Ghule and Barron on defence, even though these two are much closer to making the team. Dominating at the AHL level will give them the confidence to dominate in the NHL as a top2 for the next decade. With that, I would not be surprised if we claim a Dman on waivers during camp, maybe even local boy Davies from Buffalo, or sign someone like Beaulieu to a one year deal while Ghule, Barron, Harris, Norlinder and Xhekaj marinate.