2013: Players you want to see go to the next level

[PuckNorris]

I'm not expecting a whole lot from the Canadiens results wise this season, but I would like to see improved play from some young players. Notably, Lars Eller. I would like to see him take a firm grasp on that 3rd line center spot and push Plekanec and Desharnais. I think 20g and 50pts is doable for a player of his skill level and would like to see him reach those markers.

What about everyone else?

 

[vokiel]

I'm not expecting a whole lot from the Canadiens results wise this season, but I would like to see improved play from some young players. Notably, Lars Eller. I would like to see him take a firm grasp on that 3rd line center spot and push Plekanec and Desharnais. I think 20g and 50pts is doable for a player of his skill level and would like to see him reach those markers.

What about everyone else?

AT 50pts in 48 games, he's not going to be on the 3rd line for long.

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

Emelin. We desperately need him to become a trusted top 4 defenceman.

 

[Tuggy]

I really think that Eller begins to fulfill his potential. This was his first offseason where he was able to train and build muscle instead of rebab after a surgery. I'm expecting very good things from him this season.

 

[PuckNorris]

AT 50pts in 48 games, he's not going to be on the 3rd line for long.

HaHa. I didn't think of that. Adjust those numbers to 48 games I suppose. 13g 25-30pts.

 

[Et le But]

Eller, Emelin and Diaz.

Eller still deserves some patience IMO but he needs to continue to improve. We can only ask for so much offense from a 3rd line role but I'd like to see him force a debate about our future center combinations.

One of Emelin and Diaz if not both need to show they are more than solid bottom pairing guys, they should be more prepared for North American hockey this year.

AT 50pts in 48 games, he's not going to be on the 3rd line for long.

Even in an 82 game season 50 pts for a 3rd liner would force us to consider moving him up. 50 points from the 3rd line is Jordan Staal level.

I think some of you are expecting too much, I think Eller has the potential to reach that level but playing in defensive matchups with grinders and Bourque it isn't going to be easy getting assists.

 

[Lshap]

Agree with the consensus. The two "E"s - Eller and Emelin - are the farthest away from their ceilings right now and need to start delivering on their potential. Diaz can also become a very solid and smart D.

 

[Forsead]

If Eller can get 25 pts this season playing against good competition and in a defensive role, without great teammates or significant PP time, then I think he will have showed that he is playing at the next level and that's something I expect of him.

Emelin I could see him really pan out this year, he has every physical attributes (big, strong, physical, mobility, shot, can pass) to be a complete top 4 two-way dman.

 

[Talks to Goalposts]

If Eller can get 25 pts this season playing against good competition and in a defensive role, without great teammates or significant PP time, then I think he will have showed that he is playing at the next level and that's something I expect of him.

Emelin I could see him really pan out this year, he has every physical attributes (big, strong, physical, mobility, shot, can pass) to be a complete top 4 two-way dman.

Getting over half a point per game without powerplay time is very difficult. Being on pace for over 40 non-PP points in a season is the domain of first line talent and players having a hot streak this season.

 

[Forsead]

Getting over half a point per game without powerplay time is very difficult. Being on pace for over 40 non-PP points in a season is the domain of first line talent and players having a hot streak this season.

I said no significant time, I still see him with around 1 minute of PP time per game on average.

 

[Steve Shutt]

Galchenyuk - Would love to see him step-it-up and prove that he belongs in the NHL

Pacioretty - Hoping to see Max establish himself as one of the best Power Forwards in the game

Desharnais - Hoping he continues to prove everyone wrong. The kid has succeeded at every level despite doubts about his size

Markov - Would like to see him healthy and playing a full season. If he can return to form from a few years ago Montreal should be in good shape.

Kaberle - He's in shape and ready to prove that he's still a top 4 dman

Subban - P.K is the franchise in my mind. Time to get him signed so he can take his game to the next level

Price - World Junior Gold - check, Calder Cup - check, AHL MVP - check. Time to win us some NHL hardware

 

[Talks to Goalposts]

I said no significant time, I still see him with around 1 minute of PP time per game on average.

That might be feasible.

He's going to have a problem getting on the PP though, has to beat out 2 of Bourque, Galchenyuk and Gionta for minutes unless an injuries opens up a spot.

The key thing with Eller is whether he can carry a shutdown line with the 3rd best wingers against top opposition and come out about even.

The best thing that can happen IMO is Eller becomes the Habs version of David Bolland.

 

[Mrb1p]

Eller. But he needs help from the coaches. This kid has total talent... He needs PP now .

Leblanc: Time for the big step.

Emelin: Be that 4th dman stud, defensively and also offensively.

Diaz and Weber...One of them..PP specialist booming shots and crisp passing.

 

[Undertakerqc]

I believe this is the year Eller puts it all together. He as all the tools, speed, size, hands, good shot, sound defensively, good along the walls, great work ethic.

 

[Mrb1p]

That might be feasible.

He's going to have a problem getting on the PP though, has to beat out 2 of Bourque, Galchenyuk and Gionta for minutes unless an injuries opens up a spot.

The key thing with Eller is whether he can carry a shutdown line with the 3rd best wingers against top opposition and come out about even.

