24-25

Team: 2024-25 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jan. 27, 2024

Published: Jan. 27, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

*Roster Notes*
- Barron and Xhekaj get bridge deals, neither have proven yet that they're long-term pieces for Montreal but over the next 2 years they'll get plenty of opportunities to.
- Ylonen wasn't resigned because I think he can make an NHL roster but with the abundance of wingers Montreal have him staying around would likely mean another year in the minors for a guy like Roy, which may not be a bad thing but even if none of the young forwards are ready to make the jump to the NHL we have other guys already under contract that can play.
- Armia and Dvorak are gone after the season if not during it, I don't think you can trade either without retention and given that Montreal only have one retention spot let that implies one likely doesn't get traded, but if you can get anything for them, do it.
- Primeau gets a chance to prove if he's an NHL goalie or not, this year is tough for him because of the three goalie rotation Montreal's been using, he needs consistent games, not one in every 4/5.
- RHP gets a shot to prove himself, I think there's some offensive upside there but not quite the updside he showed last year, I think he could end up being a Paul Byron esque player, but only time will tell.
- Kovacevic get's traded if one or more of Hutson, Reinbacher and Mailloux are ready, even Norlinder but I don't think he's gonna make it at this rate, otherwise keep him to rotate with the young guys so they can have breaks when it's not going well for them.
- Savard and Evans are both trade pieces at the deadline, Evans can go but I'd be fine with keeping him if the market isn't there for him. Savard is a tough one imo, he's a great mentor, can play the big minutes to help shelter the young guys, and without him someone's gonna get thrown into the spotlight that probably shouldn't be, but on the other hand if the offers for him are really good you can't keep rejecting them.
- I don't expect whoever Montreal drafts this year to make the NHL immediately, hence me not saying "we draft ___ with the ___ overall pick", unless we win the lottery and select Cellebrini.
- I'd be surprised to see Montreal make a splash in free agency this year, personally the only guy I think Montreal should pursue if he's available is Monahan because they know what he brings, in that case you do whatever it takes to get rid of Dvorak as he's not worth keeping if they bring in a 3C.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.