File | End of season bulletin from the Canadiens | Outbreaks, revelations and collapses (4 articles)

Cole Caufield

Failing to become the 40-goal scorer that so many observers saw in him, Caufield has added strings to his bow. The one who once looked like a one-dimensional shooter is now less predictable and more versatile, in addition to having given some love to his defensive game. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the American did not display his ease in scoring goals from the previous season. A harvest of 65 points, however, helps to make things easier.

Kaiden Guhle

Well served by his explosive skating and his above-average reading of the game, Guhle has seen all his defensive indicators improve, despite the fact that he faces, with Mike Matheson, the toughest opposition in the club. The left-hander achieved the feat by spending most of the season on the right flank. The future is bright for him. The present too, in fact.

Mike Matheson

One of the busiest defensemen in the NHL, this workhorse finds himself among the most deserving players, primarily due to his offensive production. Seasons of 60 points are no longer common among guards on the circuit, and the Canadian had not seen one of his representatives break through to the top 10 in the league for eight years. The Montrealer will probably always have deficiencies on the defensive side, but he has done so much for his team this season that it would be unfair to hold it against him.

Samuel Montembeault

It’s incredible to think that a club so low in the table was pulled up by their goalkeepers. However, this is the case, and Samuel Montembeault was a pillar in front of the Canadian’s net. Once again, his classic statistics will not send him to the Hall of Fame (notably his average of 3.14), although his efficiency rate, at .903, is up for the second year in a row. The Evolving Hockey site estimates, however, that he saved some 18 goals, even though he got the vast majority of starts against the big clubs in the league and the CH goalkeepers are among the most poorly protected on the circuit. .

Juraj Slafkovsky

Unquestionably THE great success of the season for the Habs. After a few painful weeks, during which the idea of ​​sending him to the American League was debated in every forum, he experienced a complete metamorphosis. Along the way, the Slovak began to make better use of his long reach and extraordinary size, which serves him well both offensively and defensively. We also discovered in him a fierce competitor, who we can believe will rise when the big opportunities present themselves. A success across the board for the one who confused his many detractors.

Nick Suzuki

The player of the year, quite simply. In addition to setting personal highs in goals, assists and points, he showed clear progression on the defensive end as well as in the faceoff circles. One of the busiest forwards in the circuit in terms of ice time, the captain is one of the most consistent players on his club and, in this sense, he leads by example to his teammates. We can only wish him a little help from the other trios next season.