Hockey

Depth: The Habs have the NHL’s second-worst line of centers, according to Travis Yost
Marc-Olivier Cook
Depth: The Habs have the NHL’s second-worst line of centers, according to Travis Yost
Credit: Getty Images

Offensively, the Canadiens have a few certainties heading into next season. Some guys are “guaranteed” to be in the team's top-9, and there are some logical names that come to mind. But there are also some uncertainties… and you'll understand that I'm talking about the team's center line. Nick Suzuki and Jake Evans are going to play center, that's written in the sky, but what about the rest? Alex Newhook, Joe Veleno, Zachary Bolduc (?) and Oliver Kapanen (the latter could cause a surprise) can play center on a line… but when you look closely, it's easy to see that the Habs don't have much depth at center.

And in the eyes of Travis Yost, who was on the Sick Podcast… it goes further: according to him, the Habs have the 2nd-worst center line in the entire National League, ahead of the Nashville Predators. That's not ideal.

(Credit: Screenshot / YouTube )

It's no secret. To win games, be dominant on the ice and make a run in the playoffs….good NHL clubs must have the luxury of a big line of centers. They're the ones who control the game, and they're often the centerpieces of a Stanley Cup contending team. Clearly, the Habs have a problem at the moment at this level, and that's what's worrying in a way.

The Canadiens have high expectations after making the playoffs last year, but it may be difficult to compete with other clubs if they don't improve at center before too long. That said, we saw the club make the playoffs last year with a line of centers “similar” to the one for next season. The club lost Christian Dvorak… but in the long term, this formula doesn't work in the National League. Kent Hughes tried to find a second quality center to play in the top-6, but he didn't succeed. As a result, the Habs have a pretty big hole at center… which could sink the team at any moment on the ice.

'Overtime'

– Nice picture!

– With good reason.

– It's going to get hot.

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