Team: 2021-22 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 14, 2021

Published: Oct. 14, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

MY OPINION MIGHT NOT BE YOURS SO READ WHY I HAVE WHAT I HAVE

Forwards
Line 1: Suzuki and Caufield need a 3rd who can win puck battles, Toffoli has not shown much this pre-season/last night - if it continues I see him losing his spot on the first line. Anderson coming onto this line makes them faster and a lot stronger. With the Chemistry Drouin/Suzuki/Anderson had I don't think it would take long for this line to start producing.

Line 2: As much as I like the DDA Line Anderson going to the 1st line only allows this line to get more offensive with Hoffman taking his place. Dvorak being good on faceoffs will only help as it will gain MTL puck possession which in turn will allow for more opportunity's for Hoffman to score.

Line 3: Toffoli being demoted shouldn't feel like a normal demotion since MTL has good winger depth. Evans has impressed so far and Gally is a household name on the team. This line will be able to be thrown out in pretty much any situation and find success. Even if its not the 28 goal pace from Toffoli again this year.

Line 4: This line will probably be changed on the daily, I think Armia is the only who has won the chance to play everyday IMO, With Perreault and Paquette being able to substitute in for Lehkonen and Brooks when there's a break in production/effectiveness

Defense
Pairing 1: Self explanatory, they were very effective last year, but with them playing more 1st Pair minutes then 2nd Pair minutes there could be a small drop in how effective they are but I don't see it being a big issue as they are both solid DMan

Pairing 2: Alright so I was and still am very flip floppy on Kulak vs Romanov, Both have their strengths and both have their weaknesses. Just based off experience I'm giving Kulak more of the top 4 minutes and I say more of them because these last two pairings will be interchangeable every game depending on who's going better each night.

Pairing 3: Chiarot should be able to play a strong game while being on his offside, Romanov needs to gain some confidence in his puck moving ability and he needs to keep playing the body because he is at his most effective when he is stepping up on players trying to enter the defensive zone. Wideman will be rotated into the lineup for both Kulak and Romanov throughout the year but I do see him being the 7th D man this year.

Let me know your thoughts below.