The Habs are in a holding pattern approaching the trade deadline. With playoff hopes dwindling, Canadiens management needs to start preparing for next season and the future.
With just 24 games remaining, the Habs are eight points behind Philadelphia for the final wildcard spot and seven points in arrears of Toronto for third place in the Atlantic division. Both teams hold a game in hand over Montreal. The Canadiens will need a record of 18-4-2 to end the season to have a strong chance of post-season play.
On pace to miss the playoffs, the Canadiens are positioned to take advantage of an opportunity to move pending unrestricted free agents and listen to offers from teams who may be willing to overpay for a player in their run to the playoffs.
Players like Marco Scandella, Nate Thompson, and Dale Weise could yield important draft picks that Marc Bergevin can use to improve his position at the draft.
Ilya Kovalchuk is another pending UFA that will garner serious interest. The 36-year-old has tallied 12 points in 16 games since signing with Montreal. At only $700,000 for the rest of this season, Kovalchuk could be a great add for playoff-bound teams.
The fans have welcomed Kovalchuk with open arms to Montreal. He certainly appears to be enjoying his short time in the city and has been productive for the Canadiens. If the club tries to re-sign him, fans must recognize that Kovalchuk will not be signing at the league minimum, and will want a term for multiple years.
According to betting site Betway, the Canadiens are listed at +9000 to win the Atlantic Division. Longshots to be the outright winner, the Canadiens should start focusing on next season as soon as possible.
The Canadiens are also listed at +3500 to win the Eastern Conference. Again, it’s a long shot considering the likes of the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning sit happily atop the Conference. This won’t be the year that the Canadiens will be competing for the Stanley Cup.
Montreal is a clear longshot to win the Cup this season, which means they need to trim the fat and prepare for next season.
If the Canadiens can fetch a first or second-round draft pick at the deadline, that is a win for Montreal (depending on what pieces were swapped). Montreal has four picks in the first three rounds and seven picks in the last four rounds. They are in pretty good shape entering the draft.
Of course, they also have talent in the AHL that could look to make the jump to the NHL next season. Cayden Primeau has seen a glimpse of the NHL this year but he will need a season or two more in the AHL before he will be ready for the big club.
Montreal is well equipped with prospects in the AHL, junior hockey, and the NCAA, which could mean that the Canadiens are moving in the right direction. Add in the fact that Montreal has the cap space to sign some upcoming UFA’s and the Habs aren’t in a terrible spot by any means.
This lineup could be completely different come next season. Patience will be key for the Canadiens and their fans, but that’s hard to say to a fandom that has such a rich history of winning.
Overall, the trade deadline should be exciting for Montreal fans. Next season’s outlook is positive, as long as the Canadiens make the right moves.