After a month of Montreal Canadiens hockey, we can effectively evaluate the performance of the team’s 2024-2025 roster. With this context, let’s review individual contributions from the first 16 games of the season, categorized into three tiers:
– Top tier: Exceeded expectations
– Middle tier: Met expectations
– Lower tier: Did not meet expectations
**Players Who Exceeded Expectations**
*Cole Caufield:* While scoring on every third shot isn’t a sustainable feat, it’s been enjoyable to watch the small forward find the net regularly, something that hasn’t been common in Montreal. Currently, at 23 years old, he leads the NHL with 12 goals. However, his underlying statistics raise some concerns. While we’re celebrating his strong start, his performance could shift dramatically if he doesn’t make improvements in possession, assists, and turnovers.
*Jake Evans:* The 28-year-old center is on track for his best season yet, delivering strong two-way performance against top competition. His play, in light of the team’s inadequate depth at center, suggests he may be in line for a contract extension after this season.
*Brendan Gallagher:* The alternate captain has begun the season well, ranking fourth in points and showcasing his trademark tenacity. Unlike last year’s fatigue, the 32-year-old appears more energized and is likely to see increased ice time soon. Although his contract raises some worries, many fans are overlooking these concerns due to his recent form.
*Justin Barron:* A regrettable injury slowed Barron’s promising start, reminiscent of past issues linked to situational awareness. There’s hope for his growth this season, but patience is essential as he’s just 22 years old.
*Lane Hutson:* Despite high expectations, Hutson has impressed the Habs fans who crave creativity. He’s faced typical rookie challenges, yet often emerges as a key offensive contributor and shows resilience in the face of mistakes. His style is also influencing his teammates positively, and a permanent role as the main power-play quarterback seems imminent.
**Players Who Met Expectations**
*Kirby Dach:* His placement here reflects tempered expectations rather than performance. After missing last season, Dach needs time to adjust. He’s currently struggling, with frustration evident in his demeanor. The season is still early, and it’s crucial for management to determine if he can develop into a top-6 center as part of the long-term strategy.
*Emil Heineman:* Heineman has had a solid start, showing flashes of success and positive possession numbers as he adapts to the NHL. If he harnesses his physicality more effectively, he could earn more ice time.
*Michael Pezzetta:* Despite the physical play and occasional targeting of teammates, Pezzetta has only suited up for three games, providing good energy while on the ice. His uneven role suggests potential free agency at season’s end.
*Nick Suzuki:* Though it feels unfair to rate the captain, who is one of the highest-paid and leading players, merely as meeting expectations, his two-way impact has diminished. Notorious for slow starts, fans hope to see him ignite the team’s morale as losses begin to accumulate.
*Kaiden Guhle:* A solid defensive presence when healthy, Guhle has struggled with injuries and has occasionally left himself exposed. His position on the left side of defense is critical, but the current logjam forces him to play on the right, which may hinder his development.
*Mike Matheson:* Matheson consistently ranks among the top defensemen in power-play points. Though he has made questionable decisions, his ice time is generally productive. With Hutson pushing for his position, he must maintain performance to keep the coaching staff’s faith.
*David Savard:* Savard has shown the reliable defense expected of him, even if his offensive contributions are negligible. Speculation surrounds his potential trade at the deadline, but his status as a veteran presence on a thin right side makes him valuable.
*Arber Xhekaj:* After a shaky start, Xhekaj has shown improvement and has solid analytics, though his defensive zone presence needs work.
*Juraj Slafkovsky:* After a strong conclusion to last season, Slafkovsky has struggled with consistency and rhythm but has recently improved, placing him third in team scoring.
*Jayden Struble:* Struble’s showing hasn’t mirrored his impressive debut, as he has made notable mistakes, but his analytical performance remains acceptable for the team’s needs.
**Players Who Underperformed**
*Josh Anderson:* Anderson’s season seems poised to fall below 40 points again, which is concerning given his salary. While he actively contributes in other ways, his overall offensive impact remains lacking.
*Christian Dvorak:* Dvorak’s performance hasn’t excited fans, but his expected goal share suggests he is managing to hold his ground. There may be potential for an extension, given his faceoff proficiency.
*Joel Armia:* After an impressive recovery last season, Armia has reverted to a less engaging style of play, which is disappointing as he approaches free agency.
*Alex Newhook:* Newhook is still searching for stability in his role, with disappointing possession metrics. His recent uptick in scoring is promising but not enough to secure his future on the roster without consistent contributions.
*Samuel Montembeault:* Initially strong this season, his performance has declined. While playing behind a weak defense can be partly to blame, he has lost the form that made him a key player last year.
*Cayden Primeau:* Primeau faces challenges establishing himself as an NHL-caliber goalie. With competition in the pipeline, a .845 save percentage doesn’t bode well for his standing as a pending UFA.
In summary, the first month of the Canadiens’ season has provided insights into individual performances, revealing areas of strength and concern that will shape the team’s strategy moving forward.
