Go Habs Go
Joined: Mar. 2017
Posts: 10,667
Likes: 4,091
We're not at a point where we need wingers. Next year will be a trial season for everyone up front, much like this year has been for the defense.
Giving ice time to several unproductive players isn't hurting us right now, but it wouldn't be helpful to throw in another few young guys while our defense is figuring out how to play at the NHL level.
We just need to continue to be patient. We more or less have a top line and are developing a fresh battalion of defense. It's going well (perhaps too well). If that's all we accomplish this season, it's enough.
We could use a veteran RHD that will support the development of our defense core for a few years, in order to keep everyone on their side (or at least give us the option to keep them there). Trouba is too high of a target. We don't need a good player, we need a physically and mentally competent one that is fine taking a back seat to development.
Harris and Kovacevic would make a decent 3rd pair and have performed well enough together.
The only way we're going to get Barron into the lineup is alongside Guhle or Xhekaj. Something to test out nearer the end of the season.
That leaves Matheson with Savard if Edmundson is moved (which he probably should be, to open up some room).
Xhekaj will likely continue to be a 7th D in rotation unless he is able to play with more discipline and be more selective as an enforcer. You simply can't be relied on if you are fighting 2-3 times a month. Tough players need to get the job done within the rules and during the play for the most part, and he needs to figure out how to punish opponents another way.