There has been massive turnover on the Canadiens’ roster, especially on defence. Realistically, what can that look like? Montreal’s Blue Line To do that, the Canadiens will need to find a way to improve defensively. How to play to defend a one-goal lead, or try to score to tie the game late in the third period.
For those beneficial situations, the Canadiens will need to improve defensively to create close, competitive games that will allow the youth to learn when to attack, pinch in or fall back and defend. Louis and his staff will be mainly focused on individual player development, but part of that job will rely on providing in-game situations that can help that along. This doesn’t mean there can’t be a path to improvement, but the expectations must remain realistic. With a team in a rebuild, there is no surprise to see areas on the roster that will be exposed due to a lack of experience and depth. Looking ahead to the upcoming Montreal Canadiens season, defence will be a major issue.