General 2025 Off-Season Discussion Thread

[HabsAddict]

We lost. It's over. Boo-hoo. Now time to get back to work so the results will be different next season...

Personal work to be done...

X...work on your skating. Compared to Math and Hutson you're an oaf. So now use the next 4 months to get faster, to improve first step and edge work. If you don’t do that work, you will be left behind as the team gets better defenseman to pass you. When you're a number 6, it's basically a death sentence. A few boxing lessons won't hurt.

Hutson...you're not going to be elite with a muffin shot. Back in the Lemaire era, they practiced with steel pucks. 10 bucks and can be made in any machine shop. So work on you skating a bit 'cause you're kind of small and on your shot a LOT.

Demidov...210 lbs minimum, more like 220 and work on your skating and shot. They're good but not elite. You need the size and stregnth to be able to fight off defenseman who are going to hang on you to stop you. You ain't going to be a ice ballet star with a 200 pounder on your back.

Suzuki...nothing. Get a rest. Next year you are leading us into the Promised Land.

CC...skating. If you can improve that you can step up to elite class.

Slaf...you can't start the season 40 games in. Work on your conditioning and shot accuracy.

Anderson...lay cones on the ice amd practice puck control while full speed. Your a cruise missile without a payload.

Newhook...puck control. See Anderson. Don't be Anderson.

Heinaman...skating and shooting. EVERYBODY can use more of that. Plus another 10 pounds. You got the height, now add the strength.

Dach...Last chance. Get in shape...or pick up competitive Tiddle Winks.

Evans...10 pounds. See above. Next season LX and Davidson will make it rough out there.

Kapanen...skating and shooting.

Smarty...you aren't exempt from learning and getting better. Bring more help in the X and O department. Watch what you say about players because they have "feelings" and you can damage their confidence faster then you think. Also, never forget, the buck stops at your nose.

Now team wise...we need more horses...

2 defenseman and 3 forwards.

We need to get tougher. Meaner. Less tofu, more meat.

We need Rein and Mailloux to graduate and supply another level of offense compared to Savard and Scarrier. That alone can win us several more games.

We need LX and Davidson to supply another level of net front presence, truculance and an effective 3rd line.

And on top of everything...WE NEED A 2C. At least as good as Cozens...but without stripping any future players we need. Good luck on that.

Instead of scraping in with our fingernails, 20 point improvement brings us the the Promised Land. With the above done, we dust off teams like the Craps in 4 straight.

What's your opinion?

(It's probably the first hockey thread I posted in HF in a couple of decades)

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

Out: Savard, Matheson, Armia, Pezzeta
In: Reinbacher, Top 4 RHD, 2nd line C, 2nd line W

We can fill in the bottom 6 with what we have

 

[Habitant#1]

Hutson: 5 points
Caufield: 4 points
Everyone else: 2 points or less

Habs need more 5'8" or less players!

 

[Quatre Vingt Treize]

Hutson: 5 points
Caufield: 4 points
Everyone else: 2 points or less

Habs need more 5'8" or less players!

The playoffs of '21 showed us value of size on backend. With the 4 Horsemen.

 

[BergevinBurner]

They desperately need to address their slow starts. During the broadcast they mentioned we only lead after the 1st period 17 times this season, which was the least in the league.

 

[26Mats]

We lost. It's over. Boo-hoo. Now time to get back to work so the results will be different next season...

Personal work to be done...

X...work on your skating. Compared to Math and Hutson you're an oaf. So now use the next 4 months to get faster, to improve first step and edge work. If you don’t do that work, you will be left behind as the team gets better defenseman to pass you. When you're a number 6, it's basically a death sentence. A few boxing lessons won't hurt.

Hutson...you're not going to be elite with a muffin shot. Back in the Lemaire era, they practiced with steel pucks. 10 bucks and can be made in any machine shop. So work on you skating a bit and on your shot a LOT.

Demidov...210 lbs minimum, more like 220 and work on your skating and shot. They're good but not elite. You need the size and stregnth to be able to fight off defenseman who are going to hang on you to stop you.

Suzuki...nothing.

CC...skating. If you can improve that you can step up to elite class.

Slaf...you can't start the season 40 games in. Work on your conditioning and shot accuracy.

