If I were to bet on a few things going right for the Canadiens this season, despite the odds not being in my favor, I’d still be comfortable putting my money on the following:
1. If he stays with the Canadiens, Sergei Kostitsyn will eventually secure a spot in the top-6 forwards, and put up a very respectable season.
Why?
Not because he’ll have matured.
Not because of Jacques Martin’s influence.
But because he’s playing for a new contract, and as it stands, he isn’t likely to receive a healthy raise if he continues to play the way he did last season.
2. Scott Gomez will put up better numbers than he did in each of his 2 seasons with the Rangers. With Brian Gionta back on his wing, or Cammelleri if need be, Gomez should reach 70pts—which would be considered a successful first campaign with the Canadiens. No matter how many points he scores, it won’t be enough for Canadiens fans, considering his contract. But my money is on him besting his last two seasons.
3. Ryan O’Byrne will be the most improved player on the Canadiens this season. He will have people cheering him on more often than they’ll be booing him. He will also rank high for hits and blocked shots among his teammates.
4. If Andrei Markov isn’t interested in the captaincy, or isn’t elected to the position, Josh Gorges will be appointed. Either way, Gorges wears a letter this season.
5. Gregory Stewart will spend more time in Montreal than he does in Hamilton this season. Stewart will effectively replace Steve Begin, and provide energy, and physicality on a consistent basis.
6. If P.K. Subban gets a chance in the NHL, he’ll stick. I don’t know how well he’ll do in the AHL, but P.K. is just one of those players who are able to elevate their game when playing at a higher level of competition.
7. Guillaume Latendresse will score more than 20 goals this season. He’s mature enough, and his ability to do so is unquestionable at this point. But this hinges on being healthy, and I believe Guillaume will be healthy this season.
8. Glen Metropolit will beat Kyle Chipchura for the fourth-line centre position, and be a key penalty-killer for the team.
9. Brian Gionta will score more than 25 goals, despite cold-streaks that will have fans calling his contract into question for each of the remaining years with the Canadiens.
10. Carey Price will win 30 or more games this season. I don’t know if he’ll finish in the top-15 goalies in GAA, or SA%, or shutouts, but 30 or more wins would be a remarkable comeback from the disaster of a year he had in 08-09.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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