The best thing that can happen IMO is Eller becomes the Habs version of David Bolland.

No, the best thing that can happen is a 50 point 2 way center. But its not going to happen without PP time.

 

[Forsead]

That might be feasible.

He's going to have a problem getting on the PP though, has to beat out 2 of Bourque, Galchenyuk and Gionta for minutes unless an injuries opens up a spot.

The key thing with Eller is whether he can carry a shutdown line with the 3rd best wingers against top opposition and come out about even.

The best thing that can happen IMO is Eller becomes the Habs version of David Bolland.

Well it will depends on Therrien alot, I mean if he want to go with two rigid PP units, because if not, 1 player can easily be given 1 minute during a game with 6-8 minutes of PP time. You give him time during seconds waves by plugging with a unit when things doesn't works.

I really like Eller and I think that if all go well he has all the tools to become a two-way 70 pts center.

 

[Talks to Goalposts]

No, the best thing that can happen is a 50 point 2 way center. But its not going to happen without PP time.

If he gets that kind of role that means one of DD and Plekanec isn't in the lineup, which is hardly ideal either.

And when I'm talking about a Dave Bolland, I'm talking someone more valuable than the average 2nd center in the league.

 

[overlords]

Eller, Emelin and Diaz.

I'd also like to see DD continue his production while taking on some tougher matchups.

 

[Alexdaman]

Kaberle

 

[Mrb1p]

If he gets that kind of role that means one of DD and Plekanec isn't in the lineup, which is hardly ideal either

Wouldnt you feel better with a 1-2 punch of gally-eller ?

DD can play the wing this has been settled already I think, and Plek will remain our 1st center until Gally is ready. When this happens he can go down to the third line and be an effective checker.

 

[Talks to Goalposts]

Wouldnt you feel better with a 1-2 punch of gally-eller ?

DD can play the wing this has been settled already I think, and Plek will remain our 1st center until Gally is ready. When this happens he can go down to the third line and be an effective checker.

In 2-3 years that might be solid combination. I'd like to see both Desharnais and Galchenyuk / Eller and Plekanc eventually shift into each others roles. But that a long term process, not one to see this season.

 

[Jay Wolf]

In a no-pressure season, I think all eyes will be on Galchenyuk to see if he's ready to be a pro. I, for one, think that he just might be. I think he will be provided with every opportunity.

I really like Eller and hope he's able to render someone like Plekanec - of whom I am a fan as well - redundant. It's important to the team's longterm future that Eller starts clicking in all 3 zones.

Out of all the young(ish) players, I believe Emelin will garner the most attention this season. If he's consistently partnered with Markov, look for him to rack up 15-20 points while continuing to wreek havoc in his own end.

Out of all the players in Hamilton, I'm really rooting for Leblanc & Tinordi to force Bergevin's hand. My 2 favourites for injury call-ups.

 

[Mrb1p]

In 2-3 years that might be solid combination. I'd like to see both Desharnais and Galchenyuk / Eller and Plekanc eventually shift into each others roles. But that a long term process, not one to see this season.

No not for this season.. But if you hinder Eller for too long....

 

[Monctonscout]

We have lots of guys capable of the "next level" on this team...I'm referring to young players that can give us more and are still on the upswing.

Subban-assuming he signs in the next few weeks, he can take the next step on offense, he is already good but has the mobility and shot to become a force 5 on 5 and on the PP. Basically from the 40 point to the 55-60 point range(prorates to 32-36 points.

Diaz-played like a decent #5-6 last year when given the proper workload, he can give more on offense and on defense and play like a solid 2nd pair 18-20 minute guy based on his play in the Swiss league.

Emelin-language, smaller rink and different systems was an adjustment last year. Can be better defensively(shutdown #3-4 type) as well as generate more offense in the 20-25 point range(prorated 12-15 points).

Eller-made solid gains last year, he can also progress on both sides of the puck, maybe a few more goals and mostly more nice set ups...12-15-27 range would be good, plus better defensive/pk/faceoff play.

Weber-his biggest issue is consistency, some nights he looked like a top 4 guy, others like an ECHL guy in the NHL. If he can become more regular night in night out, he can be a solid NHL d-man(#4-6 who excells on the PP) here or elswhere.

White-a big part of it is staying healthy and maintaining his energetic play. He can give more on offense and can improve his faceoffs. Maybe chip in the 20-25 point range(12-15 points prorated).

Price-He's been a top 10-15 NHL goalie(though he slipped a bit last year), he can take it up a notch to the Lundquist Quick etc level of top 5.

Galchenyuk-for him it would mean a regular NHL spot playing top 9 all year and chipping in 40-50 point range(23-27 prorated).

 

[Harpo]

I also think Eller, Emelin and Diaz might be the ones.

I also hope that Gallagher can pull a Desharnais.

Same story this year.

If everything goes right:

Pacioretty, Desharnais, Cole are as good as last year.
Gionta is healthy.
Kaberle and Bourque come back to what they were before.
Galchenyuk shows his talent.
Eller, Diaz and Emelin progress.
Plekanec has a standard season.
Subban plays.
Price is as good as before.

Then we'll be a contender. But I thought the same last year, and we finished 15th.