Anderson...lay cones on the ice amd practice puck control while full speed. Your a cruise missile without a payload.

Newhook...puck control. See Anderson

Heinaman...skating and shooting. EVERYBODY can use more of that. Plus another 10 pounds. You got the height, now add the strength.

Dach...Last chance. Get in shape.

Evans...10 pounds. See above.

Kapanen...skating and shooting.

Now team wise...we need more horses...

2 defenseman and 3 forwards.

We need to get tougher.

We need Rein and Mailloux to graduate and supply another level of offense compared to Savard and Scarrier. That alone can win us several more games.

We need LX and Davidson to supply another level of net front presence, truculance and an effective 3rd line.

And on top of everything...WE NEED A 2C. At least as good as Cozens...but without stripping any future players we need. Good luck on that.

Instead of scraping in with our fingernails, 20 point improvement brings us the the Promised Land. With the above done, we dust off teams like the Craps in 4 straight.

What's your opinion?

(It's probably the first hockey thread I put in HF in a couple of decades)

- Reinbacher, Dach, and Laine, get and stay healthy.

- Laine - figure out a way not to turn the puck over.

- Kapanen - learn to play on the wall - i.e. use your time in Laval next year fruitfully.

Hopefully Reinbacher, a 2c and maybe a new 2nd line winger is enough to make a difference.

 

[bobholly39]

Out: Savard, Matheson, Armia, Pezzeta
In: Reinbacher, Top 4 RHD, 2nd line C, 2nd line W

We can fill in the bottom 6 with what we have

I'm seeing so many Habs fan on here criticizing Matheson.....what am I missing? I thought he generally played really well in the playoffs. Not afraid to attack in the offensive zone either, which outside of Hutson is rare for our defenders.

I personally definitely want him back.

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

I'm seeing so many Habs fan on here criticizing Matheson.....what am I missing? I thought he generally played really well in the playoffs. Not afraid to attack in the offensive zone either, which outside of Hutson is rare for our defenders.

I personally definitely want him back.

I don’t really dislike him as much as I want to balance our pairs, if he was right handed I’d be less in a rush but I also see him falling off a cliff like Petry did so he shouldn’t be signed past next year and if you’re planning on making a run we won’t trade him next season so best to move this offseason. We need a solid veteran RHD to play with Lane, like a Hronek alongside Hughes.

 

[Favster]

I want a third line based around Dach and Newhook with one of the young guys playing with them.

Get players for Demidov and don't touch the 1st line.

GET MIKE MATHESON OFF THIS TEAM.

Reinbacher and sign another RD.

 

[Favster]

I'm seeing so many Habs fan on here criticizing Matheson.....what am I missing? I thought he generally played really well in the playoffs. Not afraid to attack in the offensive zone either, which outside of Hutson is rare for our defenders.

I personally definitely want him back.

I honestly have no idea how you think this, he literally single handedly gave up 4 A+ chances in the first 40 minutes of last night's game. There is no contending team in the league that would want such an unreliable player in their top 4, none.

 

[Stoneburg]

I agree with all the points, except, Hutson is already one of the fastest skaters in the league, and his edgework is easily top 5.

 

[Ghetto Sangria]

Really great progress this season. We can’t forget that. This was a huge success, and luckily, the playoffs confirmed exactly what we’re missing.

Overall: We absolutely need to get bigger, especially on the back end.

We need two top 6 players (ideally a big responsible top 6 center) to compliment Demidov

We need an entirely new third line, and Andy - Evans - Gally can be our reliable 4th line.

Out: Dvo, Armia, Savard
Trade bait: Matheson, Laine (retained), futures
Spares to be upgraded: Newhook, Heineman,

What our roster should look like next season:

Cole - suzi - Slaf
New guy - new guy - Demidov
Camp surprise - new guy - Dach
Andy - Evans - Gally
Extras: Newhook and Heineman

Hutson - New guy
Ghule - Reinbacher
Xhekaj - Carrier
Extra: Struble

Monty
Dobes

Dach can take a middle 6 spot, and Reinbacher likely slots next to Ghule.
There’s always one camp surprise that can take a 3rd line spot.

