Montreal Canadiens’ Rebuilding Phase
As the Montreal Canadiens continue their rebuilding phase, a noticeable shift in head coach Martin St-Louis‘s approach toward certain players is anticipated. Last season, fans expressed their dissatisfaction with how the coach handled defenseman Arber Xhekaj, often punishing him steeply for mistakes. This showcases the delicate balance a team must maintain between player development and the pursuit of wins.
Player Performance and Expectations
A similar situation unfolded with winger Patrik Laine at the season’s conclusion. The Finnish player seemed to struggle with St-Louis’s expectations, resulting in reduced ice time and a demotion to the fourth line, ultimately missing out on the first power play unit. By the end of the season, it became evident that Laine’s adaptation to the system was critical, leading the coach to demand higher accountability from him.
Key Players Under Scrutiny
Looking ahead, two players who will notably be under the microscope are Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach. At just 21 years old, Slafkovsky has logged 200 NHL games, and the time for him to elevate his performance has arrived. The addition of Ivan Demidov to the roster offers St-Louis a viable replacement option for Slafkovsky should he falter on the top line shared with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
The coaching staff has been nurturing Slafkovsky’s skills, expecting him to embrace the role of a true power forward rather than simply being a point producer. The player is aware of this need, having acknowledged the importance of modeling his game after esteemed forwards like Brady Tkachuk to thrive in the league.
Consistency will be essential for Slafkovsky, especially now that he enters his first season under a substantial eight-year contract, which adds pressure for tangible results. Fans have already begun to express concerns regarding his performance amidst high expectations and financial commitment.
Challenges for Kirby Dach
In addition to Slafkovsky, Kirby Dach is also facing a crucial year as he approaches the end of his contract. Despite St-Louis defending him in light of injury struggles last season, the management’s disappointment in Dach’s reported condition at training camp raises the stakes for his fourth season with the Canadiens. At 24, the time has come for him to make a significant impact.
St-Louis is unlikely to extend the same leniency he previously offered with Dach positioned to center a second line that may include the new arrival, Demidov. If Dach cannot meet expectations, the coach may need to experiment with alternatives, although replacing him may not be as straightforward as it would be for Slafkovsky.
Elevated Expectations
The Canadiens have demonstrated progress by reaching the playoffs last season, and with that progress comes elevated expectations. The need for players to deliver consistently will be paramount, as an underperforming center would not support Demidov’s smooth integration and success within the team.
With an upward trajectory in mind, the Canadiens are sure to demand higher performances from their players, a standard that cannot be overlooked for long.
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
