Do you know your Christian Dvorak?
Over the next few weeks, I'm going to do a series of articles on the Canadiens' newcomers called "do you know your [new player]" in order to prepare for the 2021-2022 season.
Christian Dvorak is a 6 foot, 195-pound 25-year-old American. He played brilliant junior hockey in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). His best season with the London Knights was 52 goals and 69 assists for 121 points. He also won the prestigious Memorial Cup during the 2015-16 season.
In the NHL, he is a very good center in both directions of the ice. To me, he will replace Phillip Danault rather than Jesperi Kotkaniemi. He will deliver the same goods as Danault, but with a better touch around the net. He is a great passer and a good shooter.
I could see him playing with Josh Anderson on the wings, because they played together in London. He's an exceptional skater who fits in very well with the Habs' style. He likes to put a lot of pressure on the forecheck and that's why he excels in the power play.
On the negative side, he may lack some physical strength, which can be difficult for him on a long schedule. On the injury front, he has had serious knee injuries in the past. To watch out for!
He will wear the number 28 in Montreal! He has 4 years left on his current contract of 4.45 million per year. At center, he has an efficiency average of 52.1% and he plays an average of 18:24 minutes per game. His goal every game is to play like his idol, Patrice Bergeron. He has the same attitude as Bergeron on and off the ice.
We don't often talk about his level of competitiveness in the game, but he doesn't hesitate to go into the opposing goalie's circle and eat some "Sherwood" shots. Although he is not a toughness player per say.
Because he played the first five years of his career away from the spotlight in Arizona (almost anonymously), he is often underrated by said experts. In the short term, the Habs are a better team with Dvorak than Kotkaniemi.
It only remains for Christian Dvorak to carry the torch high when his turn comes. I see the arrival of #28 as great news with his contract, his talent and his potential. To me, his arrival is not only a short-term solution.
