As the Montreal Canadiens continue their rebuild, it is essential to recognize that not every player will progress at the same rate. While the team has a promising core of young talent, there are a few veterans who may struggle to keep up with the pace of the NHL next season
Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson, and Mike Hoffman are three players who could see a regression in their performance due to a combination of age, injuries, and competition from younger players.
For Anderson, the key will be staying healthy and finding a way to maintain his physical style of play without sacrificing his offensive production.
Edmundson will need to adapt to a potentially reduced role on the blue line and find ways to contribute as a veteran presence. Hoffman, on the other hand, will need to rediscover his scoring touch and find ways to be more effective at even strength.
While these players face significant challenges, they also have the opportunity to prove their doubters wrong and contribute to the Canadiens’ success next season.
Whether they can do so will play a crucial role in determining the team’s fortunes as they continue their journey back to contention in the NHL.
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Table of Contents
The Canadiens’ Rebuild and Emerging Core
Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson, and Mike Hoffman
The Montreal Canadiens, one of the most storied franchises in the NHL, have been in the midst of a rebuilding phase.1
This offseason, the Canadiens have made significant strides in assembling a young and promising core.
With a focus on youth and development, the team looks poised to climb back into contention over the next few years.
However, as with any team undergoing such a transformation, not every player will continue on an upward trajectory.
While most of the roster shows promise, there are a few individuals whose performances might regress in the upcoming season.
This article will delve into three Montreal Canadiens players who could see a decline in their performance next season.
We will analyze their past performances, current circumstances, and potential challenges that may lead to a dip in their contributions to the team.
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Josh Anderson: A Potential Regression After an Injury-Plagued Season
Josh Anderson has been one of the more polarizing figures on the Canadiens’ roster since he was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020.
Known for his physicality, speed, and ability to score goals, Anderson quickly became a fan favorite in Montreal. However, his performance last season left much to be desired, and there are concerns that he may not bounce back as expected.
Joel Edmundson: The Declining Impact of a Veteran Defenseman
Joel Edmundson was brought to Montreal in 2020 to provide stability and experience on the blue line. The veteran defenseman played a crucial role in the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, where his physical play and leadership were invaluable.
However, there are signs that Edmundson’s best days may be behind him, and he could be in for a challenging season ahead.
Mike Hoffman: A Scoring Winger Facing Increased Competition
Mike Hoffman was signed by the Canadiens in 2021 to add scoring punch to their lineup. Known for his lethal shot and power-play prowess, Hoffman was expected to be a key contributor offensively.
However, his tenure in Montreal has been inconsistent, and there are concerns that he may not be able to maintain his scoring touch next season.
3 Montreal Canadiens Who Might See a Performance Dip in 2024-25
The Montreal Canadiens are a storied franchise in the NHL, but recent seasons have seen the team struggle to regain its former glory.2
With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, there are key players on the roster who may face challenges that could lead to a dip in their performance. Here’s a look at three players who could potentially see a decline next season.
Sam Montembeault: The Pressure of the Starting Role
The Current Situation
Sam Montembeault has been a promising presence in the Canadiens’ net, showing resilience and flashes of brilliance even during tough stretches.
Last season, he played 41 games, posting a 3.14 goals-against average (GAA) and a .903 save percentage (SV%). These numbers, while not stellar, were decent considering the inconsistent and often shaky defense in front of him.
The Potential Challenge
As Montembeault is projected to take on the role of the starting goaltender for the Canadiens in the upcoming season, the expectations and pressures on him will significantly increase.
Last season, he shared duties, but this year, he may find himself starting over 50 games. The increased workload could take a toll on him, both mentally and physically.
Goaltenders often struggle when thrust into a full-time starting role without much prior experience in that capacity.
The mental strain of being the last line of defense on a nightly basis, combined with the physical demands of playing more games, could potentially impact Montembeault’s performance.