That leaves 4 holes to fill this offseason:
A big top 4 defenseman to play with Hutson, a 2nd line center, a 3rd line center and a top 6 winger.

Lots to do but not impossible with all our cap space

 

[Habs Icing]

We lost. It's over. Boo-hoo. Now time to get back to work so the results will be different next season...

Personal work to be done...

X...work on your skating. Compared to Math and Hutson you're an oaf. So now use the next 4 months to get faster, to improve first step and edge work. If you don’t do that work, you will be left behind as the team gets better defenseman to pass you. When you're a number 6, it's basically a death sentence. A few boxing lessons won't hurt.

Hutson...you're not going to be elite with a muffin shot. Back in the Lemaire era, they practiced with steel pucks. 10 bucks and can be made in any machine shop. So work on you skating a bit and on your shot a LOT.

Demidov...210 lbs minimum, more like 220 and work on your skating and shot. They're good but not elite. You need the size and stregnth to be able to fight off defenseman who are going to hang on you to stop you.

Suzuki...nothing.

CC...skating. If you can improve that you can step up to elite class.

Slaf...you can't start the season 40 games in. Work on your conditioning and shot accuracy.

Anderson...lay cones on the ice amd practice puck control while full speed. Your a cruise missile without a payload.

Newhook...puck control. See Anderson

Heinaman...skating and shooting. EVERYBODY can use more of that. Plus another 10 pounds. You got the height, now add the strength.

Dach...Last chance. Get in shape.

Evans...10 pounds. See above.

Kapanen...skating and shooting.

Now team wise...we need more horses...

2 defenseman and 3 forwards.

We need to get tougher.

We need Rein and Mailloux to graduate and supply another level of offense compared to Savard and Scarrier. That alone can win us several more games.

We need LX and Davidson to supply another level of net front presence, truculance and an effective 3rd line.

And on top of everything...WE NEED A 2C. At least as good as Cozens...but without stripping any future players we need. Good luck on that.

Instead of scraping in with our fingernails, 20 point improvement brings us the the Promised Land. With the above done, we dust off teams like the Craps in 4 straight.

What's your opinion?

(It's probably the first hockey thread I put in HF in a couple of decades)

Agree with most of your comments. I would add Newhook and Anderson need to practice 23.5/7 on their shot accuracy. Half an hour for R and R.

 

[Habs Icing]

Out: Savard, Matheson, Armia, Pezzeta
In: Reinbacher, Top 4 RHD, 2nd line C, 2nd line W

We can fill in the bottom 6 with what we have

Do the Matheson haters watch hockey, or do they just parrot what they hear?

MSL used him as a #1 D-man. They have no one to take his place. Matheson is staying at least for another season.

 

[Favster]

Do the Matheson haters watch hockey, or do they just parrot what they hear?

MLS used him as a #1 D-man. They have no one to take his place. Matheson is staying at least for another season.

Do you watch hockey? What kind of a take is this? BTW, tons of non Habs fans on main board last night were commenting on his struggles, it's quite obvious when you stop giving the guy a free pass.

He made so many mistakes last night it was mind boggling, especially in the first 40 minutes of play. Yes, when he's on he looks good but the problem with him is you never know what you are going to get. As I said earlier, no contending team will want this guy on their top 4. The margin between winning and losing is too slim at that level.

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

Do the Matheson haters watch hockey, or do they just parrot what they hear?

MLS used him as a #1 D-man. They have no one to take his place. Matheson is staying at least for another season.

Hutson has taken his place. We need a #1RHD to play with him and take Mathesons minutes but less risky and to complement Lanes playing style.

 

[Tuggy]

Top 4 D and 2C are absolute musts if this team wants to take the next step.

A complete retool of the bottom 6 is in order aswell. We've got some interesting options in Laval, but whether they are ready for that step yet remains to be seen. Bottom 6 needs to be bigger and harder to play against. Washington is a great example.

 

[bud12]

-Bring 2 players for the 2nd line
- Bring 1 top4 rd and goodbye Merdeson

Hutson-xxxxxx
Guhle-Carrier
Xhekaj-Reinbacher

This dcorp should be better than this year

 

[waitin425]

Realistically this is what is happening.

