With the arrival of Martin St-Louis, all Canadiens players were offered a blank slate. Already, some players have taken advantage of this chance to get into the new driver’s good graces, including Mike Hoffman, Laurent Dauphin and Rem Pitlick.
In the case of Hoffman, we had the most convincing proof of this during last Wednesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. Following the injury to Josh Anderson, who had to leave the game, St-Louis did not hesitate for a second to insert Hoffman to the right of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.
Several coaches would have tried things or gone with a respected veteran like Brendan Gallagher. Admittedly, Hoffman has faults, but the fact remains that he is an offensive player and a maverick capable of producing. This decision was exactly in line with what St-Louis explained when he was hired: he does not intend to lead everyone in the same way and, above all, he wants to let the players work in their strengths. rather than constantly focusing on their shortcomings.
In the case of Pitlick, we can already mention that it is a very good shot by Jeff Gorton who claimed him on waivers shortly after his arrival with the team. Against the Sabres, he was St. Louis’ second most used forward with 19:52 on the ice, just behind Nick Suzuki (20:48).
Same thing for Laurent Dauphin. Him, he waited for his chance, and, at 26, he seems to want to seize it. The former Chicoutimi Saguenéens is making himself indispensable with his versatility. He can play anywhere in the lineup and, even though he’s only 6′ and 186 lbs, he’s playing big.
Gallagher, Byron et Poehling
Conversely, it is more and more complicated for Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron. In Gallagher’s case, I understand that he earned the contract he was awarded for his loyal service to the organization. On the other hand, it is more and more difficult for him.
From what we hear, the Canadian would like to become a competitive team again next year and I have trouble seeing where Gallagher will fit in an improved lineup. The problem is that the CH will probably be taken with his contract, unless he agrees to pay a good part of it by exchanging it. Same thing for Byron who has another year of contract left after this one, at a salary of $ 3.4 million.
I would even add the name of Ryan Poehling to the players who do not benefit from the arrival of a new coach. Number 25 really doesn’t impress me. I don’t see any ardor in his game. Despite everything, we continue to say that he is young and that is normal. The excuse of youth, she has a broad back! You can be young while working night after night. We criticized Jeff Petry a lot during the famous incident involving Samuel Montembeault and Zack Kassian, but we seem to forget that Poehling too was very close to the action and he did absolutely nothing.
Who to trade?
The Canadian wins more and it’s good for the morale of Quebecers. On the other hand, it is necessary to come to the evidence that several players will be exchanged by the deadline of the transactions.
We talk a lot about Ben Chiarot, but could we be tempted to trade Petry who, clearly, does not want to play in Montreal anymore, in order to make room to sign Chiarot in the long term? I wouldn’t rule out this option.
And what about Jake Allen? I know he’s hurt. But could a team be interested in the services of this reliable auxiliary goaltender in view of the playoffs? After all, you know my love for Samuel Montembeault. I think he is more than ready to take on the role of second in Montreal and, why not, create a surprise by establishing himself as a starting goaltender. After all, he wouldn’t be the first keeper to defy odds in this way.
Echoes of Bergie
Still respected
Martin St-Louis had a successful playing career. He earned the respect of his peers not only for his prowess on the ice, but also for the perseverance he demonstrated in achieving his goals. I find that it is still felt, and not only on the side of his players. On Wednesday, St-Louis asked to speak to the official and the scene marked me. The referee immediately came to see him on the bench and they seemed to have a cordial discussion. Usually, when a club is mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, it is a bit left behind. There, we feel that he always commands respect.
Keep losing?
I hear some fans who are disappointed that the Canadiens have found the way to victory since they still hope that the team drafts as high as possible next July. It doesn’t work like that, and St-Louis said it very well yesterday: he leads to win. Anyway, according to what we hear more and more, center player Shane Wright is not unanimous as the first choice overall. The Canadian is probably better off continuing to win, to build the “culture” on which St-Louis has placed a lot of emphasis since his arrival, even if it means picking third rather than first.
Bravo Zdeno!
Thursday night, against the San Jose Sharks, Zdeno Chara became the defender who played the most games in NHL history with 1,652. What a career he had, and still has! From his debut with the Islanders to the trade that sent him to Ottawa, then his contract as a free agent with the Boston Bruins where he became one of the best defensemen in the NHL. It seems that several teams are interested in acquiring him for the playoffs. No doubt Chara has slowed down, but his experience and leadership can still be serious tools for a championship-seeking roster. At the same time, the Islanders lost their bet. They decided to hire several veterans, including Chara and Zach Parise, but will noticeably miss the playoffs for the first time in the Barry Trotz era. Like what, the hiring of veterans at the end of their career is not proof of everything.