Assessing the Depth: Right Wing
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The right wing has been an area of concern throughout the Canadiens organization for several years now. Heading into this offseason that hasn’t really changed as it’s a position that needs a lot of help.
The right wing has been an area of concern throughout the Canadiens organization for several years now. Heading into this offseason that hasn’t really changed as it’s a position that needs a lot of help.
A late-riser on many draft boards, Clayton Keller may be gone long before the Canadiens walk to the podium to announce their pick at 9th overall. While his skill has always been undeniable, it was thought by many at the beginning of this year that his small stature would push him back towards the middle of the first round.
Marc Bergevin continues to deal with his restricted free agents early as on Monday, the Habs announced the re-signing of defenceman Mark Barberio to a two year deal with a reported cap hit of $750,000.
For the past several years, the Habs have been deep down the middle though they’ve lacked the prototypical #1 centre. That doesn’t seem likely to change next year but how are they at that position in the rest of the organization?
On Saturday morning, the Habs re-signed the first of many RFA’s they have this offseason, inking Sven Andrighetto to a one year contract. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports it’s a one-way deal worth $650,000.
The Canadiens have a plethora of players with some NHL potential in the minors. Unfortunately, most of the prospect pool in the minors, with the possible exceptions of Charles Hudon and Nikita Scherbak, lack high end offensive ability. With the 9th pick, the Canadiens might have the opportunity to remedy that lack with Tyson Jost.
The left wing has been an area of strength the last few years for the Habs but with Alex Galchenyuk’s expected full-time move to centre, the position isn’t quite as deep as it has been. Here is how the left side shapes up throughout the organization.
After declining a one year offer to remain in St. Louis as an assistant coach early in the week, Kirk Muller wasn’t out of a job for long. On Thursday, the Habs announced that he is rejoining the Canadiens as an Associate Coach.
The blueline is an area that the Habs vary considerably in terms of their depth at different levels. They have a pretty full group of NHL’ers but their minor league and junior/college options are spots where there is room for considerable improvement.
The last round of the NHL’s pursuit of the holy grail begins on Monday night and the HabsWorld experts predict which team will lift Lord Stanley’s Cup after the last buzzer has ended..