All organizations have bad stretches or even down seasons due to injuries, slumps, or a combination of circumstances. However, while there has been disappointing underperformance throughout the lineup, any reasonable assessment would confirm that the Canadiens are a poorly designed team.
While Marc Bergevin may believe the solution to Montreal’s struggles is in the dressing room, the time has come for him to consider changing things up.
Some fans and writers have been quick to malign Carey Price after some early struggles and Charlie Lindgren’s hot start. However, it’s far too early to write him off just yet.
On Friday, it was announced that defenceman Mark Streit had cleared waivers after the Canadiens had placed him on the wire on Thursday. He has been sent to Laval of the AHL.
Although Paul Byron has been one of Montreal’s best waiver claims in their history, the diminutive winger may be hard-pressed to equal or improve on a very impressive 2016-17 season.
The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Charlie Lindgren to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2017-18 season. The NHL portion of the contract is reportedly worth $700,000.
Montreal’s defensive decision in expansion is well known but the battle between a solid prospect and a veteran is an important one up front.
Nathan Beaulieu may have more upside but Jordie Benn’s dependability and solid contract make him a better bet to protect in the upcoming expansion draft.
On Tuesday night, the Canadiens were looking to take a stranglehold in their first round series against the Rangers. However, it was New York that played with the sense of urgency that the occasion called for and the Blueshirts came away with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Montreal.
In a game that had no playoff implications for either team, the Canadiens visited Buffalo Wednesday night and were defeated 2-1 by the Sabres in regulation at the Keybank Centre.