Toronto Maple Leafs Division Rival Reportedly Striking Fear Into GMs, per Pierre Lebrun
With the current crop of NHL teams, it looks like we have a good idea about who are the contenders and who aren't, though one is giving some GM's some nightmares.
Though there are several teams are who are fighting to prove they belong among the best of the best, it takes a lot of effort, skill, and luck to not only get into the playoffs, but to be a team that makes others get a little weary about facing them.
Which is why it's a bit surprising to hear that not only is there a team coming up in the ranks that is starting to turn some heads, but they just so happen to be the Toronto Maple Leafs' greatest rivals.
Montreal Canadiens 'Scaring' Other GM's: Pierre LeBrun
According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, word around the league is that other GM's are taking notice of the Montreal Canadiens as a team who could make a serious run in the next couple of seasons.
While it would be a bit premature to say that Montreal is going to be a playoff beast next season, there is some reason to give them their flowers.
Their roster has names like Juraj Slavkovsky, Lane Hutson, Cole Caufield, and Kaiden Guhle not to mention they have Nick Suzuki and Patrik Laine in their prime; it's a very talented group of players who with another season under their belt can find some serious chemistry.
With Sam Montembeault and Jakub Dobes coming into their own and needing a bit more time, if the Canadiens can secure a veteran goalie this summer (perhaps reuniting with Jake Allen) then they will have a much easier time in the Atlantic.
Which spells trouble for teams like the Maple Leafs, who could become significantly weaker with the departures of Mitch Marner and John Tavares.
If Montreal can take advantage of a weaker Atlantic (not to mention Florida losing out on some potential big pieces), they could slide into a decent position come next April.
The team has a 33-27-8 record whereas at this point last season they were 25-32-11; a huge step forward thanks to the additions of the roster and a much improved special teams unit.
On the outside looking in, Montreal still looks a few seasons from competing and still might have difficulties in the Atlantic come next year. But given enough time, their team will grow into a powerhouse if the cards fall correctly.
That means everyone else needs to start looking behind them as the Habs quickly start to give chase.
| POLL | ||
MARS 22 | 414 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Division Rival Reportedly Striking Fear Into GMs, per Pierre Lebrun Do you think the Montreal Canadiens need to be feared as a team come next season? | ||
| Yes | 260 | 62.8 % |
| No | 154 | 37.2 % |
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