Burke the Legend
Registered User
- Feb 22, 2012
- 8,317
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This year is probably Toronto's best chance for a while . With big extensions kicking in they'll have to trade a bunch of vets off this summer and replace them with prospects / AHLers which is a downgrade. Then they're in the position of a bunch of high end talent teams, lots of star power but cap stretched: Trying to find bargain guys playing at impact NHL level to plug important roster holes - not an easy task.
Montreal still needs more talent but they have some key big money vets performing well at prime age (goalie, #1 and #2 D-men). The centerman problem has been significantly improved with Domi-Danault-Kotkaniemi down the middle, a lot of depth on wings and a young group of forwards overall. A deeper prospect pool and lots of cap space for management to work with to make that next level.
So I would say they are close to same level with Toronto having a better chance this year, but next 2-3 years Montreal has a better chance to improve significantly while Toronto faces more potential problems and downside.
Montreal still needs more talent but they have some key big money vets performing well at prime age (goalie, #1 and #2 D-men). The centerman problem has been significantly improved with Domi-Danault-Kotkaniemi down the middle, a lot of depth on wings and a young group of forwards overall. A deeper prospect pool and lots of cap space for management to work with to make that next level.
So I would say they are close to same level with Toronto having a better chance this year, but next 2-3 years Montreal has a better chance to improve significantly while Toronto faces more potential problems and downside.