The blueprint

Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 17, 2022

Published: Dec. 16, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

As of now, here's what the Stanley Cup checklist looks like (<23yo established players only):
Elite first-line center that’s among the very best players in the world: N/A
Elite first-line winger to support the elite center: N/A
Top-line center to play behind the elite center: Suzuki
Two other top-line wingers on each of the top two lines: Caufield, Dach
Two more top-six forwards for depth in the middle six: Slafkovsky, N/A
Elite No. 1 defenseman: N/A
A second No. 1 defenseman to play behind him: Guhle
A top-pairing defenseman to help anchor a strong second pair with the No. 2: Harris
Another top-pairing caliber defender to crush soft minutes on the third pair: Xhekaj
A top-10 caliber starting goaltender: N/A

Obviously, this picture is subjective and could look a lot different a year from now. The point is: even if the Habs luck out at the draft or with the development of their players/prospects, they'll still be nowhere near contender status - there's just too many important holes to fill. Plus, other teams are way ahead of the curve in terms of roster construction - NJD, BUF and DAL all fare better, and you could probably add MIN and OTT to this list.

So hang on Habs fans, relax and enjoy the losses.

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