As the puck is dropped on the new season, everything in Montreal seems to be heating up as players and fans alike become excited about what this new season might have in store. There have already been a number of changes made to the Montreal Canadiens this season and as such, fans dare to dream after the disappointment of last year.

This article is going to reflect on that most recent season while also discussing some of the changes the Habs have made and the potential changes they should consider making. 

The 2021 – 2022 Season

Yes, it’s not something that many people like to talk about, but it is still worth going into when discussing how the Habs effectively move forward. They were unable to recreate the success that they had in the 2020 – 2021 season which saw them get all the way to the final of the Stanley Cup (full stats available on Hockey Reference). Instead, the team ended up finishing last in the league for the first time since 1939. It was one of the worst seasons ever as records were set for most goals against, regulation losses, fewest wins and fewest points.

As such, the Habs’ odds starting out this season are very slim. Bet99 Canada currently has the Canadiens at odds of +10,000 to win the Stanley Cup, one of the lowest chances of winning this season. This is in comparison to teams such as the Colorado Avalanche who currently have odds at +425, a fraction of the Habs. Other favourites include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. 

Given the poor position the Habs find themselves in compared to other teams, what can be done to improve it? 

Embrace Youth Development 

The Montreal Canadiens have one of the youngest teams in the league. The NHL Website recently addressed the promotion of Nick Suzuki to captain. At just 23 years old, he is one of the youngest captains in the team’s history. This is the direction that the Canadiens need to be going in as it is slowly being proven that patience is key when it comes to getting a prospective new regime.

A new management group has recently been assigned for youth development within the team and they seem to have a good vision. Slafkosky is one of the most promising rising stars as he possesses a range of skills that most players dream about. Once he has better skating and decision-making abilities, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Bid for Connor Bedard 

Connor Bedard currently looks like he is going to be a generational player given how talented he is. He has shown this time and time again in different tournaments throughout the summer and as such, it is important that the Habs try and bid for him to improve their attacking play down the middle. 

How Can the Habs Heal? 

To go from a Stanley Cup final to last place is certainly a fall from grace but it is not one that the Habs look likely to shy away from. Despite the odds being against them, the team is clearly putting a lot of energy into their youth development in order to improve prospects moving forward and harness the potential of the next generation. Under the right leadership, this is a move that could certainly pay off.