With the trade deadline fast approaching and every team in a playoff spot, or on the bubble, we must discuss what each team is looking for. You probably have read the edition of Rank counting down the top ten players on the trading block right now, if not here is a link. So you know who is available, but where are they going? We will take a look at what some of these potential playoff teams need to become Stanley Cup contenders.
Last week we reviewed the Nashville Predators. This week we will look at a team that has been in the media a lot in recent weeks, the Montreal Canadiens. In fact the Habs got some attention on our site earlier this week when I reviewed the Bell Centre.
This team is an anomaly. They are have been in first place in the Atlantic division most of the year, yet fired their head coach and replaced him with recently fired Bruins coach Claude Julien. However, I did agree with Marc Bergevin's decision. Michel Therrien had worn out his welcome in Montreal and the players hated playing for him. A change of scenery for Julien may be exactly what he needed. Time will tell.
Either way the Canadiens are clinging to first place currently, only two points ahead of the Ottawa Senators. The good news for the Canadiens is no one is on fire in their division. The bad news is they are ice cold, 2-7-1 in their last ten games. Change was necessary if they are going to compete with the loaded Metropolitan Division. However, simply changing the head coach will not be enough. This team needs a shot of life. They are bland and boring.
Carey Price is probably the best goaltender in the NHL and no matter how vanilla the team is, he will keep them competitive. It helps to have Shea Weber patrolling the blue line. He is an elite shutdown defender that is a nightmare for any team's top forward. Max Pacioretty is the lone bright spot on offense. He is having a very nice year in terms of scoring goals, already 28, which is good enough for fourth in the NHL.
Beyond these three players, I do not see anyone on this team that makes them dangerous in the playoffs. They need offense. They will need to overcome the firepower of teams like the Capitals, Penguins and Toronto. You hear the media say a lot of nice things about Alex Radulov, Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec, but I do not see it. Radulov is a strong all around player, but does not score enough goals to be a first line forward. Galchenyuk is a good scorer, when healthy, which he often is not. Scoring is the focus of the deadline for the Habs.
The name everyone has thrown around for the Candiens to get is Marin Hanzal. He fits what they want to do. He is a big top six forward that can play center or wing. He is an offensive specialist that definitely makes them more dangerous. It is not a done deal, but it is the most likely to happen of all the rumors we have heard. Arizona wants to trade him and he is a great fit in Montreal.
Matt Duchene has been mentioned in possible trades to Montreal, as well as everywhere else. However, do not expect to see him in Montreal. His contract is too big and Montreal is not willing to deal what the Avalanche are looking for.
Other potential options for Montreal, if Hanzal gets too expensive, include Thomas Vanek, Patrick Sharp or Jarome Iginla. Vanek is a relatively cheap option to upgrade offense. Detroit is very willing to make moves, they just dealt Thomas Jurco to the Blackhawks for a third round pick. Vanek would likely cost a little more, not much. Patrick Sharp would be a great get for Montreal's struggling offense. He is a great two way player with tons of playoff experience. Dallas has already proven they are leaning toward being sellers at the deadline, dealing Patrick Eaves to Anaheim. Sharp would cost a lot to acquire and he would need to waive his no-trade clause. Another realistic option is Jarome Iginla. He is still hungry to win a Stanley Cup and that is not going to happen in Colorado this season. Also, Iginla and Claude Julien have some familiarity from their time together in Boston. Adding an aging goal scorer makes a lot of sense for Montreal.
I do expect the Canadiens to make a move this week. They feel they are Stanley Cup contenders. That is why they made a coaching change mid-season.
Last week we reviewed the Nashville Predators. This week we will look at a team that has been in the media a lot in recent weeks, the Montreal Canadiens. In fact the Habs got some attention on our site earlier this week when I reviewed the Bell Centre.
This team is an anomaly. They are have been in first place in the Atlantic division most of the year, yet fired their head coach and replaced him with recently fired Bruins coach Claude Julien. However, I did agree with Marc Bergevin's decision. Michel Therrien had worn out his welcome in Montreal and the players hated playing for him. A change of scenery for Julien may be exactly what he needed. Time will tell.
Either way the Canadiens are clinging to first place currently, only two points ahead of the Ottawa Senators. The good news for the Canadiens is no one is on fire in their division. The bad news is they are ice cold, 2-7-1 in their last ten games. Change was necessary if they are going to compete with the loaded Metropolitan Division. However, simply changing the head coach will not be enough. This team needs a shot of life. They are bland and boring.
Beyond these three players, I do not see anyone on this team that makes them dangerous in the playoffs. They need offense. They will need to overcome the firepower of teams like the Capitals, Penguins and Toronto. You hear the media say a lot of nice things about Alex Radulov, Alex Galchenyuk and Tomas Plekanec, but I do not see it. Radulov is a strong all around player, but does not score enough goals to be a first line forward. Galchenyuk is a good scorer, when healthy, which he often is not. Scoring is the focus of the deadline for the Habs.
Matt Duchene has been mentioned in possible trades to Montreal, as well as everywhere else. However, do not expect to see him in Montreal. His contract is too big and Montreal is not willing to deal what the Avalanche are looking for.
I do expect the Canadiens to make a move this week. They feel they are Stanley Cup contenders. That is why they made a coaching change mid-season.
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