“3 Montreal Canadiens players whose performance could decline next season, including Juraj Slafkovsky”

As the Montreal Canadiens continue their rebuild, it’s important to recognize that not every player will progress at the same pace. While the team has a promising core of young talent, there are some veterans who may struggle to keep up with the pace of the NHL next season

Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson and Mike Hoffman are three players whose performance could decline due to a combination of age, injuries and competition from younger players.

For Anderson, the key will be to stay healthy and find a way to maintain his physical style of play without sacrificing his offensive production.

Edmundson will have to adjust to a potentially reduced role on the back line and find ways to contribute as a veteran player, while Hoffman will have to rediscover his scoring instincts and find ways to be more effective at even strength.

While these players face significant challenges, they also have the opportunity to prove their doubters wrong and contribute to the Canadiens’ success next season.

Whether they succeed in doing this will play a decisive role in the team’s fate on its further path back to the NHL.

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The rebuilding and the new core of the Canadiens

Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson and Mike Hoffman

The Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL’s most traditional franchises, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase.

This offseason, the Canadiens have made significant progress in building a young and promising core.

With a focus on youth and development, the team seems to be back on track for success in the coming years.

However, as with any team going through such a transformation process, not every player will continue their upward trajectory.

While most of the players on the squad are promising, the performance of some individual players could decline in the coming season.

This article looks at three Montreal Canadiens players whose performance could decline next season.

We analyze their past performance, their current circumstances, and potential challenges that could lead to a decline in their contribution to the team.

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Josh Anderson: A possible step back after an injury-plagued season

Josh Anderson has been one of the more polarizing figures on the Canadiens’ roster since being signed from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020.

Known for his physicality, speed and scoring ability, Anderson quickly became a fan favourite in Montreal, but his performance last season left a lot to be desired and there are concerns he will not bounce back as expected.

Joel Edmundson: The waning influence of an experienced defender

Joel Edmundson was brought to Montreal in 2020 to bring stability and experience to the defense. The veteran defenseman played a crucial role in the Canadiens’ run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, where his physical play and leadership skills were invaluable.

However, there are signs that Edmundson’s best days may be behind him and he could face a challenging season.

Mike Hoffman: An accurate winger in increasing competition

Mike Hoffman was signed by the Canadiens in 2021 to add more firepower to their lineup. Known for his deadly shot and power play abilities, Hoffman should play a key role in the offense.

However, his tenure in Montreal has been inconsistent and there are concerns that he may not be able to maintain his scoring instinct next season.

3 Montreal Canadiens whose performance could decline in the 2024/25 season

The Montreal Canadiens are a storied franchise in the NHL, but in recent seasons the team has struggled to regain its former glory.

With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, several key players on the roster are facing challenges that could lead to a drop in performance. Here’s a look at three players who could potentially see a drop in performance next season.

Sam Montembeault: The pressure of the starting role

The current situation

Sam Montembeault was a promising player in goal for the Canadiens and showed resilience and brilliant performances even in difficult phases.

Last season, he played in 41 games and posted a 3.14 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. While these numbers aren’t great, they’re acceptable given the inconsistent and often shaky defense in front of him.

The potential challenge

With Montembeault expected to take over the role of starting goaltender for the Canadiens next season, the expectations and pressure on him will increase significantly.

He shared duties last season, but this year he could start over 50 games. The increased workload could take a toll on him both mentally and physically.

Goalkeepers often struggle when they are forced into a full-time starting position without much experience in that role.

The mental strain of being the last line of defense every night, combined with the physical demands of playing more games, could potentially affect Montembeault’s performance.

His GAA could increase and his SV% could decrease if he finds himself in more high-pressure situations.

The big picture

If Montembeault starts to struggle, it could have an impact on the entire team. The Canadiens’ defense would feel the added pressure, knowing they have to protect their goalie better.

In addition, club management may need to consider signing an experienced goalkeeper to spread the load, which could potentially lead to changes in team dynamics.

Mike Matheson: Can he maintain his offensive strength?

An outstanding season

Mike Matheson was undoubtedly the Canadiens’ best defenceman last season, developing into a leader on the defensive line and contributing at both ends of the ice.

Offensively, he was a revelation, leading all Montreal defensemen with 11 goals and 62 points. His ability to enter the game and contribute offensively was a huge asset to the team.

The risk of regression

• However, there is a real possibility that Matheson will not be able to repeat those numbers next season.
• Defensemen who break through on offense in recent years often struggle to maintain that level of performance in subsequent seasons. Opponents begin to align with their tendencies, making it harder for them to achieve the same level of success.
• In addition, Matheson’s defensive numbers were concerning. He finished the season with a minus-24 rating, a clear indication of the Canadiens’ difficulties in their own zone.
• If the team’s defense continues to be poor, Matheson’s offensive production may not be enough to make up for the goals he allows while on the ice.
• In addition, it could be a challenge for him to balance his offensive and defensive duties as he takes on even more responsibility as the team’s best defender.

The team influence

If Matheson’s performance declines, the Canadiens will have to look elsewhere to strengthen their blue line on offense.

This could lead to more opportunities for younger defenders or perhaps even force the team to consider trades or signing free agents to bolster its defense.

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Juraj Slafkovsky: The slump in the second year?

A groundbreaking campaign

Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens’ young forward, had a fantastic second season. After a rather quiet rookie year, he exploded in the 2023-24 season with 20 goals and 50 points in all 82 games.

Slafkovsky showed his potential as a power play specialist, scoring six power play goals and establishing himself as a key offensive weapon for Montreal.

The second year threatens a slump

Although Slafkovsky’s future is bright, the possibility of a sophomore dip in performance is real. Many young players who break out in their second season struggle to replicate that success in their third year as their opponents begin to see through their game.

It may become more difficult for Slafkovsky to score goals as opposing teams pay more attention to him and adjust their defensive strategies to limit his opportunities.

Additionally, Slafkovsky’s continued development will depend on his adaptability and ability to evolve his game. If he relies too heavily on certain plays or movements, defenses will take advantage of those tendencies, making it harder for him to get going on offense.

Manage expectations and plan for eventualities

The importance of depth

• The potential decline in performance of Montembeault, Matheson and Slafkovsky underscores the importance of depth in the Canadiens’ squad.
• In the modern NHL, relying too heavily on a few key players can be a recipe for disaster. Injuries, dips in form and the natural ebb and flow of a long season mean every team needs reinforcements from both top and bottom of the lineup.
• The Canadiens management needs to make sure they have capable substitutes and backup players who can step in if one of these key players gets in trouble.
• Whether it is about promoting young talent within the company, making strategic transfers or signing free agents, management must proactively address potential weak points.

The role of coaching

• Coaching will also play a crucial role in helping these players avoid dips in performance. For Montembeault, managing his workload and giving him the support he needs will be key.
• The coaching staff should be careful about when to give him a break and when to use a substitute goalkeeper.
• For Matheson, it will be crucial to find the right balance between his contribution on offense and his duties on defense.
• The coaching staff may need to adjust his role or provide him with a defensive-minded partner to ensure he is not overwhelmed.
• As for Slafkovsky, the focus should be on further development and avoiding predictability in his game. The coaching staff can work with him to diversify his offensive toolkit and make him a more unpredictable and therefore more dangerous player.

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