Habs GM looking to next season
The Montreal Canadiens gave them a self imposed five game deadline before deciding on direction.
The 5 game span started great with a 2-1 win over a very strong Oilers team. Game 2 did not go so well. The Habs were bombed 6-1 by the 26th place Capitals.
The next game is huge. The Habs play the Leafs. A win there will brighten the outlook slightly. A loss will send things off the rails even further. After that the Habs play the Devils and Wings.
It is expected that Morgan Reilly will miss all these games and return shortly. Reilly tore knee ligaments in his first game as a Hab and has been out of action since day 74.
The main stats that define the Habs season are:
Started the season 10-4: CPHL rank 1
Since then: 14-23-2
Current record: 24-27-2 CPHL Rank 20
The way things are trending we are closer to a lottery pick than we are a playoff spot.
Our trades moving forward will no longer look to bolster our lineup this season, but look to the future.
That leaves some big pieces on the outside looking in. Mcdavid or Eichel will likely be moved in an offseason deal to make room for Suzuki to slot in to the #2 C spot.
Patty Kane has been mentioned in trade talks for the first time this season.
Mike Smith will be moved to a contender who need a highly rated vet to rest their starter down the stretch.
JVR could be moved to a team needing scoring down the stretch.
Michael Grabner and Luke Glendenning will end up on a team that needs help with their struggling PK.
Veteran D Andy Greene (90DF) 69 ov and rugged rental Johnny Boychuk (76DF, 89CK) 68ov will likely find homes with teams lacking veteran D.
Well rounded Andrew Copp who is on fire in the NHL has been involved in several talks and could be on the way out.
It will be interesting to see what the Habs look like after the deadline heading into a busy offseason. These next 3 games could shape this direction if it takes that long.
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