News Article: Habs Summer Poll

[HBDay]

Thought this deserved a thread.

It's early August (late July) and the conversation is starting to get dry around here.

I liked this poll because it was a breath of fresh air contrary to all the doom and gloom on here. It's nice to see opinions of fans outside of this website.

This article is from Jennifer B. Cutler Hockeybuzz.com

The link is here but I will post the article.

Do you agree with some of the assessments?

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Jennifer-B-Cutler/Habs-Summer-Poll-Results-Are-In/220/78417

Do the additions of Shea Weber, Alexander Radulov, Al Montoya and Andrew Shaw make the Montreal Canadiens a better team heading into the 2016-2017 season?

Yes - 77% (1687)
No - 23% (516)
2203 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My answer: Yes.

I’ve touched on this before but even though the Canadiens no longer have the services of P.K. Subban, when you factor in all of GM Marc Bergevin’s moves this Summer the Canadiens are indeed in a better place compared to last year. Montoya gives the Canadiens better insurance between the pipes should Carey Price get injured again while Shaw’s versatility and grit will make him a fan favorite. Radulov is somewhat of a risk but he instantly makes the Canadiens top six better. Weber will likely fit right into head coach Michel Therrien’s system but hopefully they will match him with the proper linemate to form the first pairing…

Will Alex Galchenyuk play the entire season at center?

Yes - 75% (1663)
No - 25% (543)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My answer: Yes.

Based upon his performance in the last 20 games of the season, Galchenyuk must be given a full season at center by the Canadiens. He has the ability to be dominant and seems to thrive on the challenge. Canadiens fans should be excited at the prospect of Galchenyuk finally ready to play the position he was drafted for.

Will Carey Price stay healthy and play over 50 games this season?

Yes - 81% (1785)
No - 19% (422)
2207 Responses

My answer: Yes.

It can’t get any worse for Price this upcoming season. Stephane Waite proclaimed Price 100% healthy a couple of weeks ago and we have no reason to doubt him. Fluke accidents happen and are impossible to predict however I believe that Price will get well over 50 starts this season.

Who will back up Carey Price this season?

Al Montoya - 86% (1894)
Mike Condon - 14% (313)
2207 Responses

My answer: Al Montoya.

The Canadiens did not sign Montoya to play in St. John’s where Zach Fucale and Charles Lindgren will likely share the load. They must be expecting him to play in Montreal and he showed last season in Florida that he is still a very capable backup. His veteran presence will certainly be a bonus for the team. I expect that Condon will likely have a good training camp once again and that should help his chances at getting traded before opening night.

Which prospect will start the season with the Montreal Canadiens?

Mikhail Sergachev - 25% (557)
Michael McCarron - 36% (791)
Nikita Scherbak - 4% (88)
Charles Hudon - 9% (195)
Martin Reway - 3% (72)
Artturi Lehkonen - 23% (503)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My Answer: Lehkonen.

I think McCarron will likely be the first call-up during the season but unless the Canadiens find a way to trade David Desharnais, he will start the season with St. John’s. Lehkonen is coming over from the SHL after an astounding performance in their playoffs, winning the championship with Frolunda. He is coming to win a spot in the top 9 and I would not be surprised to see him outperform Sven Andrighetto to make the team this Fall. His game should translate well to the NHL although I would expect some natural growing pains.

If Sergachev starts the season with the Canadiens, will he play more than 10 games?

Yes, he will make the Canadiens outright and stay up all season - 26% (572)
No, he will be sent back to the OHL after a cup of tea with the big club - 74% (1634)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My answer: No.

I firmly believe that Sergachev will greatly benefit from one more season in Junior with the Windsor Spitfires as he will have the opportunity to play for the Memorial Cup and hopefully at the World Juniors with Russia. It won’t be long until he is NHL ready but it won’t be in 2016-2017.

Which player is most likely to get traded before the season's end?

