Team: 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 9, 2023

Published: Jul. 9, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Offseason thoughts:

Was I initially a fan of the Reinbacher pick? Not really. I think it largely went against the "BPA" mentality that management preached, and I think the fanbase is right to desire offensive talent after the over two decade long stretch we have just endured. That being said, the pick has been made and it is time to live with it. I am wholeheartedly rooting for his success, and he seems like a genuinely stellar young man. If we have truly chosen the top d-man in the draft, I think we will have satisfied that organizational need completely and we can continue to focus on offensive talent throughout the rest of this rebuild. I liked the Newhook acquisition in the moment, especially if you look at the pick history of the 31st and 37th positions. What I did not like, was the second day of the draft. I felt the draft strategy felt all too familiar to the MB/Timmins era, and taking 3 goalies (I like Fowler) back tracked the positives of the Newhook trade, considering that's where a few of the top goaltenders (why did we move out of range of the top goaltenders when we valued them so much?) were taken.

Looking ahead to this season: I personally feel that with some additions that Atlantic teams have made, as well as the defensive bulking of the Blue Jackets, the Habs may be front-runners to last in the East. I expect to contend for a top 3 pick.

I am very excited to see the progression of the youth on this roster, especially Caufield, Suzuki, Dach, and Newhook - players who we anticipate may be approaching the beginnings of their primes. I am curious to see if Monty can find some consistency to his game. It felt as though he had a Jekyll/Hyde thing going on last season. I hope to see progress in the game's of Guhle, Barron, Harris and Xhekaj as well, but I recognize that may only exist a perfect world. I believe Slafkovsky will have to play his way up the lineup, and I truly hope he does.

I see Monahan playing in the top 6 once more to bolster his trade value. Most importantly I hope he can just stay healthy as I cannot imagine how hard the past seasons have been on him. Continued regressions from Gallagher, Armia, Dvorak, and perhaps Savard may occur. I think this will only contribute to the "tank" and offset the positives of the growth in our youth. We all pray that Hoffman can find some game and fetch any sort of meaningful return at the deadline. Will not be holding my breath however, as we do have far too many players on the roster at the moment and he feels like the prime candidate to do way with.