His GAA might rise, and his SV% could take a dip as he faces more high-pressure situations.
The Bigger Picture
If Montembeault struggles, it could create a ripple effect throughout the team. The Canadiens’ defense would feel the added pressure, knowing they need to protect their netminder more effectively.
Additionally, the front office might have to consider bringing in a veteran goaltender to help share the load, potentially leading to changes in the team’s dynamic.
Mike Matheson: Can He Maintain His Offensive Prowess?
A Stellar Season
Mike Matheson was undoubtedly the Canadiens’ best defenseman last season. He emerged as a leader on the blue line, contributing significantly on both ends of the ice.
Offensively, he was a revelation, leading all Montreal defensemen with 11 goals and 62 points. His ability to jump into the play and contribute offensively was a major asset for the team.
The Risk of Regression
- However, there’s a real possibility that Matheson might not be able to replicate those numbers in the upcoming season.
- Defensemen who have breakout offensive years often struggle to maintain that level of production in subsequent seasons. Opponents begin to key in on their tendencies, making it harder for them to find the same success.
- Additionally, Matheson’s defensive metrics were concerning. He finished the season with a minus-24 rating, a stark indicator of the Canadiens’ struggles in their own zone.
- If the team continues to play poor defense, Matheson’s offensive contributions might not be enough to offset the goals allowed when he’s on the ice.
- Furthermore, if he takes on even more responsibility as the team’s number one defenseman, he might find it challenging to balance his offensive and defensive duties.
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The Team Impact
Should Matheson experience a decline in his production, the Canadiens will need to look elsewhere for offensive contributions from their blue line.
This could lead to increased opportunities for younger defensemen or perhaps even force the team to explore trades or free-agent signings to bolster their defense.
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Juraj Slafkovsky: The Sophomore Slump?
A Breakout Campaign
Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens’ young forward, had a fantastic sophomore season. After a somewhat quiet rookie year, he exploded for 20 goals and 50 points across all 82 games in the 2023-24 season.
Slafkovsky showed his potential as a power-play specialist, netting six goals with the man advantage and establishing himself as a key offensive weapon for Montreal.
The Sophomore Slump Looms
While Slafkovsky’s future is bright, the possibility of a sophomore slump is real. Many young players who have breakout second seasons struggle to replicate that success in their third year as opponents begin to figure out their game.
Slafkovsky might find it harder to score as opposing teams pay more attention to him, adjusting their defensive schemes to limit his opportunities.
Moreover, Slafkovsky’s continued development will hinge on his ability to adapt and evolve his game. If he becomes too reliant on certain plays or moves, defenses will exploit those tendencies, making it more difficult for him to generate offense.
Managing Expectations and Planning for Contingencies
The Importance of Depth
- The potential performance dips of Montembeault, Matheson, and Slafkovsky underscore the importance of depth on the Canadiens’ roster.3
- In the modern NHL, relying too heavily on a few key players can be a recipe for disaster. Injuries, slumps, and the natural ebb and flow of a long season mean that every team needs contributions from up and down the lineup.
- The Canadiens’ management will need to ensure that they have capable backups and depth players ready to step in if any of these key players struggle.
- Whether it’s through developing young talent within the organization, making strategic trades, or signing free agents, the front office must be proactive in addressing potential weaknesses.
The Role of Coaching
- Coaching will also play a crucial role in helping these players avoid performance dips. For Montembeault, managing his workload and providing him with the necessary support will be key.
- The coaching staff should be mindful of when to give him rest and when to lean on a backup goaltender.
- For Matheson, finding the right balance between his offensive contributions and defensive responsibilities will be critical.
- The coaching staff might need to adjust his role or pair him with a defensively-minded partner to ensure he doesn’t get overwhelmed.
- As for Slafkovsky, the focus should be on continued development and avoiding predictability in his game. The coaching staff can work with him to diversify his offensive toolkit, making him a more unpredictable and therefore more dangerous player.
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