Closing on the 2/3 mark of the campaign. How would you rate Habs current season so far?

[HabsCode]

Rating the overall season can be subjective obviously. If you were to rate the Canadiens’ current season, what benchmarks would you use for evaluation?

Would a playoff spot significantly increase your rating? Or is simply staying in the race until late March enough?

How many players need to show statistical and eye-test improvement over last season for you to consider it a success?

When evaluating Kent Hughes’ roster moves, what carries the most weight?

• Cultural shift within the organization?
• Overall team performance?
• Special teams improvement?
. AHL/NHL player management and trades

Does draft positioning affect your assessment? How much importance do you place on asset management with pending UFAs?

And what about contract signings—how do they factor into your rating?

I’ve added a poll to rate the season overall.

My humble rating:

Individual player progression: B

IMO, only rating our core player, I think Suzuki, Caufield, Evans have showed progression.

Hutson and Dobes are good surprise.

Ghule, Montembault and Slafkovsky are somewhat even.

Dach and Newhook have regressed.

Roster management: B+

I think Hughes has made good aquisition in Carrier and Laine, think it added somewhat of a better support young veteran cast and depth without spending too much.

Ghule was an good signing, despite is health being a question mark.

Team improvement: B

Habs are still fighting technically for a playoff spot, in february, which is an inprovement. IMO there is improved team cohesion and chemistry seems to be good.

What is yours?

Click to read more...