by Blain Potvin, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine
MONTREAL, QC – Continuing the journey to reflect on this season of discontent and to look towards the future, we come to the forward group of the Canadiens. The Habs’ Achilles heel for the past few seasons has been the power-play, and scoring overall. Despite all the work Marc Bergevin has done in his tenure to rebuild organizational depth and improve the team, this is one area that he has yet to make significant headway.
The Top Six (well, six-ish)
Let’s begin with the top line. For a change, the Canadiens have a top line. The emergence of Alex Galchenyuk as a number one center, despite his limited average minutes used over the season, seemed to only finally happen when he was given the leeway to make an error and not be pulled from the line. The injury to David Desharnais coincided with this new role, and Galchenyuk did not waste his opportunity in those final 17 games of the season notching 11 goals and six assists on his way to a career year with 30 goals and 26 assists.
Max Pacioretty had what some called a down year. He did seem slowed by his offseason knee injury, yet he still contributed 30 goals and 34 assists. Having the added responsibility as Captain of the Canadiens, and the drama that surrounded the collapse that began in December may have distracted him from his normal level of focus on his game. Yet, this past season showed he was only getting stronger as the season wore on. His selection to the Team USA roster for the World Cup of Hockey will motivate him further to push himself hard in the offseason.
Rounding out the top line, Brendan Gallagher, returned from injury for the last four games and provided his usual gritty all heart game and was quite productive with one goal and four assists. Had it not been for two serious injuries, Gallagher would have likely set a career high in points based on his points per game pace he had through the season. It is safe to say, the top line is now set with that trio.
Tomas Plekanec provided yet another season of consistent offensive output, albeit at a much lower rate for goals than normal, with a revolving door on his wings finishing with yet another over 50 point campaign. His two-way play makes him one of Michel Therrien’s favorite all-situation players as we see by his total ice time. Plekanec also earned himself the nod as Captain of Team Czech Republic at the World Hockey Championships and for the World Cup of Hockey this September.
Lars Eller played significant time on the left wing on the second line. His puck possession game and size are useful assets, yet he seems less effective when playing on the wing. His comfort lies in playing center and controlling the play. He is also best suited as a third line centre where his defensive game can be put to good use checking top lines using his speed and dogged puck pursuit.
And here is where we begin to see the problem in Montreal’s offensive depth. The right wing on the second line was filled by a revolving door of Daniel Carr and Sven Andrighetto, among a few others. Carr plays a game similar to Gallagher’s in that he loves being around the net, but he doesn’t have that same agitating factor or speed as Gallagher. In his 23 games this season proved he deserved the qualifying offer he received.
Andrighetto thrives on speed, and he can make plays at top speed, but his size can be an issue as he was knocked off the puck often. At this stage he would make an excellent third line winger, which may have factored into his new one year deal he recently signed early in the off season.
The Bottom Six
Marc Bergevin seems to collects bottom six forwards like fans collect hockey cards. And due to this, there is no shortage of players to fill these spots. As mentioned Lars Eller would make an excellent third line center. There will be competition for that role as David Desharnais has one year left to prove he deserves another contract. Phillip Danault who arrived via trade with Chicago is also capable to play this role, and so can Torrey Mitchell.
Other bottom six forwards include Bryan Flynn who can line up at all three forward positions and plays a tight checking game. Paul Byron seemed to do enough to earn a three year contract with his speed and play on the penalty killing unit. Lucas Lessio showed some flashes and may earn a contract as well.
Jacob De la Rose was given another opportunity in the NHL, and he played very well defensively, but seemed incapable of finding or providing any offence from his game. In my opinion, De la Rose And will likely start the season in St. John’s again.
Another forward likely starting the season in St. John’s is Stefan Matteau. After coming over in a trade he was unable to impress. Yet, he is a potential power forward with speed and as a former first round pick, will be given time to develop by management.
In the System
There are some promising young forwards looking to crack the NHL lineup as soon as next season. Charles Hudon has shown at times that he has nothing left to learn in the AHL and should get a legitimate chance at an NHL roster spot. If not in Montreal, then somewhere else.
Artturi Lehkonen enjoyed a breakout season in the SHL that earned him his first NHL contract. He is another that will be in competition for an NHL job.
Michael McCarron had an eventful first season as a professional, and will need a full season in the AHL playing heavy minutes in all situations to help him round out and mature his game further before he can truly compete as a regular NHL player.
Nikita Scherbak is a highly skilled forward that can also play a gritty game. After recovering from a serious ankle injury he was able to shine in St. John’s and projects as a top six forward but will need another full season in the minors to develop. But look to him to earn time in the NHL if injuries begin to mount up again.
Martin Reway, the Canadiens 2013 fourth round selection, is another undersized skill forward who was just inked his entry level contract after spending two seasons playing pro in Europe. He will require at least one full season in the AHL to become accustomed to being a pro in North America, and reacquaint himself with the North American game.
To keep track of them and all the Canadiens pro prospects playing with the Ice Caps follow the IceCaps Hockey Report on Twitter.
Possible Moves
Montreal has some high end talent in their top six, the problem is that there are only four players legitimately capable of playing in that role. Marc Bergevin will need to address the lack of offensive talent in that top group.
A trade for a top six capable player would likely include a top four capable defenceman and perhaps one of the young talented wingers added to the deal as well. Perhaps a rival GM could be convinced to take on a package that included one of the plethora of bottom six talent on the roster at this time.
Perhaps it can be as simple as signing one of the many unrestricted free agents hitting the market this July. Adding a veteran top six forward may also help alleviate some of Pacioretty’s duties and add some leadership to the dressing room.
Finishing the season with 221 goals for the last two seasons has shown that while having a healthy Carey Price would be beneficial, and automatically improve the current roster, the real issue is the lack of scoring talent to support the former league MVP. Another serious issue offensively was the power-play, but it seems Marc Bergevin addressed that with the hiring of Kirk Muller as an Associate Coach.
With the addition of a top six forward and the progression of the many young players pushing for an NHL job, the offence may progress enough to complete a team that could finally become a contender.