Post-Mortem:
Hutson just had one of the best rookie season I ever seen as a Habs fan, what he did was exceptional and the kid has already established himself as an elite puckmover in the league. Kid has everything to become a top 3-5 offensive defensmeman in the league, well outside of the shot maybe, but still an immense talent with a Sydney Crosby like attitude, always looking at improving his game, always on the ice ect.
Suzuki has established himself as a solid 2-way top line center in the league, his IQ and talent level were on total display, especially in the last stretch of the season.
That top line was the best in the league since the 4 nations. Slaf got better and better in that last stretch too, I thought he was probably our best foward in playoffs and you start to see the impact player he is going to be in his prime, still very young.
The signing of Demidov was easily one of the best news in the franchise history, we got to see his immense talent and next year he will only be better, thats scary...
Guhle was finally healthy in that last stretch and helped us alot to qualify, thats another good news for the org. moving foward.
On the less positive side:
We had alot of hope that Dach would become that 2nd line center we were badly lacking, well his season couldnt have been worst, his on-ice play was pretty bad and then that injury ending his season... We cant count on him anymore until he proves otherwise, but while he might still end up as a decent winger, I have no more hope he can handle the center position adequatly.
Newhook will be a serviceable 3rd line winger, but I think its fair to say he was in the wrong chair all season.
Hughes will have a busy summer:
Needs to get a top 6 center, thats the priority, without that center, this team will keep struggling with secondary scoring, thats a huge hole to be filled.
With Armia and Dvorak leaving, we will need to fill those spots, I personally like Ryan Donato from Chicago as a UFA target, but Im sure there will be other attractive players to sign or trade for.
Reinbacher will likely replace Savard and I would trade Matheson and rely on the LDs we already have in the system..
Well thats about it, we will see what happens at the draft, but I think we will use some assets to fill the roster, July 1st will be interesting to follow too.
I guess its now time to say Go Rocket Go, they have what it takes to win the Calder cup IMO.
