I predict that Columbus will not make the playoffs as their schedule is horrendous. So many top teams to play against with so many changes to team personnel.
Both GM and coach will get terminated at the end of the season.
The GM is all in with a throw of the dice.
Hardly any picks at the next draft -what a mess.
Montreal's schedule isn't any easier with games against WPG, CBJ, SJ, TOR, TB, WSH, CAR, and NYIx2. Columbus, with 2 games in hand and ROW advantage, just needs to beat out Montreal. They....SHOULD....be fine lol. (They have 3 games vs. BOS....could use a little help there)
Even if they fail this season, they have solid core of NHL players in Dubois, Werenski, Jones, Atkinson, etc. and a ton of financial flexibility to make a splash or two in the next few years. At some point, you need to go all in instead of continuously sitting back and accumulating picks/prospects. Not having any picks this year shouldn't kill them long-term