HABS FEATURE | Marc Bergevin Will Be Searching for Top-six Forwards For the Montreal Canadiens this Off-season, Eberle, Kapanen

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — The Canadiens completed a surprising season, with a significant jump in points but just missed a playoff spot. I believe that many of Marc Bergevin’s moves in the off-season worked out which made the improvement possible. Next season,  only a playoff appearance and run will be acceptable.

Some fans look at the Blue Jackets advancing past Tampa Bay and wonder why Bergevin didn’t ‘go all in.’  I have no issue with Montreal protecting their blue chip assets as Trevor Timmins has focused on restocking the cupboard. The Canadiens’ lack of players with talent and size to compete in the playoffs may have yielded a different outcome than the one enjoyed by Columbus.

Bergevin has the tools necessary for a successful season beyond this one, which places a larger burden for him to add the necessary improvements this summer.

One aspect of the game that needs a major improvement to be able to become a playoff team would be improving the Habs power-play, ranked 30th in the NHL in 2019-20. Had the team finished at even 20th overall with the man advantage, they could have added at least an extra 15 goals.

Fifteen goals doesn’t sound like much, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to think that those goals could have given the Habs as many as three more wins. Six points would have propelled Montreal to a 102-point season. That would have been more than enough to capture a wild card playoff position and maybe even vaulted the Habs to third in the Atlantic Division.

Continuing the retool and moving closer to contention this off-season will be an important task for Bergevin. As most people admit, the general manager will need to add a left-handed defenceman in order to give the team a chance. That being said, the power-play and top six forward group would benefit greatly with the addition of a forward with proven skill.

From the prospect pipeline, Nick Suzuki seems to be developing into a quality forward who could become that much needed offensive catalyst, though he is likely going to spend a season in Laval adjusting to the professional game. Ryan Poehling is another prospect who is likely to spend some time in Laval, but could provide quality two-way play, size and a net front presence, qualities that are needed by the Canadiens.

If Jonathan Drouin finally plays consistently and effectively, the Habs offence would instantly improve. However, more improvements should be sought out as insurance.

Acquiring players via unrestricted free agency would be the least disruptive method of adding a missing offensive piece. Balancing salary and term to land a contract that would be acceptable is not an easy task. Bergevin must also find a player that fits into the Canadiens style of play.

Highly-sought unrestricted free agents such as Artemi Panarin and Jeff Skinner could be ideal shooters on the right wing. However, they will likely be uninterested in Montreal or will ask too much to fit the cap structure, especially for a team with several young players to retain in the near future.

Others, such as Jordan Eberle and even Matt Duchene could be available for more reasonable deals and would be excellent fits for the Canadiens’ long-term needs as they  provide lineup flexibility. Eberle can play either wing and could be a power-play shooter as well reliable two-way play. Duchene is a more interesting (and likely more expensive) option who can play all three forward positions. Duchene is an excellent playmaker who can help the power-play with a more than capable shot.

There is always trade talk in the offseason, especially with so many upsets in the first round of the playoffs. Even a team like Pittsburgh could be willing to extend their window, which is why we will continue to hear names such as Phil Kessel and Sam Bennett as their teams look to make improvements.

However, the Canadiens may not have enough assets to entice most teams to move quality pieces. A savvy GM could weaponize the salary cap to their advantage.

This summer, Bergevin should have approximately $14 million available to him if the cap is raised to $82.5 million. The available dollars will be required to sign Joel Armia, Artturi Lehkonen and Brett Kulak with decisions to be made on Charles Hudon, Jordie Benn, Mike Reilly and Xavier Ouellete. 

Last summer, Bergevin proved he’s willing to use cap space taking on and buying out  Steve Mason’s contract to acquire Armia. This summer he could take advantage of the Maple Leafs cap space issues by offering to take on Nathan Horton’s contract.

Despite being on long-term injury reserve, Horton’s contract will count in full against the cap. For a team like the Leafs with very little cap space, they will need to maximize dollars to ensure they can retain Mitch Marner. The cost of this favor would be to send the rights to Kasperi Kapanen to the Habs for a lesser return than he would have cost otherwise.

Kapanen could be seen as expendable for a team that has several, less expensive prospects capable of graduating from their AHL affiliate in the near future. Kapanen has an excellent shot and is capable of playing the high tempo style that the Habs want to employ. His addition to the Canadiens’ power-play would instantly provide a scoring threat from the half wall that the Habs had been unable to find internally all last season.

Fans should hold on tight to the ride that is the Bergycoaster this off-season. It is hoped that both Bergevin and Geoff Molson have learned from their mistakes and can power the team forward next season.

By Blain Potvin, Staff Writer. Edited by Cate Racher.
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