The Montreal Canadiens are riding high after a decisive 7-3 victory over the New York Islanders, giving them an 80% chance of clinching a playoff spot. As the season winds down, the coaching staff is honing in on their lineup, suggesting minimal changes unless injuries strike.
This focus means some players might have already skated in their final game for the Canadiens. Let’s dive into four players who may not don the Montreal jersey again.
Patrik Laine
Patrik Laine’s situation is intriguing. Despite being on the roster, he seemed destined for a trade by the NHL deadline.
Out since October, Laine has been poised for a return, but the Canadiens' lineup doesn’t quite have a slot for him. His scoring ability is undeniable, with 20 goals in 52 games last season, but defensive struggles persist, evidenced by a Corsi For % below 45% over the past three seasons.
With free agency looming, it’s tough to envision a reunion between Laine and the Canadiens.
Kirby Dach
Kirby Dach also faces an uncertain future as he approaches free agency. At 25, Dach has shown promise on both ends of the ice but has battled injuries, currently sidelined with an upper-body issue. His history of not playing more than 58 games in a season raises concerns.
Given his injury record and the need for a $4 million qualifying offer to maintain his restricted free agent status, it’s unlikely he’ll receive it. If he regains health, Dach might return late in the season or playoffs, though the coaching staff may hesitate to alter successful line chemistry.
Arber Xhekaj
For defenseman Arber Xhekaj, a qualifying offer seems logical, but mainly as a trade asset. Xhekaj, with 220 games under his belt, brings physicality with 613 hits and 193 blocked shots. Despite his potential as a third-pair defenseman, he’s been a healthy scratch amid improved blueline performance.
The Canadiens are likely to make defensive changes beyond Xhekaj, signaling his probable departure from the team.
Samuel Montembeault
Samuel Montembeault stands out as the only player under contract for next season. However, the Canadiens are expected to reevaluate their goaltending situation. Montembeault, anticipated to be the starter, has had a tough season, posting a 10-8-4 record with a career-low .873 save percentage and a 3.43 goals against average.
With Jacob Fowler called up from the AHL, Montembeault hasn’t started since March 6th. As the Canadiens explore their options, the performance of Jakub Dobes and Fowler will be key. Whether they stick with these young talents or bring in a veteran, a trade involving Montembeault seems plausible this summer.
The Canadiens are at a crossroads, and how they navigate these player decisions could shape their future success.