Holiday Wish List: What the Canadiens Need Most This Season

The jolly spirit of the holiday season has brought Hockey Central’s Sam Cosentino and Danielle Michaud together to craft a hockey-themed wish list for teams around the league. Each team is looking for the perfect “gift” to bolster their chances for success this season, and with Cosentino leading the way, here’s what the Montreal Canadiens might wish for this year.

---

---

Montreal Canadiens: Lottery Luck and Leadership

Cosentino has two gift ideas for the Canadiens, who sit near the bottom of the standings. First, a smaller ping pong ball to help their odds in the draft lottery. Second, a foam finger emblazoned with “#1” to remind the team of the hope that comes with a potential first-overall pick.

Montreal isn’t in playoff contention, but Cosentino suggested that an infusion of young talent—like their next star player—could provide the spark they need. As for motivation? Maybe Elf on the Shelf can lend a hand to head coach Martin St. Louis to keep spirits high during tough times.

What If a High First-Round Pick Joined the Current Crop of Young Habs Stars?

The holidays are a time for hope and promise, and for the Canadiens, that hope lies in their young core with Juraj Slafkovsky, their last first-round draft pick. At just 20 years old, Slafkovsky is still learning the intricacies of the NHL game, a process that comes with its fair share of ups and downs. However, his potential remains undeniable, and he’s now back on the Canadiens’ top line—a sign of the faith head coach Martin St. Louis has in his development.

Slafkovsky’s season has been marked by flashes of promise mixed with the growing pains typical of a young player. He’s posted two goals and 13 assists in 27 games, though his offensive output has been streaky. After a solid 20-goal, 50-point rookie campaign last year, Slafkovsky’s production has dipped, driven largely by a sharp drop in shooting percentage (down to 6.5%) and fewer opportunities to get pucks on net. Still, his ability to contribute in other ways, such as his physical presence—67 hits this season—offers a glimpse into his value as part of Montreal’s emerging young core.

The Canadiens Are Rebuilding, But Have Huge Potential

As the Canadiens work through a rebuilding phase, Slafkovsky (and other youngsters) represents a cornerstone of what they’re building. With the potential of another high draft pick on the horizon—possibly even the first overall in the lottery—the Canadiens could add yet another star to their young roster. Together with players like Slafkovsky, the team is growing, even through frustrations and setbacks.

Under Martin St. Louis’ patient leadership, this group of young players has the potential to blossom into something special. For now, fans can take solace in watching the Canadiens’ youngsters hone their games, knowing that brighter days may be just around the corner. With the holidays approaching, a little more patience—and perhaps the gift of another elite talent—could go a long way toward making the Canadiens a true contender in the years to come.

Related: Berube Has Telling Take on Matthews’ Scoring Dip for Maple Leafs