As a fan, you often sit by and watch in frustration as management of your favorite team makes questionable decisions or worse.
Don’t mention the name Mike Lynn to anyone who follows the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. He was the general manager who traded five players and six draft choices to land Herschel Walker from the Dallas Cowboys. Walker was a bust and the Cowboys went on to win three Superbowls in four years.
Who was the worst General Manager in the history of the NHL? Consensus would award that title to former Islanders boss Mike Milbury. John Ferguson Jr. isn’t too far behind on that list with Canadiens fans being quick to toss Rejean Houle’s name on the pile.
But you don’t have to be on the league’s worst list to make baffling moves. Fans are left to sit on their sofas at home and scream “I could do better than that!”
So, we’re calling your bluff.
As we know the Canadiens still have 31 players in training camp. With only two more exhibition games left, final cuts are not too far off. So who would you reassign to get down to 14 forwards and seven defensemen? Would you add an eighth blueliner?
To set the stage, let’s take a look at the potential lines for the Habs.
Andrei Kostitsyn — Tomas Plekanec — Mike Cammalleri
The first line is likely set. Plekanec has a new contract, will be part of the extended leadership group and has been the best forward in camp. Cammalleri has been quiet in the exhibition season but will be counted upon with the games are meaningful. Andrei Kostitsyn will never be a favoured son in coach Jacques Martin’s mind, but he has worked hard and looked good in the pre-season.
Brian Gionta — Scott Gomez —
Brian Gionta will wear the ‘C’ on his sweater this season. Despite missing 21 games last year, Gionta was the Habs leading goal scorer. Scott Gomez is the setup man on the line and was second in points on the team.
The two most likely candidates to fill the spot on the line are Benoit Pouliot and Lars Eller.
Pouliot is the heir apparent and should have the hands to be another scorer to fill out this trio. However, Pouliot has had a poor pre-season and is struggling to finish his opportunities. Pouliot’s play can be described as soft and desire seems to be an issue at times.
Eller is known as a setup man but has a good shot with a quick release. He has exceeded expectations since arriving in Montreal. Eller is big, solid and has shown the ability to dig pucks and power through defenders.
The third and fourth lines are likely made up of interchangeable parts.
Max Lapierre — Jeff Halpern —
Halpern was a late signing by GM Pierre Gauthier and will be counted on for face-offs and penalty-killing duty. Lapierre will have lots to prove coming off a dreadful season that was rescued by renewed effort in the playoffs.
The vacant spot here could be a consolation prize for either Eller or Pouliot. If that player falls all the way to the fourth line, the spot could be filled by Max Pacioretty or Ben Maxwell. Maxwell has had a very strong camp while Pacioretty has played well as he battles injuries..
Travis Moen — Dustin Boyd —
Boyd, signed as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season will likely lead an energy line and is well suited for the role. Moen is a perfect compliment and should make this a tough line to play against.
Ryan White’s stock has been rising and he could be another punishing body on this line. Tom Pyatt is not as physical but is a much better skater and has more defensive skills than White. Pyatt likely has the inside track and is a favorite of coach Martin.
Mathieu Darche doesn’t rate more than a press box position while used as an occasional change of pace. No one questions Darche’s heart but his lack of skill and slow footspeed don’t mesh with a speedy, puck-moving lineup.
And now a quick look at the defense.
Andrei Markov and Roman Hamrlik are both recovering from knee injuries. Hamrlik is back skating with the team and could be ready to start the season. It appears that Markov’s progression is a few weeks behind that.
Jaroslav Spacek — Roman Hamrlik
Spacek struggled playing on his wrong side in pre-season. When switched back to his natural position against Florida, Spacek was a plus-3. Hamrlik played well last season when Markov was sidelined.
Josh Gorges — Hal Gill
Both players started the season slowly but hit their stride when the playoffs rolled around. They will be counted on for penalty-killing duty. Gill will wear an ‘A’ again this season.
PK Subban — Ryan O’Byrne
Subban is riding a wave of popularity in Montreal, but unfortunately his play hasn’t kept pace. He has played a high-risk, high-reward game in the pre-season and has had problems with self-discipline. O’Byrne wore the ‘A’ twice in the pre-season, a show of confidence in him and recognition perhaps for his continual improvement.
Yannick Weber is a smooth skating player who can lead a rush or quarterback a power-play. He has the hardest slapshot on the team and is very accurate. Weber can get man-handled in his own zone.
Alexandre Picard was a pleasant surprise in the pre-season. While he had a few major gaffes, his play was simple and steady.
Alex Henry looked lost in his own zone in exhibition games. He is tough, sticks up for his teammates, and is the closest that the Canadiens have to being an enforcer.
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When deciding on your cuts, you will also have to consider a player’s waiver status. Here’s a handy guide for your convenience. Those players who could be under consideration have been listed.
Must clear waivers: Boyd, Darche, Halpern, Henry, Picard, Pouliot, Pyatt
Waiver exempt: Eller, Maxwell, Pacioretty, Weber, White
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You now have your primer and are armed with some important information to make your choices. The rest is up to you.
Specify your 12 + 2 forwards and 7 defensemen. Keep in mind that we aren’t interested in predictions about what Gauthier and Martin will do. We want your opinion.
You are the GM of the Montreal Canadiens. Make your decision and justify it.
If you would like to submit your list, please use the comments section below.
Watch for a follow-up piece with picks chosen by our All Habs’ contributors.