Here's the possible Habs lineup if Martin St-Louis listens to Bob Hartley
We told you about it yesterday on BPM Sports, the excellent Bob Hartley made a specific request to Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens:
He loves Sean Monahan, but according to him, in order for Monahan to have maximum success, he needs to play with fast wingers.
Marc-Olivier Cook (DansLesCoulisses.com) analyzed what that might look like, at the threesome level, as an end result in practice.
First, we note that the CH's possible top centers are: Nick Suzuki, Christian Dvorak, Sean Monahan, and Kirby Dach.
In short, Josh Anderson and Cole Caufield should start the year with Nick Suzuki on the first line. We can also think of young Juraj Slafkovsky, but it would be rather surprising if he was placed on the first line in the first game of his career.
Verdict: Anderson - Suzuki - Caufield
Then, based on his end of the season, Christian Dvorak should normally be on the second line. Let's say, with a scorer like Mike Hoffman and a playmaker like Jonathan Drouin.
Verdict: Drouin - Dvorak - Hoffman
That leaves Monahan on the third line, depending on Kirby Dach. Which remaining fast skaters could be on his trio, as Bob Hartley strongly recommends?
Jake Evans could be an option, as he has put on some muscle mass this summer and will be, according to him, even faster.
If Paul Byron comes back healthy, that could be an option.
If not, that leaves young Juraj Slafkovsky, who could play the role of a fast skater like Josh Anderson. Don't forget Brendan Gallagher and Joel Armia.
Verdict: Slafkovsky - Monahan - Evans
And you, considering Bob Hartley's words, who would you see Sean Monahan playing with this year?
Credit:
| POLL | ||
Who would you see Monahan play with? | ||
| Caufield | 89 | 18.4 % |
| Hoffman | 80 | 16.5 % |
| Drouin | 156 | 32.2 % |
| Anderson | 159 | 32.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
