I don't think we really get how good Suzuki is developping into. He has not played with mature elite wingers and had to develop along side CC and Slaf. Now that all 3 are hot and forged, we could be surprised.
Early Slaf vs El Slafzilla of last season end is a ginormous improvement. Have that play level from Slaf for 82 games and we're adding at minimum 10 points. CC also matured but it could also be pants on fire Laine... for 10-15 points more.
I really would not be surprised he's ppg next season
Add in Dach only played 2 friggin games.. like seriously, 2 games, 2 points.. just Dach alone has to at least give us 5 more wins? Thats 10 points in standings.
Throw in Slafzilla, what another 5 wins, thats 10 more points. The youngsters are now 1 year stronger.. throw in Laine.. whatever, we'll call it wash..
I gotta say, the Habs are sleeping giants.. i see us pulling a NJ 2 years ago, and making a run.. no i dont think we are close to a SC run, but (barring injuries) we are indeed a playoff team. Hands down, legit playoff (not even wildcard).
Who's better than the current Habs roster?
FLA- yup, more playoff grizzled. Better.
TB- nope, getting older, stale..
BOS- nope, nothing really.. good team sure, but nothing to fear.
TOR- i dont even think they are that good anymore.. Matthews is amazing, Nylander too... but Marner is a headcase, soft diva.. Tavares is slow af... knies is like (future Hage), no goaltending... Tanev? Cmon guys, this is laughable..
DET- very good team, should be knocking on playoff door finally. But we've passed them already, especially with Seider hold out.
BUF- i like their team, should be a playoff team, no reason not to be.. very, very bad leadership..
OTT- disaster.. i actually feel sorry for their fans.. while their team has the talent to be in playoffs, the organization/club is in disrepair.. every single one of the Sens players are secretly fantasizing about getting traded.