Looking at the results, there is nothing to be learned from the Canadiens’ recent three-game trip abroad. But it will at least have made it possible to assess the young people of the organization.
That’s all there is good about the team at the moment. The many absences caused by injuries and COVID-19 give Jeff Gorton the chance to get to know his young players better, to have a good indication of what they can accomplish in the future.
One player particularly stood out on this trip: goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault. He has received almost 40 throws in all his starts. Each time, he could have been awarded a star.
It is extraordinary what he accomplishes under the circumstances. Maintain morale, seek to stand out, continue to fight without complaining, without glaring at your defenders.
His goal is clearly to make the decision of the Canadiens more difficult when the regular goalies return. Although he is currently fourth on the team, behind Carey Price, Jake Allen and Cayden Primeau.
Forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard also impressed me with his ardor. He’s first on the puck, he skates well and seems to have a lot of energy. He could become a crowd favorite.
But I would like to see more of Ryan Poehling. Let him put on his work boots every game.
Give hope to supporters
The new general manager of the Canadian, “the assistant” of Jeff Gorton, should finally be chosen in ten days, perhaps less.
We see the famous list of eight or nine names circulating a lot. The committee chaired by Geoff Molson is supposed to focus on this file this week. I think the process will speed up.
Right now, the Canadian is last in the East. In the general standings, the only team that is less well ranked than Montreal are the Arizona Coyotes …
You can’t end the season without giving the club’s supporters a little hope.
Patrick Roy, the most popular
With the exception of Patrick Roy, no other person named on the list of candidates spoke. With reason. Yet, they all dream of becoming the general manager of this team.
Patrick quickly demonstrated his wish to be met and possibly chosen by the Canadian. But the others are afraid of burning their cards. Even Patrick, since its public release, has not returned to the subject.
But I am convinced that he will be met. Because he is the most popular candidate in Quebec.
Suzuki and Romanov, the essentials
Unless other schedule changes, CH will return to the game on January 12. My wish is that by then Gorton would have finally come to an understanding with Price whether he wants to stay with the team or if he prefers to leave.
Gorton will also have to establish a list of players essential to the success of the Canadiens. From the outside, it seems obvious that it is the young people. I think of Nick Suzuki and Alexander Romanov, especially. There don’t seem to be any other untouchables within the organization.
Of course, draft players who are in the junior or college ranks are more difficult to assess. But Gorton must have a good idea of who he needs to keep among the players currently with the big club.
Gorton doesn’t have to sit down with all of them. It can prioritize those who have non-trade clauses in their contracts.
This is the case of Brendan Gallagher, the player who I think will be the most valuable in a transaction, with Price.
– Interview by Jessica Lapinski
Echoes of Bergie
Ducharme faces the music
Dominique Ducharme could easily find excuses for the Canadiens’ many defeats. But no, he’s always facing the music. He never criticizes a player, he never criticizes the organization.
Still, it might be tempting for him to say, after a game, “You see the team I have in hand? Do you see my numbers? But he never mentions it.
This is to his credit. He knows his job may be in danger, but he’s not complaining. I don’t know if he will remain Jeff Gorton’s man, but I hope the organization will be grateful for him.
The Canadian does not help Suzuki
The Canadian is not helping Nick Suzuki by giving him 24 or 25 minutes on the ice.
I remember a very difficult season when I was head coach of the Nordiques. I could count on a player like Joe Sakic, but he never played so many minutes.
However, he was playing in the most important moments offensively. I don’t know why the Canadiens continue to use shorthanded Suzuki. It only wears her out. We saw him against the Panthers: he made a bad change because he was tired.
To play a young advantage and shorthanded in the National League is too much. He should be focusing on a player’s superiorities for now.
Even Sidney Crosby, in his early days, didn’t have that much ice time. But he was still fresh and ready for the digital benefits.