Canadiens Entering Most Crucial Part Of Rebuild

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to build a cup contender, and the steps they take this summer could directly impact their success.

It’s a tale as old as time in Montreal, where management promotes the idea of building through an influx of youth, but quickly abandons that project at the first sign of success.

It was the case in 2006, 2013 and again in 2020, where past general managers rushed their own established processes and took shortcuts to build a team that could squeak into the playoffs.

Under Kent Hughes, the Montreal Canadiens have shown a significant amount of patience; the likes we haven’t seen in decades.

For the first time in over 40 years, the Canadiens will be selecting in the top 10 of two consecutive NHL Drafts, all while stockpiling other top assets like Kirby Dach and Justin Barron.

But, with the organization openly stating that expectations will be higher on the team next season, it’s important to point out what that means and what fans should expect.

Building A Winner

The Montreal Canadiens are now going into the NHL Draft Lottery with the fifth-best odds to win either of the two lotteries, but, outside of that, they feel confident that could advance their rebuild heading into June 28.

“I think we’re in a good position where we have a lot assets, good young players, a lot of draft picks. We have the leverage to make some deals and do those kinds of things,” said EVP Jeff Gorton regarding the Canadiens’ strategy at the Draft. “I would expect that we would be active at the draft and push it along as far as we can. We’ll all cross our fingers at the Lottery. I think we’re in a really good spot, and our scouts think we’re going to get a really good player.”

However, the Canadiens have made it clear that, whatever moves they make, it will be for the greater good of the organization in the long term, and not a quick fix.

“We’re trying to build this thing the right way. If we just take shortcuts, just to be a little better, I don’t think that’s going about it the right way,” said Gorton. “Building, developing and letting it happen organically is the way to go. I understand that our fans have been very supportive. There’s not a blueprint that works for everyone.”

Unlike regimes of the past, it seems like the Montreal Canadiens are banking on themselves this time around, trusting their new-look developmental department and their coaching staff to bring these youngsters along, rather than look outside the organization for help.

There are obviously rumours swirling around players like Pierre-Luc Dubois or Alexis Lafrenière, but, if the price is too rich and compromises the plan for the Montreal Canadiens, they’ll actively look elsewhere.

Therein lies the difference.

Gone are the days of trading the Ryan McDonaughs or the Mikhail Sergachevs for a potential stopgap; the Canadiens are looking to build something sustainable.

So, when they mean they’re going to increase expectations, they’re talking about the accountability of their youngsters; not the standings result.

No Chance Of Trading Away Their Pick

Although the Florida Panthers‘ 1st-round pick could be up for grabs in the right deal for a younger player, the Canadiens’ own 1st-round pick appears to be off the board.

“We’re confident that, independent of the lottery, we’re going to get a really good player,” said Gorton regarding their 1st-round pick. “We’d love to win the lottery, but we’re going to get a really good player according to our scouts.”

It’s excellent news for fans in the long-term, as the scouting staff seems primed to select quite high this year; adding some more elite talent to a young core.

For Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes, this has always been the plan; as they recognize the lack of elite talent on the club outside of their top youngsters.

For this regime to truly succeed, they must continue to show more patience than their predecessors, while jumping on the opportunities that present themselves in a timely fashion.

The second summer after bottoming out in the NHL standings is always telling, as the actions taken during that time generally separate the retools from the rebuilds.

With the Canadiens entering that second summer, what they do over the next two months will have a significant impact on the trajectory of the club moving forward.