The Canadiens' recent decisions and future plans are a fascinating topic, especially with the team's ongoing rebuild and the various players' roles and futures. Here's a breakdown of some key points and my thoughts on them.
Laine's Departure and Demidov's Deal
The situation with Patrik Laine is indeed bizarre. Despite being part of the team and practicing with them, he's not in the lineup, and his future is uncertain. The US$2 million signing bonus due on March 31st, as part of his contract, likely played a role in his lack of movement before the trade deadline. It's clear that the Canadiens don't have a spot for him, and his last game for the team might be behind him. Laine's situation highlights the challenges of managing player contracts and the potential impact of bonuses on trade decisions.
As for Ivan Demidov, his next contract is an interesting question. With the NHL salary cap projected to rise, Demidov's potential contract could be around US$9 million, similar to the contracts of Noah Dobson and Lane Hutson. The Canadiens' ability to offer significant signing bonuses gives them an advantage in negotiations. Demidov's talent and potential make him a key player to watch, and his development could be crucial for the team's future.
Goalie Selection for the Playoffs
The goaltending situation is a critical aspect of the Canadiens' playoff strategy. Jakub Dobes has been impressive, with a strong record and save percentage. His experience from last season, when he played in three playoff games, is a significant advantage. The team also has Jacob Fowler as an option, who has performed well since Marco Marciano took over as goalie coach. While there's some risk in relying on rookie goalies, the Canadiens' history of success with them, like Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy, provides a compelling argument for their selection.
Roster Changes and Future
The Canadiens' roster is undergoing significant changes. Players like Montembeault, Laine, and potentially Kirby Dach and Brendan Gallagher will not be back next season. The team is also looking to trade Montembeault, which could be a strategic move given the goaltending issues many teams face. The rebuild might be considered complete with the team's current position, but there's still work to be done, and more roster changes are expected.
Analytics and Player Development
The role of analytics in the Canadiens' operations is an intriguing aspect. Chris Boucher, the head of analytics, has been following players for almost five years, providing valuable insights. While the team doesn't allow behind-the-scenes staff interviews, Boucher's work is acknowledged by head coach Martin St. Louis, who emphasizes the importance of data in decision-making. The analytics department, including Boucher, Philippe Desaulniers, and Miranda McMillan, contributes to the team's strategic approach.
In summary, the Canadiens' decisions and future plans are complex and multifaceted. From player contracts and goalie selection to analytics and roster changes, the team is navigating a challenging path. As an expert, I find these discussions fascinating, especially with the potential for significant changes and the team's ongoing rebuild.
