By Habster

82 games is a lot of hockey and injuries are common place in the NHL. How well a team copes with injuries and its ability to replace these injured players is an extremely important factor in a team’s success. The Canadiens are no different and will have their share of injuries this season.

Bob Gainey and his staff have done a great job of stock piling the AHL with NHL ready prospects like Price (if he goes to Hamilton), S.Kostitsyn, D’Agostini, Grabovski (if he goes to Hamilton), Valentenko, Carle and O’Bryne (if he goes to Hamilton). Unlike previous years of neglect, the Habs system is as strong as it’s ever been with the ability to replace players and not miss a beat (unless their names are Markov or Koivu!!!). The organization has come a long way since the Rejean Houle era when the Habs had trouble filling an AHL team roster with players. I can recall many times when the Canadiens were unable to effectively replace injured NHL players with AHL players due to the lack of talent on the farm.

This year will definitely be different with many fans hoping that the above players will get their opportunity to play with the big club.