Alexei Emelin - 39% (856)
David Desharnais - 27% (606)
Tomas Plekanec - 16% (358)
Nathan Beaulieu - 7% (149)
Torrey Mitchell - 4% (83)
Brian Flynn - 7% (154)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My Answer: Desharnais.

He is in the last year of his contract and so it should be easier to trade Desharnais although the Canadiens may have to eat some of his salary. If players such as Lehkonen, McCarron, Phillip Danault, Andrighetto, and or Daniel Carr consistently outplay him, the Canadiens will need to make room for their youngsters. Desharnais is still capable of putting up 40+ points and there are teams with cap space that could be interested in his services…

If GM Marc Bergevin makes another trade before the start of the season, will it be for a:

Top 6 forward - 62% (1369)
Top 4 defenceman - 38% (837)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My answer: Top 4 defenceman.

As of now the Canadiens top 4 will likely consist of Weber, Andrei Markov, Beaulieu and Jeff Petry. The left side is certainly weaker than the right and there are a lot more question marks when it comes to Markov’s health and Beaulieu’s consistency. Radulov’s signing has helped to solidify the top 6 and there will be an opening for either Shaw or one of the prospects to grab come September. It is on Defence that the Canadiens still need greater…

Will Michel Therrien finish the season as the Montreal Canadiens head coach?

Yes - 44% (964)
No - 56% (1243)
2207 Responses

My answer: Yes.

If I believe that the Canadiens are a better team this season, then the likelihood is that Therrien will still be the head coach by the end of the season. Whether I think if Therrien should be the coach is a different story.

Do you believe that Kirk Muller is the Canadiens next head coach in waiting?

Yes - 73% (1622)
No - 27% (585)
2207 Responses

My answer: Yes.

Muller was hired as an Associate Coach, the distinction automatically makes him more senior than the other assistant coaches on the Canadiens. He signed a long-term contract and is planning on being in Montreal for awhile. He has taken French lessons before and he would take them again if named head coach of the Canadiens one day. The Canadiens are not developing future head coaches in the AHL. This is eventually Muller’s job unless an opening comes up elsewhere that he jumps at.

Who will win be nominated for a Norris trophy first, post-trade?

Shea Weber - 39% (853)
P.K. Subban - 61% (1354)
2207 Responses

My answer: Shea Weber.

I’m bucking the trend here but I think that playing in the less physical Eastern Conference and playing in a big market will get Weber a Norris nomination within his first couple of seasons in Montreal. Long-term I believe Subban will have more nominations and wins but for the immediate future I give the nod to Weber.

How many Canadiens will score 20+ goals this season?

1 - 4% (92)
2 - 11% (248)
3 - 27% (592)
4 - 33% (732)
5 - 20% (439)
6+ 5% (103)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My answer: 5.

If everything goes right for the Canadiens, then I would expect that Galchenyuk, Pacioretty, Gallagher, Plekanec and Radulov to all score at least 20 goals this upcoming season. They are all certainly capable of it and health will play a factor.

How many Canadiens will record 60+ points this season?

1 - 10% (231)
2 - 29% (635)
3 - 36% (805)
4 - 20% (436)
5+ 4% (99)
2206 Responses from 2207 Respondents

My answer: 3.

I expect Galchenyuk to break the 60 point barrier playing a full season at center and Pacioretty should reach that milestone again. One of Plekanec, Gallagher and Radulov should record at least 60 points as well, once again provided that they are healthy.

In which place will the Canadiens finish in the Atlantic Division?

1st - 12% (258)
2nd - 38% (835)
3rd - 27% (599)
4th - 13% (280)
5th or worse - 11% (235)
2207 Responses

My answer: 2nd.

The majority believe that the Canadiens will make their way back into the playoffs this season and I agree. Tampa Bay is still the class of the Atlantic division and Florida took some big steps last year but I am not confident that they will have the same success this season. I expect Buffalo to be more competitive as well. The key to Montreal’s success is obviously Carey Price and if he’s healthy there is no reason to believe that the Canadiens cannot finish in the top two in the Atlantic division.

