Team: 2020-21 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: May 24, 2020

Published: May 25, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Emelin had some real bad moments, mental lapses whatever you want to call it, but man do I miss seeing some him throw some huge hits.

In all seriousness, I think if the habs aren't able to land a top 4 LD getting a 3rd pair RD is a smart move. With the upcoming expansion draft, MTL is likely going to lose a defenseman. There RD depth is pretty thin; Brook is probably 2-3 years away and Juulsen needs to get healthy and playing again in the AHL. Realistically, all they have is Weber, Petry, and Fluery so adding Gudas puts Fluery in Laval for good depth.

Gudas is also a better player than Emelin and would be playing a smaller role than Emelin had with MTL before.

I like these pairings:
Romanov - Weber
(Romanov's mobility compliments Weber and his defensive game is good enough to play against top lines. They can both play 2nd PP unit.)

Chiarot - Petry
(Chiarot's offensive game is underrated, these two big defenseman should be hard to play against and provide good offense.)

Mete - Gudas
(Again a good balance of speed and strength, their playstyles should compliment each other. Mete can play a top 4 role if necessary and Gudas is one mean dude.)

Also added one of Gudas' flyer buddies in Simmonds to play a 4th line role and complete the Ontario connection with Evans and Byron which should be a real solid 4th line. Simmonds could also be a good fit with Domi and Drouin if the Danault Tatar Gallagher line needs to be reunited.

There would actually be 4 ex flyers on the team with Simmonds Weise Weal and Gudas, maybe there is a good connection to bring these guys in?