Written by Grant Webster

With the off season re-signing of top defenseman Andrei Markov and the addition of right winger Erik Cole to add size and grit up front, Montreal was anticipating a better year than last.  Young players Max Pacioretty, Lars Eller, P.K. Subban, and, of course, The Franchise Carey Price were all expected to continue to grow into consistent and effective performers.  Things were looking good in Montreal because the team remained almost entirely intact, the only major loss being veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik, but this was believed to have been offset by the return of two defensemen who were injured for much of last year (Markov and Josh Gorges), as well as the addition of young defenders Raphael Diaz and Alexei Emelin to add some offense and size, respectively.

Unfortunately, come February all team expectations have been missed and Montreal could realistically come away with a lottery pick.  Markov has yet to return from last season’s injury, veteran players aren’t performing, and the team can’t consistently win.  GM Pierre Gauthier has yet to throw in the towel, however, as his job likely depends on whether or not the team can get something going.  This begs the question, however, as to what Montreal will do between now and the trade deadline.  A number of needs have been missing for a few years in Montreal, the top of which is consistent scoring and a big, first line centre.  One can pine away for this addition every year around this time, but they don’t come often and cost a lot to trade for.  Drafting this type of player is a better plan.

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