After 82 games, in a season marked by several unforeseen events, events that led to the development process being changed several times, the time has come to hand over the scorecards.
There are several factors to consider when it comes to diving into season highlights and roster analysis. Statistics cannot give a very accurate idea of individual performance as the constant changes in the workforce have changed the situation. Let’s not forget that 39 players put on the uniform.
So this is a season where we need to look at the positives whilst keeping in mind that the recovery program is on track but decision makers recognize that the work to get the team back on track will be more challenging than expected.
If Kent Hughes can pull off a few magic tricks in the off-season like last year, Canadians can be optimistic about next season.
But beware, from then until the thought of participating in the 2024 spring tournament, it remains a challenge that must be viewed with great caution. Significant change requires bold action from Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes.
The culture has changed somewhat, but to truly live up to expectations, some skaters will have to go, while others, already well settled in the locker room, will need to show they learned in the adversity of a season marked by the unexpected is.
Decision makers have a daunting task ahead of them. Will they be able to find all the elements to add more sparkle to their program? Will they be able to make their salary cap more flexible? Will they get the chance to sign a young player capable of starting training next year? It’s hard to predict, but what we’re hearing from scouts and pundits is that the June draft will be one of the most attractive in years.
nothing exciting
In the unrestricted free agent market, a quick way to climb the ladder, provided you have a fair assessment of the players available of course, there are some interesting names as I mentioned in a previous column. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Timo Meier’s names catch the eye, but there’s a catch: They’re restricted free agents.
So let’s get out the scorecards.
You will come back
› NickSuzuki: With a healthy team, he would have finished the season with a point a game.
› Cole Caufield: It remains to find common ground for the terms of an agreement. For how many seasons? The question is at the center of the discussions.
› Josh Anderson: He had his best moments with the Canadians before suffering an injury.
› Kirby Dash: a great surprise. He signed a new contract last year.
› Jake Evans: often injured … but at the moment he is entrusted with a position.
› Brendan Gallagher: a long contract binds him to the team. Is it a good return? For three years, his career has raised several questions.
› Rafael Harvey Pinard: a nice find. A passionate gamer.
› Juraj Slafkowski: It has its place at the moment.
› Justin Barron: a supporting defender.
› Kaiden Guhle: a sure bet.
› Jordan Harris: a smart player.
› Mike Matheson: a big surprise.
› David Savard: a big brother for a fledgling defense brigade.
› Arber Xhekaj: He plays an important role in training.
› Jake Allen: He has a contract for next year.
› Samuel Montembault: an improved keeper.
› Johnathan Kovacevic: He has two more years left on his $766,667-per-season contract
In uncertainty
› Joel Armia: You never know what to expect. $3.4 million contract. Can it be part of the solution? We doubt it.
› Alex Belzile: At least he deserves a contract in the National League.
› Mike Hoffman: Culture doesn’t go through Hoffman. Who wants a player who certainly doesn’t justify a salary of $4.5 million.
› Michael Pezzetta: Competition within the organization could get him into trouble. Independent player with compensation.
› Chris Wideman: there is no vacancy for him. Another year on his terms. Salary: $762,500.
› Joel Edmundson: one more season on his terms. A veteran but unable to compete against fast teams.
Sold out or with a discount
› Jonathan Drouin: His contract is up, can we make him an offer? It would be surprising if we came to this conclusion, especially with a payroll skewing the equation.
› Sean Monahan: keep a season? For what?
› Chris Tierney: he was passing through.
› Rem Pitlick: Another year on his deal ($1,100,000) but no place in training.
› Christian Dvorák: a special case. He can always contribute to his team’s success in a very specific role, but when Kent Hughes is offered an offer it would be surprising if he declines the invitation. Two more years on his $4,500,000-a-season contract.
› Denis Gurianov: he maintained the same habits as in Dallas. Its rate at the level of the competition is low. Will we make him a qualifying offer of $3,000,000 as the rules require? A big risk, if there is one.
The inevitable
› Paul Byron who should retire.
› How to manage the status of Carey price?
An appreciated work
› Martin St-Louis and his group did a great job behind the bench and developing young players. Maybe the results aren’t very good, but could we do better with a team that has to change every game?
St. Louis was patient in his first full season, he was also an understanding coach. He led this young squad well and gave each of the skaters a lot of responsibility.
The newcomers learned quickly, they had unique experiences, they took advantage of the coaches’ advice, in short, St-Louis and his group acted as they should in such a context.
› Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes: they respected the directive they had devised. Now it’s up to them to take action. You need to give this formation another boost. They need to start phase two of the renewal program and make sure the salary cap gives them more options. You must be very vigilant in the transaction market. They will also be able to occupy an interesting position in the hopes of amateur players.
They have no choice.
