Contender poll

I did vote no. Don't see Montreal being much better than last year, so improvement has to be from internal sources. But Habs just finished out of the playoffs last year. And as we saw with the Blues and Carolina...just get in the playoffs, you're a contender.

To be a contender, generally you need 7 things:
1.) Elite number 1 center
2.) Elite winger
3.) Elite number 1 defenseman (can play pp, pk, control the game)
4.) Capable back up goalie (the game has changed, you can't play your starter more then 55-60 games. Need a good back up goalie who can play 20-25 games
5.) Elite goalie
6.) Strong 2-way 2nd line center (contribute offensively as well)
7.) Depth Depth Depth on every position

What do the Habs have?
1.) Elite center in Duchene and an upcoming KK and Poehling
2.) Elite winger in Domi. Suzuki coming up. Drouin is good, but needs to be more consistent to be considered elite
3.) Elite defenseman in Shea Weber.
4.) NEED a capable back up goalie
5.) Elite goalie is Carey Price. thats a no brainer
6.) Strong 2 way center in Danault. Prob one of the most underrated 2-way cneters in the league. Doesst score 20 goals, but did pick up 40 assists and will likely be top 7 at least in selke voting
7.) Habs have a ton of depth in Gally, Tatar Lehkonen (cna still grow his game offensively) Suzuki coming up and prospects.

I like your moves, but you'll need at least $1M more to land Duchene. Will need to buy out or cap dump Weise or Alzner to add some cap space.

i should add. that these are the pieces that get you deep in the playoffs. u still need scoring on your top 3 lines (Habs have that) and you need complimentary pieces around your number 1 dman. we have a 3-4 in petry and mete. we need a number 2 dman beside weber to round out the top 4