NHL Season Preview: Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens

Last Season's standings: record- 42-31-9 for 93 points. The Canadiens finished 3rd in the Northeast Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Francis Buoillan D; Jean-Philippe Cote D; Mike Ribeiro F; Chris Higgins F; Mike Komisarek D; David Aebischer G; Sergei Sansanov F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Yann Danis G; Duncan Milroy F; Andrew Archer D; Dan Jancevski (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Alexander Perezhogin F; Micheal Ryder F; Mike Johnson (via trade w/ Phoenix Coyotes)

Out: Richard Zednik F (via trade w/ Washington Capitals); Raitis Ivanans F (new team: LA Kings); Jan Bulis F (new team: Vancouver Canucks)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Canadiens had a productive off-season re-signing several key players, including Ryder, Aebischer and Ribeiro. The biggest question mark for this team heading into the season is the health of their captain and 2nd longest serving player Saku Koivu. To refresh your minds, Koivu suffered a serious eye injury in the 2005 playoffs vs. the Carolina Hurricanes. This team has a great mix of bright young stars, highlighted by goaltending phenom Christobal Huet. Their defensemen have all had at least a season's experience in the league. Scoring could be an issue after the top line.

Season Prediction. I expect this team to finish 3rd in their division and the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.