If they make the playoffs, how far in the post-season will the Canadiens go?

Lose in the 1st Round - 27% (602)
Win the 1st round but lose in the 2nd - 28% (619)
Make it to the Conference Finals but lose - 24% (535)
Make it to the Stanley Cup Final but lose - 6% (126)
The Canadiens will win their 25th Stanley Cup - 15% (325)
2207 Responses

My answer: Win the 1st but lose in the 2nd round.

I do think that the Canadiens will make it back to playoffs and certainly have the ability to win at least one round. However, Tampa Bay is still a better team and I have a hard time going against them in a division final… It’s nice to see fans optimism but it is hard to see the Canadiens beating a team like Pittsburgh even if they make it to the Conference Final. Hopefully, I am wrong.

Thanks again for participating & follow along!

Click to read more...

 

[Habs Icing]

If MB gets another legit top six winger, the Habs are SC contenders. If he doesn't, we're pretenders.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

If MB gets another legit top six winger, the Habs are SC contenders. If he doesn't, we're pretenders.

We have a much bigger need for a left handed puck moving D.

We have enough youngsters to fill in the gaps on forward positions.

 

[Habs Icing]

We have a much bigger need for a left handed puck moving D.

We have enough youngsters to fill in the gaps on forward positions.

Markov was never a speedster but he can carry the puck out of our zone. Before PK came along, Markov was saddled with a string of mediocre d-partners (Komisarek sends his greetings). Who do you think carried the puck out? I feel more comfortable betting on Beaulieu & Barberio filling the left PMD positions on the 2nd & 3rd pairing than any of our forward prospects filling in on the 2nd line wing.

 

[Teufelsdreck]

Markov was never a speedster but he can carry the puck out of our zone. Before PK came along, Markov was saddled with a string of mediocre d-partners (Komisarek sends his greetings). Who do you think carried the puck out? I feel more comfortable betting on Beaulieu & Barberio filling the left PMD positions on the 2nd & 3rd pairing than any of our forward prospects filling in on the 2nd line wing.

I don't when he'll be ready, but I think Sergachev will be better than Beaulieu. He's bigger and has a much more powerful shot,

 

[Hoople]

To the OP.

Thanks for posting the link and the results. There is an entire perspective regarding the Habs away from here. And I think your answers are pretty good.

 

[Jenbcutler]

Hey guys, this is Jen Cutler from Hockeybuzz. Longtime lurker on these boards !!!
Just wanted to say cheers & thanks for creating a thread on my Habs Sunmer Poll!

Always great to hear everyone's opinions and as always look forward to chatting Habs & hockey!

 

[HBDay]

Hey guys, this is Jen Cutler from Hockeybuzz. Longtime lurker on these boards !!!
Just wanted to say cheers & thanks for creating a thread on my Habs Sunmer Poll!

Always great to hear everyone's opinions and as always look forward to chatting Habs & hockey!

Wow! Alway's read your articles, think you have a great perspective on the Montreal Canadiens.

Really happy that posting your article caused you to post here for your whopping 6th post!

Just so everyone knows when it say's "My Answer" that is Jennifers answer not my own. Although it might be fun to post my answer to all the results!

 

[montreal]

I agree with most things that were in the poll. The one I didn't was Lehkonen, I watched a lot him and would love to see him make the Habs but I would be a bit surprised as I would think he'll need another year in the SHL unless he comes to camp a good bit heavier and stronger.

I felt going into camp it's going to be a battle between Carr and Hudon for a spot with McCarron getting long looks as well.

The other one was DD getting traded, always felt the Habs were stuck with him. It does make sense that him being a UFA could make him more attractive then past years but if his production continues to slid it's going to be hard to find a taker for a 5'7 center that can mainly just pass. If he can repeat the numbers he had in '13-'14 then perhaps it could happen but just seems hard to think of a team wanting him. In fact I'm worried about the opposite happening, if he does have a good season production wise and they re-sign him.

