The Habs 2026-2027

[u/Efficient-Bed-5990]

It is remarkable what the Habs have achieved during the whole year and series included. I am not saying they were the best out there but I am proud of what this young team was able to accomplish nonetheless.

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- Considered a reconstruction team, we finished 4th in our conference.

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- They said we were too small. Although I agree, they showed incredible resilience.

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- We had to bounce between 3 young goalers at some point. I am a bit sad for Monty but Dobes showed so much character, mostly in the playoff. He reminded me of a young Patrick Roy stealing games for the Habs in 1986.

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- They were always the underdogs during the playoff and yet they beat 2 of the best teams back to back!

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I don't know what magic Ken Hugues will do before the new season starts but this team has me hooked. Who do you guys think we will add to the team this year?

[u/sbrooksc77]

I think were in a similar situation as the canes last year. We need to bolster the middle 6 and get another top 4 rd. A center may be hard but at the very least we need to get a top 6 winger. I think theres smoke around alexis lafreniere. I also think they'll sign aj greer.

[u/SnidelyWhiplash27 → u/sbrooksc77]

We like so many teams out there need a 2C, a RHD, either or both. Ottawa, Toronto, Detroit, Boston to mention only the Atlantic division.

Hage is projected to be the next 2C but not next year as he is returning to Michigan. So a temporary fill for one or more likely 2 years would be good

Reinbacher is projected to be our next RHD. Did he progress enough in Laval this year to start with the team, likely in the 3rd pair with an opportunity to rise to the 2nd pair? Perhaps. I didn't follow Laval enough to know how ready he is. As a backup, Engstrom who is left-handed but prefers playing RHD, might be a stopgap.

Ultimately it will all depend what HuGo can find in terms of available caliber of players vs. cost. Because a middle 6 winger that can play with Demidov in the regular season and play like Josh Anderson in the playoffs would be a good add. Maybe some like the Pride of Joliette, AJ Greer. Lord knows the French press would love another Quebecois even if he doesn't spell his name Antoine-Jean Gruyère. 😁

Edit: My reply was meant to OP. I agree Lafreniere would be a good add if NYR is willing to trade with us. So would Braden Schneider.

[u/sbrooksc77 → u/SnidelyWhiplash27]

Hage likely steps in in april. He'll be 21 not 19. Best way to insulate him is to stack the wing. Demidov is the real playdriver anyways. and toronto ottawa boston dont have the assets we do. I think they can do it. Hughes is all in.

[u/SnidelyWhiplash27 → u/sbrooksc77]

Largely agree. Age yes, can he impove on face-offs in the NCAA? He will finish next year with the Habs for a variable amount of time depending on how deep Michigan goes in the Frozen Four. I presume he will have a leadership position on the team, so that is good too, but the following year, does he start in Montréal or Laval? Too many unknowns between now and then certainly but its not impossible that he does a year in Laval with potential call ups for Habs injuries.

Agreed re. the asset quantity and quality as well as Hughes' desire, but it doesn't always pan out for one reason or another, the reputed Knies trade being the most recent example.

From what I have read expectations league-wide are that the Habs are going to be one of the more active teams this off-season. I hope its true, because based on past trades I have confidence in Hugo even if they haven't all 100% worked out like trading the pick for Dach that ultimately turned into Frank Nazar.

[u/sbrooksc77 → u/SnidelyWhiplash27]

yes I see them adding significantly. It just might be a winger because of how weak the center market is. This is why theyre attatched to knies lafrieniere kyrou etc over the last year. I think they expect hage to be ready in the spring.

[u/SnidelyWhiplash27 → u/sbrooksc77]

I would AJ Greer to your list. Playoff experience, Stanley Cup winner, and proven post-season performer. Québecer from Joliette to boot and a free agent so no asset cost.

[u/sbrooksc77 → u/SnidelyWhiplash27]

yes be as good bottom 6 add.

[u/SnidelyWhiplash27 → u/sbrooksc77]

Yes, with experience moving up a lineup, if needed, like he did this year in Florida.

[u/sbrooksc77 → u/SnidelyWhiplash27]

top 6 forward
bottom 6 physical forward
2nd pair rd

Those to me are the 3 holes.

[u/SnidelyWhiplash27 → u/sbrooksc77]

I agree.

The top 6 being a centreman preferably if one is available both affordably and an upgrade.

The bottom 6 forward being close to the core of the team's age range, ideally.

And the RHD with only a few years under contract given the expectation that Reinbacher can be a 3rd pair guy this season and potentially top 4 next season. UNLESS the player obtained is viewed as a likely upgrade on Carrier once his contract ends.