NHL Season Preview 2016-17: Montreal Canadiens
Will the changes that the Montreal Canadiens made in the offseason be enough to help them return to the playoffs in 2016-17?
The Montreal Canadiens’ 2015-16 season is arguably the worst in franchise history. Their 50 percent point percentage in 2015-16 is their 18th worst as a franchise. However, this goes beyond statistics. The Canadiens began their season by winning their first nine games and 14 of their first 20.
Their decline coincided with the injury of 2014-15 Vezina Trophy winner Carey Price. As an elite goalie, Price hid a lot of Montreal’s flaws. Price made a quick return, but later re-injured his groin, causing him to miss the rest of the season.
The Canadiens fell apart without Price. It was an epic failure and one that was met with swift changes. But were those changes positive or negative? The front office better hope that they wind up being positive or even more changes could be coming.
Offseason Review
Here’s a quick review of what the Canadiens have done this offseason.
Additions: D Shea Weber (Predators), F Alex Radulov (KHL), F Andrew Shaw (Blackhawks), G Al Montoya (Panthers), D Zach Redmond (Avalanche),
Departures: C Lars Eller (Capitals), D Tom Gilbert (Kings), D P.K. Subban (Predators)
Retained: F Daniel Carr, F Philip Danault
