How Good Is the Habs’ First Line Really?
Something interesting is happening in Montreal… and unless you’ve been watching closely, you might not have noticed it. The Canadiens’ first line—Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský—is quietly transforming into one of the most intriguing, fast-rising trios in the entire NHL. Not because they suddenly exploded overnight, but because each of them is growing in ways that are starting to shift the league’s perception of this group entirely.
And now that they’ve just been reunited after being separated for a few games, it felt like the perfect moment to dig into the question that Canadiens fans—and honestly, a lot of NHL fans—have started asking more and more: How good is this line really? And more importantly: Could they actually be considered among the Top 5 first lines in the NHL?
To answer that, we need to look at how they’re developing together, how their numbers compare to the league’s elite, and why this trio might be one of the rarest combinations in hockey today: three young players growing in sync, at the exact same time, in the exact roles a contending team needs most.
And as you’ll see, the truth might surprise you.
3 Comments
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When someone who doesn’t watch Habs games looks at Slaf’s numbers, they might not be so impressed. But his game this season has been far more impactful. He has improved in every aspect and is becoming more dominant with each game. Compared to a year ago, he has taken a huge step forward. In the last few games, he’s been really good, even though the team has been losing.
Suzuki has incredible play making ability and hockey IQ/patience. Slafkoski is a great grinder for forcing turnovers digging pucks out of the boards etc and Canfield just knows how to put the puck in the net. He just manages to find a way. Good combination