 

[Doc McKenna]

Markov was never a speedster but he can carry the puck out of our zone. Before PK came along, Markov was saddled with a string of mediocre d-partners (Komisarek sends his greetings). Who do you think carried the puck out? I feel more comfortable betting on Beaulieu & Barberio filling the left PMD positions on the 2nd & 3rd pairing than any of our forward prospects filling in on the 2nd line wing.

NO ONE carries the puck out in the MT era. Chip it out or you are benched. The ONLY two players that moved the puck out of our zone by not chipping it out were coincidentally the only two we traded away this offseason.

 

[Redux91]

If we bomb again this year, its markov they trade

 

[Habs Icing]

Markov was never a speedster but he can carry the puck out of our zone. Before PK came along, Markov was saddled with a string of mediocre d-partners (Komisarek sends his greetings). Who do you think carried the puck out? I feel more comfortable betting on Beaulieu & Barberio filling the left PMD positions on the 2nd & 3rd pairing than any of our forward prospects filling in on the 2nd line wing.

NO ONE carries the puck out in the MT era. Chip it out or you are benched. The ONLY two players that moved the puck out of our zone by not chipping it out were coincidentally the only two we traded away this offseason.

You may have missed the part I highlighted in red so I re-posted it for you. If I remember correctly Therrien has only been here four years. e started his second tenure after PK was established in the league.

And as for your slanted view, Gilbert and Petry also carried the puck. It wasn't just Eller & PK. Markov deferred to PK but he can carry the puck. I don't know when this myth became prevalent that Markov can't carry the puck.

 

[Kriss E]

You may have missed the part I highlighted in red so I re-posted it for you. If I remember correctly Therrien has only been here four years. e started his second tenure after PK was established in the league.

And as for your slanted view, Gilbert and Petry also carried the puck. It wasn't just Eller & PK. Markov deferred to PK but he can carry the puck. I don't know when this myth became prevalent that Markov can't carry the puck.

Before Therrien came, we played under Martin for the most part and he had forwards come really down low to help out the Ds and transition up. Cunneyworth was a crap show.
In any event, Markov was able to skate the puck up and carry it before, but now he's just too slow. Beaulieu and Petry are our best puck moving Ds, but they're not top pairing players.

 

[Habs Icing]

Before Therrien came, we played under Martin for the most part and he had forwards come really down low to help out the Ds and transition up. Cunneyworth was a crap show.
In any event, Markov was able to skate the puck up and carry it before, but now he's just too slow. Beaulieu and Petry are our best puck moving Ds, but they're not top pairing players.

How much slower is he compared to 5-6 years ago? Speed was never a part of his game.

You may be right but my feeling is that when it comes to speed he'll do alright. Where many of you guys have a point is that with too much playing time during the year he'll wear down by the playoffs. That I agree with.

 

[Kriss E]

How much slower is he compared to 5-6 years ago? Speed was never a part of his game.

You may be right but my feeling is that when it comes to speed he'll do alright. Where many of you guys have a point is that with too much playing time during the year he'll wear down by the playoffs. That I agree with.

It's very obvious that he's slower, that said, yes, speed was never a big part of his game. That's why back when he was going through his tough injuries I argued here how he'd be able to adapt well as long as his knee holds up.
Markov is a cerebral player, so he can adjust and do well.

That said, he was faster and more mobile. He could handle the burden of carrying a big slow Dman like Komisarek.
Now, Weber is nowhere near as unidimensional as Komisarek was. Two entirely different worlds. But Markov is ideally a mid pair defenseman at this point.
I just don't like this duo.

I rather have Petry there to be honest, even if they're both Rs.
Put Beaulieu or Pateryn with Markov.

 

[Jenbcutler]

Wow! Alway's read your articles, think you have a great perspective on the Montreal Canadiens.

Really happy that posting your article caused you to post here for your whopping 6th post!