Out: Dvorak, Armia, Savard, Pezzetta
In: 2C and RD

Slaf - Suzuki - Caufield
Laine - 2C - Demidov
Heinemen - Dach - Newhook
Anderson - Evans - Gally
Kapanen

Hutson - RD
Guhle - Reinbacher
Matheson - Carrier
Struble or Xhekaj

Trade bait for the 2C and RD:

- Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble
- Any prospect not listed above and not named Hage or Fowler
- All picks are on the table to varying degrees

Depending on our playoffs hunt our UFA's in 2026 could be on the table at TDL - Matheson and Laine but I don't see them being moved in off-season

Currently I am dreaming of Crosby as our 2C with a trade involving Xhekaj or Struble + Owen Beck + both 2025 1sts

And I am fantasizing about signing Ekblad as a UFA.

 

[Habs Halifax]

One offseason where you don't get any big names is never crucial for the future. For example if we don't get a 2C this offseason but get a stud next offseason it will make little to no difference to the future of the team that they were acquired this summer vs next summer.

That said you are right that the easy part of a rebuild is trading vets for picks and picking high, the hard part is always the actual building part of the rebuild. Personally I'm happy with how Hughes has approached things, even the moves that haven't worked out made logical sense in building towards contender.

Well said!

We are in the transition stage now and we need to address flaws. C, RD, and more warriors like Anderson in our bottom 6. We need more big boys that can skate and are not afraid to play physical.

Dvorak and Gallagher have worked hard yes but we need different types in our bottom 6. Not sure about Armia... he is just not consistent. At least with Anderson, he shows up in big games.

Very curious to see how Gorton/Hughes manage Dach at this stage. Maybe, we should be letting Laine walk or trade him and Dach is our RW. I'm still a fan of Dach but not as a center.

 

[Kosseca]

I think people will need to adjust their expectations. Lots of people are expecting to see 5 or 6 new guys joining the team. That is a lot and it may not be possible to address all the "needs" right away. Top contender enter each season with questions marks, and we should expect the summer to add to the MTL puzzle, but there could be some hole or questions marks.

I think the most likely scenario is that KH will make finding a 2C is priority. There is no organizational depth at that position - Beck/Kapanen are not even close to be ready for NHL, let alone 2c, but Dach and Newhook have been given the chance to take that job and shown that they can't. You can get a young or older guy... as long as he got some size, L shot and win faceoffs!! I think that the idea of being on a line with Demidov will be interesting for a lot of players. Ultimately, I think that failing to address this during the summer would be a fail.

Re-modeling the D group is most likely the second priority. The team has a glut of Dman that could play NHL, but too many are in the wrong chair to use MSL expression. Because there are so many permutation with the current group, I think management can afford to be more patient here, but the reality is that to ensure success next season, this need to get address. Guhle and Hutson should both play LD. Reinbacher should join the group so he needs a good summer and a successful AHL playoff run. Carrier is a warrior, love the guy, but we also need to understand that he's not a top 2 guy, he's at best a no4... and I would love to have him on the 3rd pair, because that would mean that the other two pairs are very strong!! For me Matheson has to go and if a team is willing to overpay for Xhekaj.... I ok to let him go. if not, I'm keeping him as my 7th. My expectation is that we may see 1 new face on D, but we could start next year with the similar group and the hunt for a upgrade will continue until next TDL.

Re-shaping the 3rd and 4th line. Again, lots of organization option, but some of which have little to no NHL experience. I would let go of Dvorak, Armia and see if I can get more grit. Anderson-evan-gally can be an effective line. Heineman will need a new C and W. I expect to see a new face here from outside the organization and one "new" face from the pool of current players.

2W is I think the last priority. There are lots of organizational option here and some decision may be link to what happen on the 2C acquisition. Dach, Newhook, Laine are all guys that will need a role and could fit there... all are also expendable in a trade. All have pros and cons... so no perfect fit until you try them. Given this, I dont expect a new face there at training camp, but patience will be short with these guys... next TDL or Summer 2026... that could be the year it become the top focus.

 

[rik schau]

Agree with most of your comments. I would add Newhook and Anderson need to practice 23.5/7 on their shot accuracy. Half an hour for R and R.

