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The Montreal Canadiens, historically one of the most successful and storied franchises in the NHL, have been facing a critical crossroads in their rebuilding process over the past few seasons. The franchise has undergone a significant shift, both in terms of roster construction and overall direction, following their surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. After that unlikely deep playoff run, the Canadiens entered a full-blown rebuilding phase. The focus shifted to developing young talent, acquiring draft picks, and making long-term decisions aimed at building a competitive team for the future.

However, in recent weeks, something has changed. The Canadiens have experienced a surge in their performance, which has led to some interesting questions ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline. General Manager Kent Hughes, who has been at the helm during this rebuilding process, may be facing pressure to reassess his plans as the Canadiens fight for a spot in the playoff picture.

This blog post will explore how the Canadiens’ recent surge has prompted new conversations around the team’s direction, the challenges facing GM Kent Hughes at the upcoming trade deadline, and whether Montreal might actually shift gears in its rebuild and try to secure a postseason spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.

### **The Canadiens’ Surprising Surge**

At the start of the 2023-2024 season, many experts and fans expected the Montreal Canadiens to continue their rebuild, focusing on player development, especially for their young stars like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský. With a solid mix of youth and some veteran leadership, the Canadiens were expected to fall short of the playoff race. Instead, they have defied expectations and put together a string of impressive performances, moving them into the conversation about potential playoff contenders.

The Canadiens’ recent surge can be attributed to a few key factors:

#### **1. Improved Goaltending**
One of the most significant contributors to Montreal’s success has been the play of their goaltenders. Starting goalie Samuel Montembeault has delivered consistent and strong performances, which have helped the team stay competitive. While the Canadiens’ defense still has areas for improvement, Montembeault’s ability to keep them in games has been invaluable. Behind him, Jake Allen provides stability, ensuring the Canadiens don’t fall off a cliff in net.

With goaltending stability, Montreal has shown that they are capable of winning close games, which is critical in the Eastern Conference, where the competition is fierce.

#### **2. Offensive Depth**
While the Canadiens have always had standout offensive players like Suzuki and Caufield, this season, they’ve benefitted from contributions from across the lineup. Caufield, who has been lights out offensively, is making a case for being one of the league’s top young scorers. Meanwhile, Suzuki has cemented himself as a top-two center in the NHL, continuing to grow into his leadership role.

Additionally, players like Mike Hoffman, Sean Monahan, and rookie sensation Slafkovský have all chipped in offensively, providing balance and depth to the team’s scoring attack. This offensive depth is something the Canadiens have lacked in recent seasons, and its emergence has allowed them to be competitive night in and night out.

#### **3. Defensive Improvement**
The Canadiens’ defensive play had been a sore spot for several seasons, but there have been signs of improvement this year. Players like David Savard and Arber Xhekaj have provided some much-needed physicality and defensive reliability. Although the blue line still needs work, particularly in terms of offensive defensemen and puck-moving ability, Montreal has improved in its own end, which has contributed to the team’s overall success.

#### **4. The Coaching of Martin St. Louis**
Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens’ head coach, has been instrumental in the team’s development. His ability to connect with players, particularly the younger ones, has been a major reason for the team’s positive development trajectory. St. Louis’ up-tempo, fast-paced style of play has suited the team’s personnel and helped them remain competitive in a division full of strong teams.

### **The Trade Deadline Dilemma: To Rebuild or To Compete?**

The Canadiens’ recent success has put GM Kent Hughes in a difficult position ahead of the trade deadline, typically a time when rebuilding teams look to sell off veteran assets for future assets. Hughes has already been clear about the team’s long-term rebuilding strategy, and the Canadiens have acquired a number of young players and draft picks to bolster their future. However, if the team continues its surge and stays in playoff contention, Hughes will be faced with a tough decision—should the Canadiens double down on their playoff hopes this season, or should they continue to focus on the future and make moves that position the team for future success?

#### **1. Trade Deadline Moves: What Could the Canadiens Do?**

Given the current situation, the Canadiens could go in one of two directions at the trade deadline. The first would be to buy and make moves aimed at securing a playoff spot. The second would be to sell off players who aren’t part of the long-term future and continue to stockpile assets for a more sustained rebuild.

##### **Option 1: Buying and Shifting the Focus Toward Playoffs**
If the Canadiens continue to perform well leading up to the trade deadline, Hughes may decide to make moves that bolster the roster for a push toward the playoffs. A major addition could be a veteran defenseman or forward who can contribute immediately and help the team’s playoff hopes. Players like defenseman John Klingberg, for instance, could be attractive for the Canadiens to acquire if they feel like their defense needs a boost.

Additionally, the Canadiens could look to add a proven playoff performer, perhaps someone who can add leadership and experience to a relatively young locker room. A trade for a player with a track record of success in high-pressure situations could help solidify the Canadiens’ bid for a playoff berth and also serve to mentor their emerging stars.

##### **Option 2: Staying the Course with the Rebuild**
Alternatively, if Hughes decides to stick to the team’s long-term vision, the Canadiens could opt to sell off some of their veteran assets. This could include moving players like Sean Monahan or Mike Hoffman—players who are still capable of contributing, but who may not factor into the team’s future plans. The Canadiens could move these players for draft picks or prospects, ensuring that the team continues to build toward a more sustainable future.

Another move could involve trading away certain expiring contracts or aging players for younger assets. This would allow the Canadiens to continue developing their core group of young players, which includes the likes of Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovský, while also making sure the team is positioned well for the future.

#### **2. The Eastern Conference and Playoff Push**
One of the challenges Montreal faces is the sheer level of competition in the Eastern Conference. With powerhouse teams like the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs all looking like playoff locks, the Canadiens will need to fight through a crowded field to secure a spot in the postseason. The margins between the top teams and those fighting for the lower playoff spots are incredibly thin, and one or two key trades could make the difference in the team’s ability to stay in the hunt.

That being said, the Canadiens’ recent form shows that they may be a team on the rise. A few more key additions could solidify their case for a playoff spot and give their young players invaluable experience in a postseason race.

### **Conclusion: Can the Canadiens Continue the Surge?**

As the trade deadline looms, the Montreal Canadiens are faced with a tough decision. GM Kent Hughes must decide whether to stick to the rebuilding plan or take advantage of the team’s recent success and make a push for the playoffs. The team’s surge has certainly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, and there’s no doubt that the Canadiens have some intriguing young talent that could make them a dangerous team in the future.

Ultimately, the success or failure of the Canadiens’ push for a playoff spot could have a significant impact on the team’s direction in the near future. Will the Canadiens continue to surprise and make a playoff run, or will Hughes choose to remain patient and focus on building for the long term? The answers to these questions will come in the next few weeks as the trade deadline approaches and the Canadiens continue their surprising surge toward the postseason.