I think the Canadiens need a power forward to go anywhere in the playoffs. Especially if there 1st rd draw is Ottawa or Boston, teams that will negate speed with tight checking.
I think MB knows this is a weakness, that is why he bid hard on Lucic in the offseason.
As much as I want Rene Bourque back, the metis sharpshooter who carried the team years back, i think that the Habs should try for a better player.
He may be a ****** but Evander Kane sure would look good with Plekanec and Gallagher. That Canadiens don't have a lot of shooters, and the playoffs will require one. He has the physicality to get possession, as there are too many small forwards on the team easy to ride out on the boards.
I would offer Beaulieu, who is simply too inconsistent, and necessary prospects, maybe Lindgren?
I would replace Beaulieu with Dan Hamhuis, another playoff vet. Could be acquired for a 3rd or prospect. His skating may be in decline, but he fills the toughness needed for a playoff run. Bergevin loses no key pieces. Beaulieu's spot is Sergachev's next year.
I would pair Hamhuis with Weber, his old partner, and hope that the two BC boys can be as effective as Hamrlik and Spacek (not the fleetest of foot) were in the playoffs years ago. Alot is to be said for experience.
The lines:
Pacman-Galchenyuk-Radulov
Kane-Plekanec-Gallagher
Byron-Danault-Shaw (that is a playoff defensive line that can stifle opponents)
Lehkonen-Mitchell-McCarron/Flynn
Carr, Desharnais and Hudon for depth
Hamhuis-Weber
Markov-Petry
Emelin-Pateryn
Nesterov and Redmond are depth.
Sergachev maybe gets in with injury.
PP1
Pacioretty-Shaw-Radulov
Weber-Markov
PP2
Kane-Plekanec-Gallagher
Petry-Galchenyuk