by Chris G, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

LAVAL, QC. – The August 22nd announcement of the Canadiens signing defenseman Douglas Murray was received with mixed emotions in Planet Habs. But what else is new?  The yay sayers are happy about Murray being six-foot-three and 245 pounds while the nay sayers are not happy about his speed and his declining on-ice performance.

When I heard about the signing, I decided to look at how it would impact the roster. Here is how I project the Canadiens defence will look when they hit the ice against the Maple Leafs on October 1st:

Andrei Markov – P.K. Subban
Josh Gorges – Raphael Diaz
Francis Bouillon – Douglas Murray

Extra: Davis Drewiske

Injured: Alexei Emelin

Looking at those pairings, there are several questions that need to be asked:

1.      Is there a spot on this roster to promote a prospect from the Bulldogs?

None of the eight players mentioned above can be sent down to the AHL without going through waivers and I highly doubt that Michel Therrien is interested in playing a defencemen on the fourth line as a forward. Let’s forget about those two options. Unless there are injuries or a future trade, it seems that there will be little chance of a roster spot for a prospect on defence.

What does that mean for players like Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu? It means that they get to spend an extra season to develop with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Tinordi and Beaulieu may not be too enthusiastic about that idea after tasting the NHL last season, but the extra season in the AHL, in my opinion,  will help them longer term in their career.

2.      What happens when Alexei Emelin is ready to hit the ice?

The Montreal Canadiens may have a couple of months to figure this out, as Emelin is expected to be ready in December to return to the lineup. However, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see him return earlier. There is an expectation that Murray will partially replace Emelin’s physicality. In terms of skills, the 33-year-old Murray is a significant downgrade to Emelin.

When all the defencemen are healthy, I expect Murray, and Francis Bouillon to rotate for the number six spot. Davis Drewiske will be playing the role of the 2013 Yannick Weber by sitting out the majority of the games.

3.      What can we expect from Andrei Markov this season?

Last season, Andrei Markov played a total of 74 games (21 in KHL & 53 with Habs). This was the most hockey he has played since the 2008-09 season.  Markov had a

good start of the season with the Canadiens but fatigue was a factor in his play as the season progressed.  He was still playing well and making those accurate passes that he is known for, but Markov did not have the legs to play the minutes he used too.

If I was in coach Therrien’s shoes, I would limit Markov’s ice time to 18-20 minutes a game.  A long season is ahead for Markov, which includes the 82-game NHL regular season, the Sochi Olympics, and NHL playoffs (you read correctly, I just gave away my prediction that the Habs will make the playoffs.) We also saw last season that Markov’s play was negatively affected when he played above 20 minutes.  It is certain that Andrei Markov will need to have a solid season in order for the Canadiens to succeed (and for my prediction to come true.)

How would you handle the defencemen of the team? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below and it will be my pleasure to interact with the All Habs readers.

A more detailed analysis of the Canadiens season coming up on the Habs360 podcast that debuts in a couple of weeks. You can also follow me on Twitter @chrisg1980