What’s been the key for the Canadiens’ recent strong run? What’s the ceiling in Lane Hutson’s career? TSN Hockey analyst Cameron Gaunce joins SC with Jay Onrait to discuss
Slafs points weren't piling up at the beginning of the season. But wasn't like the slow starts to his first 2 seasons. He was still driving the play and getting Suzuki Caufield and Hutson lots of opportunities to pad their stats. He is turning into the power forward we wanted when we drafted him.
Marchand should be given the night off not because I htink the habs will beat him but the fact he will make another dirty play against a habs player, Everyone on that team is important.
Moving Slaf to the 2nd line and putting Hutson back on his natural left side have both been game changers. Hutson has been god tier since he was moved, with 21 points in 14 games. Last 10 games: 15 points, +17, and an average game score of 2.81. For context, Connor McDavid has the second highest average game score this year at a mere 1.90. Absolutely otherworldy stuff from Hutson.
It's been a long time since we could say they were good. Been even longer since we were confident that they'd get even better. That's where we are today.
We’re finally getting to see the player we drafted. He’s a dominant, play-driving forward. Earlier on, when he was put on the first line, he adjusted his game to defer to Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Now, playing alongside Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen, he’s the one driving the action—carrying the puck into the zone, dictating pace, and imposing himself physically.
We’re watching Juraj Slafkovský grow into the power forward every team covets. And that’s what makes this so exciting: this core is locked up long term, all under $10M. The next 5–8 years should be a lot of fun to watch.
Recent success?? Its 42 games in and we are fighting for 1st in the Conference! Lets not forget making the playoffs early in a rebuild plan last year….id say success is not just recent but more of a constant progression continuing to grow. Go freakin Habs Go!!
Youngest team in the league still with one of the best prospect pool. And the interesting thing to me is that they are all (except for Demidov) signed long term with team friendly contracts. No cap worries for the next 7-8 years unless they do stupid UFA acquisitions which is highly unlikely with that management team. That cup contending window will be open for the next decade.
A user on reddit posted that since the Habs acquired Carrier last year, which made the defence all slot into more natural positions, the Habs have been fourth in the NHL for regular season win/loss record. The Carrier trade was when Montreal got hot in the second half of the season last year, and they are continuing that.
I think Hutson will be closest to an Erik Karlsson in terms of comparables. At first, I was hesitant to make this comparison because he wasn't scoring a lot, but because he's so dangerous as a setup man, defenders are going to have to respect the pass, opening up scoring opportunities. He's speedy, and had incredible edgework, just like EK.
Habs now having 2 great lines will greatly help them over matches. Shut Down Ds now have to play more to counter the 2 lines therefore making them tired quickly. if habs gets more healty with newhook and laine coming back, they will be cooking for the next 3-4 years
In the previous years Slaf was adjusting his hockey depending on who he was facing. He got pushed a lot. Now it''s the opposite, he is pushing HIS style onto the other team and they need to adapt.
31 Comments
demidov
Slafs points weren't piling up at the beginning of the season. But wasn't like the slow starts to his first 2 seasons. He was still driving the play and getting Suzuki Caufield and Hutson lots of opportunities to pad their stats. He is turning into the power forward we wanted when we drafted him.
Being on Marchand tomorrow.
Marchand should be given the night off not because I htink the habs will beat him but the fact he will make another dirty play against a habs player, Everyone on that team is important.
marchand must PAY for what he did , if they love matheson they will
Hutson slafkovsky and Demidov
Go Habs Go ❤
Hope X take marchant head off tomorrow
Habs are a dynasty in the making. Not even a Habs fan
Beware of the kid line and I include Lane Hutson
Moving Slaf to the 2nd line and putting Hutson back on his natural left side have both been game changers. Hutson has been god tier since he was moved, with 21 points in 14 games. Last 10 games: 15 points, +17, and an average game score of 2.81. For context, Connor McDavid has the second highest average game score this year at a mere 1.90. Absolutely otherworldy stuff from Hutson.
The teams good
Bring back jay and dan
The first line is whichever line Slaf is on.
Could you imagine a prime carey price on this team, add hage, maybe throw draft picks for kadri
Excellent analysis and ceiling prediction by Gaunce
The NHL is always better when the Habs do well.
It's been a long time since we could say they were good. Been even longer since we were confident that they'd get even better. That's where we are today.
Only answer: Kent Hughes
Could someone please tell Cameron Gaunce that a “Benefactor” is someone who gives a benefit. A “Beneficiary” is someone who receives a benefit.
That's what l've said when he was drafted: a one point per game guy just like Brian Leetch!
We’re finally getting to see the player we drafted. He’s a dominant, play-driving forward. Earlier on, when he was put on the first line, he adjusted his game to defer to Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Now, playing alongside Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen, he’s the one driving the action—carrying the puck into the zone, dictating pace, and imposing himself physically.
We’re watching Juraj Slafkovský grow into the power forward every team covets. And that’s what makes this so exciting: this core is locked up long term, all under $10M. The next 5–8 years should be a lot of fun to watch.
Recent success?? Its 42 games in and we are fighting for 1st in the Conference! Lets not forget making the playoffs early in a rebuild plan last year….id say success is not just recent but more of a constant progression continuing to grow. Go freakin Habs Go!!
Real management makes a world of difference! FU Bergevin 🎉
Youngest team in the league still with one of the best prospect pool. And the interesting thing to me is that they are all (except for Demidov) signed long term with team friendly contracts. No cap worries for the next 7-8 years unless they do stupid UFA acquisitions which is highly unlikely with that management team. That cup contending window will be open for the next decade.
The loafer and sock choice is a travesty
A user on reddit posted that since the Habs acquired Carrier last year, which made the defence all slot into more natural positions, the Habs have been fourth in the NHL for regular season win/loss record. The Carrier trade was when Montreal got hot in the second half of the season last year, and they are continuing that.
I think Hutson will be closest to an Erik Karlsson in terms of comparables. At first, I was hesitant to make this comparison because he wasn't scoring a lot, but because he's so dangerous as a setup man, defenders are going to have to respect the pass, opening up scoring opportunities. He's speedy, and had incredible edgework, just like EK.
Simple, they didn't over pay their top players like a certain joke of a team.
The Canadiens success is that they're NOT the oilers!😂😂😂
Habs now having 2 great lines will greatly help them over matches. Shut Down Ds now have to play more to counter the 2 lines therefore making them tired quickly. if habs gets more healty with newhook and laine coming back, they will be cooking for the next 3-4 years
In the previous years Slaf was adjusting his hockey depending on who he was facing. He got pushed a lot. Now it''s the opposite, he is pushing HIS style onto the other team and they need to adapt.