Montreal Canadiens Projected Forward Lineup In 2024-25

We’re roughly six weeks away from the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, which means it’s time to take a look at the potential lineup the Montreal Canadiens will ice when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on October 9. We’ll start by evaluating the forward situation.

Montreal Canadiens Forward Depth Chart

Of course, there’s still a chance the pool of available players will change if the Habs find a trade they consider to be advantageous. Additionally, Sean Monahan is no longer in the mix, but as it stands, the forward depth chart is almost a carbon copy of the 2023-24 season.

Fortunately, one of the most important players in the lineup, Kirby Dach, is expected to be healthy and ready to contribute by the time training camp rolls around. Rafael Harvey-Pinard, on the other hand, will miss training camp and beyond, as he recovers from a surgical intervention to repair a broken leg. We also have to allow for the possibility of a prospect such as Owen Beck earning a roster spot at camp, though given the current centre depth, he’ll have to work hard to convince Canadiens management he should be playing in the NHL from the very get-go. He also needs to gain professional hockey experience next year, something that’s difficult to do as a healthy scratch. His situation may open the door for an older player, such Brendan Gignac or Lucas Condotta.

First Line

For the first time in a very long time, the Canadiens have a legitimate top line. At some point, I’d like to see Dach play with either Cole Caufield or Juraj Slafkovsky on his wing, as it would remove a little of the pressure from Nick Suzuki’s line, but for now, we can safely assume Martin St-Louis will stick with the only line that has shown any semblance of consistency in the offensive zone.

Projected Line: Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky

Caufield scores his 28th of the season. Good work by Slafkovsky on the one-timer, but look at how Suzuki created time and space for his linemates.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/4UXyz9xIf0

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 17, 2024

Second Line

As long as he manages to stay healthy, Dach is expected to anchor the second trio. His skill in transition, as well as his high-end vision and anticipation, allows him to create time and space for his linemates, which, in turn, immediately improves the wingers that are lucky enough to play on his line.

With Harvey-Pinard out of the picture for now, the depth on the left side has diminished considerably. On that note, Alex Newhook, a natural centre, may end up shifting to the wing, as he did on numerous occasions last season. His blazing speed allows him to stretch out defenders, creating gaps in the coverage that can be exploited by his linemates. As for the final spot, despite owning the least amount of professional hockey experience in the entire lineup last year, Joshua Roy enjoyed quite an encouraging audition. Some fans are still unconvinced, but given his excellent underlying numbers, not to mention his penchant for being an integral part of the team no matter where he plays, I consider Roy’s spot in the lineup to essentially be guaranteed. I also believe he has the skill set necessary to play in the top six, as he possesses an excellent defensive game in addition to his nose for the net.

Projected Line: Alex Newhook – Kirby Dach – Joshua Roy

Joshua Roy at his best.

Uses his anticipation to create a turnover, quickly enters the zone with control of the puck and fires one home to tie the game for the #GoHabsGo. pic.twitter.com/ch49CnI7d5

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) March 6, 2024

Third Line

If we’re basing our lineup purely on merit, Jake Evans is probably a better candidate than Christian Dvorak to centre the third line. But Evans’ greatest value is how many minutes he can absorb on the penalty kill, which connotes he’s likely to be kept on the fourth line as an insurance policy should the Canadiens continue to display the same type of discipline you’d expect from a group of sixth graders who broke into a grape juice factory.

As for the potential wingers, I’d like to remind everyone the rumours of Brendan Gallagher’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Yes, he took a few poorly timed penalties last year, but more importantly, he was one of the few players who managed to finish the season with more than a 50 percent share of shots and expected goals. The same can be said about Joel Armia, a player many, including myself, had written off prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign. He didn’t set the league on fire upon his return to the lineup, but his solid play was more than enough to ensure he has a steady flow of ice time this season.

Projected Line: Brendan Gallagher – Christian Dvorak – Joel Armia

Fourth Line

Josh Anderson could end up being used on the second or third line in a desperate bid to improve his perceived value in the NHL’s trade market, but you’d be hard-pressed that he deserves to start in the top nine given how much he struggled last season while receiving an overabundance of opportunities to get off the schneid. Beyond Anderson, Alex Barre-Boulet may end up quickly climbing the depth chart if he finds his rhythm in the NHL. And then there’s Michael Pezzetta, one of the hardest working players in the entire league. I don’t want to suggest there’s no chance he is finally given a permanent roster spot, but he’s there’s a decent chance he will be relegated to the press box as the 13th forward.

Projected Line: Alex Barre-Boulet – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson

Projected Forward Lineup – Montreal Canadiens (2024-25)

If we put all the pieces together, we have a much better idea of what to expect in early October. As previously mentioned, the situation is likely to change, and there’s a healthy chance St-Louis doesn’t necessarily agree with my suggested lines, but here’s what we end up with once we complete the puzzle.

Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky

Alex Newhook – Kirby Dach – Joshua Roy

Brendan Gallagher – Christian Dvorak – Joel Armia

Alex Barre-Boulet – Jake Evans – Josh Anderson

Extras: Michael Pezzetta, Open Spot

Do you agree or disagree with the projected Montreal Canadiens lineup? If so, join our community and let us know in the comments below! We will evaluate the projected lineup on defence in the upcoming days.