Gritty forward Brandon Prust was to the Habs last season as the aorta is to the heart of the human body.

Entering his third season with the Montreal Canadiens, Raphael Diaz hopes to build on his offensive success from last season.

2012-13 was shaping up to be another good season for David Desharnais, right up to the point where he signed his contract extension.

With injuries cutting short his last two seasons, the Canadiens’ captain will be looking to rebound this year.

After a disastrous debut in 2011-12 upon being acquired from Calgary, Rene Bourque’s first ‘full’ season with the Habs was a step in the right direction.

As the Canadiens’ reigning scoring leader, Max Pacioretty will be expected to contribute significantly on the scoresheet.

Described by former GM Bob Gainey as a thoroughbred, Carey Price has long been the Habs anointed one.

The 2013 Lake Placid tournament, a tune-up for the World Juniors in December, was held from August 4-10.

The perennial two-way playing Tomas Plekanec had a reasonable shortened season stat-wise, on par with years past.

Brendan Gallagher emerged as an important piece of the Montreal Canadiens team through the shortened 2012-2013 season.