From what I've seen,they all need to work on their shot accuracy. It wouldn't hurt for Suzuki to improve his skating,I know that sounds like nitpicking but improved skating might make him very elite.

 

[waitin425]

I think people will need to adjust their expectations. Lots of people are expecting to see 5 or 6 new guys joining the team. That is a lot and it may not be possible to address all the "needs" right away. Top contender enter each season with questions marks, and we should expect the summer to add to the MTL puzzle, but there could be some hole or questions marks.

I think the most likely scenario is that KH will make finding a 2C is priority. There is no organizational depth at that position - Beck/Kapanen are not even close to be ready for NHL, let alone 2c, but Dach and Newhook have been given the chance to take that job and shown that they can't. You can get a young or older guy... as long as he got some size, L shot and win faceoffs!! I think that the idea of being on a line with Demidov will be interesting for a lot of players. Ultimately, I think that failing to address this during the summer would be a fail.

Re-modeling the D group is most likely the second priority. The team has a glut of Dman that could play NHL, but too many are in the wrong chair to use MSL expression. Because there are so many permutation with the current group, I think management can afford to be more patient here, but the reality is that to ensure success next season, this need to get address. Guhle and Hutson should both play LD. Reinbacher should join the group so he needs a good summer and a successful AHL playoff run. Carrier is a warrior, love the guy, but we also need to understand that he's not a top 2 guy, he's at best a no4... and I would love to have him on the 3rd pair, because that would mean that the other two pairs are very strong!! For me Matheson has to go and if a team is willing to overpay for Xhekaj.... I ok to let him go. if not, I'm keeping him as my 7th. My expectation is that we may see 1 new face on D, but we could start next year with the similar group and the hunt for a upgrade will continue until next TDL.

Re-shaping the 3rd and 4th line. Again, lots of organization option, but some of which have little to no NHL experience. I would let go of Dvorak, Armia and see if I can get more grit. Anderson-evan-gally can be an effective line. Heineman will need a new C and W. I expect to see a new face here from outside the organization and one "new" face from the pool of current players.

2W is I think the last priority. There are lots of organizational option here and some decision may be link to what happen on the 2C acquisition. Dach, Newhook, Laine are all guys that will need a role and could fit there... all are also expendable in a trade. All have pros and cons... so no perfect fit until you try them. Given this, I dont expect a new face there at training camp, but patience will be short with these guys... next TDL or Summer 2026... that could be the year it become the top focus.

Excellent analysis.

 

[GordonGraham]

For the first time since they have been in montreal MSL, Gorton and Hughes will have pressure , if they miss the playoffs some or all of them will get fired

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Evans isn't gaining 10 lbs at this point. Lol He's fine. He is what he is. He needs to keep working on his skating each summer now to not lose what speed he has as he moves into 30+ range.

Hutson: Shot! He needs to work on all aspects of it.

Slafkovsky: release & skating. Shot is heavy & decently accurate. His release is what is holding him back. Watch Matthews clips.

His skating is improved, but he needs to continue to work on his startups & keeping his feet moving in crowded areas. He kind of gets stalled in heavy areas, which imo is a skating issue and not an effort/soft issue that people call him out for.

Footwork & startups, young man!

Heineman: strength.

Guhle: strength & puck skills.

Xhekaj: skating - all aspects of it & puck skills.

Demidov: strength.

Newhook: accuracy! Holy f***, man! He should learn to PK. His speed needs to at least be used as a weapon. Not sure where he fits on this team.

--- --- ---

Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky & Demidov all in top 6 next year.

Anderson, Gallagher, Evans & Heineman should all be in bottom 6.

Guhle, Hutson, Carrier & Xhekaj should all be back on D.

Montembeault & Dobes in net.


UFAS: Dvorak, Armia, Pezzetta - all let go.

Unknown futures: Laine, Newhook, Dach, Matheson & Struble. All can be moved.

AHL: Kapanen. Or moved.

Retired: Savard.

--- --- ---

For now:

Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky
XXXXX - XXXXX - Demidov
Anderson - XXXXX - Gallagher
Heineman - Evans - XXXXX

Hutson - XXXXX
Guhle - Carrier
Xhekaj - Reinbacher

Montembeault
Dobes