Merrill and Romanov are the 3rd pairing

I would hope so but no official lineup has been submitted yet to my knowledge and the coaching staff\Management prefers vets over skilled young players.

EDIT ** I did see John Lu posted his prediction for the lineup but again that was based on yesterday's practice before Gustafsson cleared protocol

I know you did not do this on purpose but your statement "because the Coach and GM value vets over skill" is misleading and here is why. On a "normal" team, you have 2 offensive D, 2 defensive D, 1 heavy hitter and the last guy is either a specialist or an up and comer.

With Weber slowing down and going cold, the teams focused on Petry and therefore shut down the offense from the back end. Right now the Habs have too many similar D-men. Big strong, defensive D. Edmundson, Chiarot, Weber, Romanov and Kulak. I put Kulak in there because, yes he skates really well but he rarely provides any offense. He knew players were coming and look how he played the last 3 games! very well. Why didn't he play like that all season?

Also, Kulak and Romanov often have a hard time stopping the cycle and if you notice they spend a lot of time in their zone. Merrill is a defensive D, with a history of being good at stopping the cycle. But now you add another defensive D-man to the group, which puts even more pressure on Petry to perform. For this reason, Gustafsson will probably play because his strength is offense. His weakness is D-zone. But Habs really need some offense from the back end. So knowing that, who do you take out of the lineup? Edmundson, who has played well and leads the NHL in +/-? nope!

Petry who was having a stellar year and leads the D in scoring? nope! Weber who is still the Captain and still does well on the PK? nope! Chiarot, that has been on the 1st pairing for two years, hits and does well on the PK? nope! So, unfortunately it will probably be Romanov, not because he is playing poorly, but because he is the easiest to take out as a rookie without causing too many ripples with the veteran D mentioned.

Gustafsson and Merrill could potentially form a very good tandem because one is Offensive and the other Defensive. With this said, I think Chiarot may be moved in the offseason, to make sure Romanov stays in the line up next season.

DD confirmed that Merrill is playing with Romanov

It’s been confirm for a while Merrill in Kulak out

That would be nice, like I said I have not seen any official lineup or announcement of who is playing where.

I'm telling you, the coach himself said it lol letting you know its official.

Yes, that has been confirmed but the question still remains on whether they will dress Romanov now that Gustafsson has exited covid quarantine.

You letting me know is not official unless you have a link somewhere. I can say that the coach said Gallagher will dress but unless I have proof it is just me saying it which does not make it official.

I understand your points and don't doubt that Gustafsson and Merril would be a good pairing my only concern is: What kind of message does it send to the kid who has played well all season?

It is easier to accept when you are in your first two years in the league. Romanov will or should have a good career. I still think MTL has a above average team, Bergevin brought in some very good pieces, they have some good prospects coming. I just wish the fans base would chill a little and stop freaking out after every game. Not implying you. I still like the direction of the team. If the media and certain fans could just chill. I had a guy yell at me yesterday because I said Ouellet is not even in the top 6 in Laval and the guy freaked out on me.

I also like the direction of the team and am optimistic about the upcoming playoffs. Yes I saw that yesterday, I agree with you on Ouellet also. I don't mind sitting a young guy if they deserve it or if we have an upgrade. My issue is though that Chiarot, Merrill and Gustafsson are not really upgrades on Romanov. They are like you said just different players, also Romanov has not done anything to be deserving of being sat.

Note: The Habs just posted on their news feed that Romanov will play with Merrill, I know this was already posted above and I may have unintentionally offended someone when I said it was not official until a source can be validated via a link, if I did offend you I am sorry I was just trying to say that it is hearsay until there was proof. So here is the proof:

https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/pregame-canadiens---oilers---april-21/c-323881266?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=carte&utm_campaign=CHCcontent&utm_content=EN-0421-PregameQuotes

Gustafsson hasn’t practiced yet, and the team gave up a 7th for him. He’ll probably get in some games, but not at the expense of Romanov (nor do I think he would play tonight no matter what).

Wow you're a special kind of douche eh? because a broken thumb gally is the same thing. I was being nice and just informing you that I read it somewhere. take care of yourself bud.

Nice, I just ask for a link and you resort to name calling! Like I said unless proof is provided it is just hearsay. I was not trying to offend you I was just looking for written confirmation.

No wasn’t offended at all. I am also hearing very good feedback about Norlinder. In 2 to 3 years he should be in top 4