Just so everyone knows when it say's "My Answer" that is Jennifers answer not my own. Although it might be fun to post my answer to all the results!

And now you've got my 7th lol! It's always great to hear feedback from readers and it's always fun debating the Habs...

Changed my handle to reflect my Twitter one and easier for others to recognize me...

 

[Jenbcutler]

I agree with most things that were in the poll. The one I didn't was Lehkonen, I watched a lot him and would love to see him make the Habs but I would be a bit surprised as I would think he'll need another year in the SHL unless he comes to camp a good bit heavier and stronger.

I felt going into camp it's going to be a battle between Carr and Hudon for a spot with McCarron getting long looks as well.

The other one was DD getting traded, always felt the Habs were stuck with him. It does make sense that him being a UFA could make him more attractive then past years but if his production continues to slid it's going to be hard to find a taker for a 5'7 center that can mainly just pass. If he can repeat the numbers he had in '13-'14 then perhaps it could happen but just seems hard to think of a team wanting him. In fact I'm worried about the opposite happening, if he does have a good season production wise and they re-sign him.

Always enjoy lurking & reading your posts on prospects!

As for Lehkonen, he'll have to really shine in training camp to make the team so he's more of my dark horse candidate. If he's able to pick up where he left off in SHL playoffs while adding more bulk to his frame then he has a legitimate chance to grab that open top 9 spot.

I think Desharnais's contract is a little easier to trade and even in a terrible year he still put up 29 pts in 65 games. If he is put in the 3rd line roll again and succeeds but the young guys are pushing for ice time, I believe Bergevin will make the trade to make room for them...

 

[montreal]

Always enjoy lurking & reading your posts on prospects!

As for Lehkonen, he'll have to really shine in training camp to make the team so he's more of my dark horse candidate. If he's able to pick up where he left off in SHL playoffs while adding more bulk to his frame then he has a legitimate chance to grab that open top 9 spot.

I think Desharnais's contract is a little easier to trade and even in a terrible year he still put up 29 pts in 65 games. If he is put in the 3rd line roll again and succeeds but the young guys are pushing for ice time, I believe Bergevin will make the trade to make room for them...

thanks.

He's not a bad choice for a dark horse as Lehkonen has a lot going for him, and the Habs signed him knowing that if he doesn't make the team they will have a wasted spot among the 50 contract limit as they clearly could have just waited till next summer to sign him and bring him over. So hopefully he has a great camp and does steal a spot, it's hard to predict in July how these kids will do at an NHL camp especially when it's his first NHL camp/preseason. It would be a lot of fun to have him on the Habs, especially with guys like Gallagher, Shaw, Carr (if he made the team as well). The skill is there no doubt, but the big question I would have is how he would hold over over an 82 game season plus hopefully a long playoff run. That said he's one of our top prospects for a reason, and either way it's going to be interesting to see how it goes for him next year no matter where he's at.

I really like Hudon's game so I'm very interested to see how he does at camp, and if he doesn't make it I would think/hope he's going to be one of the first call ups. I really hope McCarron/DLR get time to work on their offensive game in the AHL, but we may need one or both of them due to their size depending on how the roster shakes out.

I don't know if I would say he's my dark horse but perhaps the one I'm most excited to see from the prospects is Reway just on skill alone. I can't see him making the Habs with all the holes/warts in his game but man can this kid pass the puck and really makes things happen out there. I just so badly can't wait to see what he does, as I just have no idea how it will go for him as he could end up looking great or end up in some Euro league by the holidays.

I can see management making room if the young guys push hard for spots but if the loonie continues to struggle, we could be in a repeat of last year where many teams don't have a ton of cap space and are forced to be worried about where the cap will end up next year. So it does make sense that a guy that will be a UFA next summer, if he's playing well will be easier to move then he was but it's just hard to think of many teams wanting him for even very cheap. Perhaps they could get creative and add in a B prospect to help push the deal through.