The Canadiens' projected lineup for next season has been revealed

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Elias Adaime
July 6, 2024 (7:43 PM)

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Now that the draft and the opening of the free agency market are behind us, we have a better idea of the Habs' lineup for next year.

Although changes are still possible before the start of training camp, nothing major has been done by the Hughes/Gorton duo in recent days.

TVA Sports predicts the 2024-2025 Montreal Canadiens lineup

The TVA Sports website recently unveiled a projected lineup for the 2024-2025 season. As you will see, there are gaps, particularly in the offense.

TVA Sports - Canadiens: une première formation projetée pour 2024-2025

Slafkovsky � Suzuki � Caufield
Newhook � Dach � Roy
Gallagher � Dvorak � Anderson
Heineman � Evans � Armia

Matheson � Guhle
Hutson � Savard
Xhekaj � Mailloux

Montembeault
Primeau

Although this lineup is not extraordinary, we agree that the next season is a transitional one. It will allow the team to move on from several unwanted contracts (Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia) and add another year to the deals of Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, and Carey Price.

There is a pleasant surprise on the second line with Joshua Roy, and another nice surprise with Heineman.

Thus, we can see this upcoming season as a step toward a new level. At its conclusion, a new phase of the rebuild can begin as many young players will enter their second NHL contracts. We must also not forget the future arrival of Ivan Demidov, who will undoubtedly add offensive flair to this lineup.

Until then, unless an exceptional offer comes in, it would be surprising to see Kent Hughes make any big moves. Yes, the current lineup has gaps, but they will be filled in the coming years with the arrival of young players (Demidov, Hage).

Over the next few months, Kent Hughes will have time to prepare for summer 2025, which will be his most important yet. It will be during the next offseason that he can finally acquire, either through trade or free agency, the veteran much demanded by the fans. Until then, he must be patient and strategically plan to have enough cap space next summer.

The first priority he will want to address will undoubtedly be Kaiden Guhle's contract. He will want to secure his services long-term, but at a price that will not tie his hands in the coming years. It will be interesting to see if Guhle's camp will accept this or seek a short-to-medium-term contract.

It will be up to Hughes to see what he can do with the burdensome contracts of Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, and Carey Price. He might be tempted, if he cannot find a taker during the season, to buy out one to free up not only salary cap space but also a roster spot.

So, don't be impatient with Kent Hughes because he certainly isn't. He didn't succumb to the high prices demanded on July 1st and managed to stay focused and stick to his plan. The club's lineup might still be adjusted this summer to fill a few gaps, but it will be done intelligently and not hastily.

Have confidence!