The Montreal Canadiens have had an up-and-down start to the season, and some tweaks to the lineup could help stabilize the team and maximize its potential. With several players struggling to find consistency and others showing flashes of brilliance, now might be the time for Martin St-Louis to make some strategic adjustments.
Current lineup
Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson had a promising start to the season alongside Jake Evans. However, St-Louis later placed a struggling Christian Dvorak between them, a move that seems to have reinvigorated Dvorak’s play. He’s shown more energy and determination since the change.
Kirby Dach’s early struggles at center led to him being moved to the top line’s right wing, but the experiment didn’t pan out. When Patrik Laine returned to the lineup, Dach shifted back to center, and Laine joined him. The duo then tried playing with Juraj Slafkovsky, but that line also fell flat. A recent attempt with Alex Newhook has yet to yield positive results either. Perhaps it’s time to bump Dach down a line and place him between Gallagher and Anderson, a combination that could reignite his game. It has worked with two other centers so far.
Patrik Laine, the team’s best sniper, deserves a permanent spot on the top line alongside Nick Suzuki. Moving Slafkovsky, who has been struggling, off the top line in favour of Laine seems like a logical step. Slafkovsky could use the opportunity to reset in a more supportive role against lesser opposition.
Another player who deserves a greater role is Emil Heineman. The physical forward has been strong defensively and ranks tied for fourth on the team in goals despite limited ice time and no power-play opportunities. Giving Heineman a chance to shine on the second line could add much-needed grit and depth scoring.
On defense, the pairing of Kaiden Guhle and Alexandre Carrier has shown promise, but the duo of rookie Lane Hutson and veteran Mike Matheson has been problematic. Hutson would benefit from being paired with a more defensively-minded partner and to drop to second pairing duties, to shield him as he continues to develop.
Alexandre Carrier came as advertised. Not flashy by any means, he plays the body well, skates well, separates the player from the puck, has a good stick and makes good decisions with the puck. He didn't stand out last night and that's exactly who he is. #Habs will like him. #GoHabsGo
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2024-12-21T12:47:47.004Z
Goaltending remains a pressing issue. Cayden Primeau doesn’t appear ready for the NHL, and it’s doubtful he would be claimed off waivers at this point. Waiving Primeau might be the best option, as it’s no longer a significant risk. However, it’s crucial not to rush prospect Jakub Dobeš. Instead, Connor Hughes, who is 28 and having a solid season in Laval, could be called up to provide some stability without jeopardizing the team’s future.
Here’s a proposed new lineup based on these observations:
Forward Lines
Caufield – Suzuki – Laine
Heineman – Evans – Slafkovsky
Gallagher – Dach – Anderson
Newhook – Dvorak – Armia
Defensive Pairings
Guhle – Matheson
Hutson – Carrier
Xhekaj – Savard
Goaltenders
Montembeault
Hughes
Trades
These lineup changes are meant as temporary solutions but trades could further bolster the Canadiens and help this young team for the short term, and the long term as well. So after the current Trade Freeze, which ends on December 27th, General Manager Kent Hughes should be pulling the trigger on a few trades:
- Acquiring a reliable goaltender remains a priority. Options like John Gibson or another veteran netminder could stabilize the position, while Dobeš and Jacob Fowler continue their development.
- Trading Matheson, who is struggling playing on the right side, to a team in need of defensive help, such as the Rangers, could also yield valuable assets.
- Finally, targeting a veteran top-four right-handed defenseman under contract for the next couple of years would provide security while awaiting the development of Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher in that role.
The Canadiens have the pieces to make these adjustments, and with the right moves, they could position themselves for both short-term improvement and long-term success. As the season progresses, these changes could help unlock the team’s full potential and keep them competitive in a challenging division. It’s not necessarily about winning now, but rather about better surrounding the young players and allowing prospects to develop at their pace, in a position to succeed.
