|
Camp Begins With Domi As #1 C, Muller Signs For 2 Yrs |
|
|
|
|
|
Camp Begins With Domi As #1 C, Muller Signs For 2 Yrs
The Habs camp is underway with a fairly large turn of events. Newly acquired Max Domi is starting camp as #1 C with Drouin back on LW.
Now, when Domi was first acquired I immediately speculated he could be used as Montreal’s #2 C due to his deployment under Arizona coach R Tocchet. Domi was learning that side of the game and was holding his own except for bringing his offensive totals up, but I would think that’s to be expected when adapting to a half seasons worth of work in the NHL as a top 6 Center.
Here I mentioned how the Coyotes coach felt like Domi was handling the defensive side of things well and that he believed the offense would come. Max was watching video of Toews and Bergeron to make sure he was playing the position the right way and was very eager to have this role.
Now my speculation of Domi as a #2 Center was mainly because it seemed like Montreal was committed to using Drouin as #1 Center. After training camp began all that has to be tossed out the window for the time being. Domi playing responsible minutes as #1 Center with a dynamic Drouin on the wing seems like a loaded line to me. A line primed to explode. Drouin may be able to return to a position that suits his elite offensive skills while Domi gets to play a very important role with the most skilled NHL forward he has ever had the chance to roll with.
I like it…. No, I love it.
This allows Danault to return to proper role as #2 Center and with wings like Lehkonen, Armia, Tatar, Byron, and Scherbak available the team has a good blend of skill, speed, and responsible forwards. As soon as chemistry can be established the top two lines could be loaded with youth, speed, and skill.
This would allow Plekanec and Peca (who has looked great since Habs Camps have begun) to alternate the bottom 6 Center roles and should Peca advance quicker than expected, well it’s never a bad thing to have 4 responsible Centers on your team right?
This would allow Suzuki and Kotkaniemi to continue their progress outside the NHL for at least one more season as well. Suzuki could go and possibly lead the OHL in scoring while playing a top 6 role for Team Canada at the World Jr’s and Kotkaniemi can do the same for Finland. In fact, the top line C’s for Canada, Finland, Sweden (Olofsson) and USA (Poehling) could all be Habs prospects…
Some have worried about the goals the Habs will score after jettisoning Pacioretty and Galchenyuk this year but if we are applying a “past performance dictates future success” argument then Galchenyuk and Domi could be a wash as Domi has produced quite similarly to Galchenyuk (in half the NHL time), but I could see both of them as 25 goal players. With Tatar in as a fairly consistent 20 goal threat then the Habs have likely lost 10-15 goals as a result. This could also be made up with more consistent seasons from a few Habs as well as some positive career progression that should also be happening with players like Danault, Lehkonen, Scherbak, and Armia.
Should these players gel well and play responsible hockey I really don’t see the forward group as a problem at all. Are they Crosby and Malkin or Matthews and Tavares level at C? Well of course not, but most teams in the league aren’t. But they don’t look to be C’s that will cause you more headaches for any good they do (ie: Galchenyuk).
The real question marks are on defense with the absence of Shea Weber, sophomore seasons of Mete and Juulsen (I’m just going to say I think they both progress upwards towards their potential), and the consistency of M Reilly. I really like the addition of Reilly and hope that with that big hole in the D group he gets a proper shot at bottom 4 D with PP time.
Of course the other worry is the play and health of Carey Price, but mark me down in the “Bounce back” category regarding one of the best players in the league.
Camp has only just begun but it doesn’t stop constant speculation regarding the Habs youth movement so I’ll just toss out there that so far Kotkaniemi and Suzuki look a bit nervous but skilled, Peca and Verbeek look like they have NHL potential, and I hope that Brook recovers nicely from injury in time to get more time at camp and in exhibition games.
MULLER SIGNS FOR 2 MORE SEASONS
Captain Kirk is staying with the Canadiens for two more seasons beyond this one as he signed a new 2 year deal to remain by Claude Julien's side. I couldn't be happier to keep Muller as part of the organization. His demeanor and ability to communicate are massive benefits to a hockey club and with a majority of the distraction now shipped out of town, another quality coach to help in Ducharme, and a season where expectations are there to be shattered (in a good way) I think this season has potential to surprise.
Until next time, Go Habs Go.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»