2013 Season Preview – Montreal Canadiens

Last Season – A tumultuous season saw the Habs finish in the Eastern Conference basement, with a record of 31-35-16.

Saying Goodbye – Brad Staubitz, Chris Campoli

Saying Hello – Bandon Prust, Colby Armstrong, Francis Boullion

Ready to Step In – Alex Galchenyuk was drafted 3rd overall and could have the most immediate impact of any of the 2012 first rounders.  He will be given an offensive opportunity and could instantly become a catalyst for the Canadiens attack

Look For A Bounce-back Season From – Scott Gomez…hahaha just kidding.  His career is waning.  Andrei Markov needs to have a healthy season to re-establish his career that once saw him in the Norris trophy discussion.

It could be a season of much rubber being fired at Carey Price. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Hardware Hopefuls – Galchenyuk, Calder

Upside – The Habs gained some grit with the addition of Prust and Armstrong, so the small forwards might gain an inch or two with the protection.

Downside – There are tons of questions regarding the Habs.  Did Michel Therrien learn anything from his first stint in Montreal and his Pittsburgh stop?  Do Markov, Kaberle, Gionta, Bourque, Gomez have even a shortened season in them?  Whether from injury or inferior play, questions surround all of these highly paid and underachieving players that make up almost a quarter of the roster.

2013 Prognosis –  Carey Price gives the Habs a fighting chance each night.  However, the Canadiens are in a deep hole that they won’t get out of any time soon, and they are in salary trouble going forward.  Montreal could have the longest short season in the NHL. I don’t think they have enough to climb out of the basement in the East.