I just want to see Dach continue to build on that confidence he showed down the stretch. 50 pts, 60 pts, 70 pts, he just needs to do his thing.
And stay healthy, obviously…
And that's precisely what Suzuki has done over the last four years; 41 in 71 games, 41 in 56 games, 61 in 82 games, 66 in 82 games...
Now, some posters wantCaufield with Dach instead of building on Suzuki'sgradual and constant growth.
Sure, there was chemistry at the end of last season with RHP, Suzuki and Anderson, but that was all in a losing cause and isn't likely the best two players to play with Suzuki in the hopes of seeing him reach new heights in terms of point production.
I say, let's give Suzuki a chance to become a 70+ point producer this upcoming season and, who knows, perhaps, even, a PPG Center if the Habs remain relatively healthy.
We'd have seen Suzuki go from40 points to 50 points (41 in 56, prorated), to 60 points, to mid-60 points, to 70+ points.
Dach will have gone from 26 in 70 games to 38 in 56 games (50ish points if prorated) and confirming 50+ points in70 games or so would be excellent as another step forward for the 6'4" Center.
Who are the best wingers to help both Suzuki and Dach continue to progress as they should, solidifying their worth as top-6 Cs?
Does Montreal have enough of those top-6 wingers to achieve this?
I don't think they legitimately do if you look at where all the other youngsters arena their progression, motif you are looking at Suzuki - Dach - Monahan, all at Center and expect Newhook to get every chance to be a top-6 winger.
I don't think that Anderson is a legitimate top-6 winger. Nor is RHP, or Slafkovsky, at this stage of his development.
Top-6 players on the team, right now, are Caufield, Suzuki, Monahan and Dach,maybe Newhook if he takes the next step forward in his development with more choice TOI and a coach willing to let him play to his strengths as a puck carrier into the O-zone, rather than as strictly a forechecking, dump and chase forward, in an energy role with lesser line mates and near zero PP time, as we saw in Colorado.
I'll bite and say that Newhook, in Montreal, under MSL, quickly proves he is a top-6 winger.
That still leaves us with one too few top-6 players to help both Dach and Suzuki continue to progress as they should.
That's why I suggest reuniting the first line of Caufield - Suzuki - Dach, all in the hopes of promoting both players' development, and I wholeheartedly disagree with anyone that suggests this would harm Dach's development as a Center.
Dach carries the puck on this line and is often the one gaining the O-Zone. Ipso facto, he is the one driving play on this line, at least until the trio sets up in the O-Zone.
Dach might not get a regular draw in the F/O circle with Suzuki on board his line, but he will see some F/O action, from time to time, no doubt.
Defensively, depending on whilst had the puck when the puck moves back to the opposing team, Dach and Suzuki will both need to handle C duties on the back check, according to who sets up first in their own zone.
Dach will constantly be tasked with Center missions on a productive offensive line that must face off against the opponents' best players.
IMO, allowing both Suzuki and Dach to improve their point production by playing together will only help Dach gain in confidence heading forward and, as seen last season before his injury, enable him to take charge of his line when he returns to center.
Next year, some talented players will assist both Suzuki and Dach on the wing, with both players pivoting a line of their own, perhaps with Roy having gained valuable pro experience and now being ready to contribute at the NHL level in an offensive role.
Perhaps Monahan will make a case for himself and even remain a Hab on a mid-term contract heading forward. He might play as a top-6 winger or anchor the third line as a veteran to prop up Beck in his first steps as an NHL center?
Still, this year, let Caufield, Suzuki and Dach continue to grow together while Monahan is healthy and allow Slafkovsky to have the top-6 minutes of the top-6 forward we currently lack:
Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Monahan - Newhook
RHP - Dvorak - Anderson
Armia - Evans - Gallagher
IMO, that allows the youngsters on Suzuki's line to keep gaining in confidence and continue to establish themselves as legitimate top-line players.
It gives Slafkovsky a skilled, calming presence on his line in Monahan and a two-way winger with offensive upside, in Newhook, that brings an element od speed to this trio.
RHP and Anderson can continue to exploit the chemistry that they found playing together at the end of last season.
The veteran line of Armia - Evans and Gallagher can provide a worthwhile forechecking line that can hem opponents in their own zone furlong periods of ttime, playing a solid puck possession game and providing timely complementary scoring.
In the new year, players like Heineman and Roy, maybe, can get a taste the NHL?
. Sure he has the talent to do it , but doing it? Ill believe when I see it loll , just like the caufield is a 50 goal scorer takes I see in here
