Top 3 Reasons The Canadiens Could Still Improve NHL Draft Odds

War Of Attrition

The Habs happen to own one of the youngest lineups in the NHL. That’s great news for the rebuild, but it also carries certain caveats when discussing the team’s play down the stretch.

One of the main things prospects will discuss upon their promotion to the professional ranks is how difficult the change can be on their bodies.

It takes several years for a professional athlete to adapt to the rigours of an 82-game professional hockey season. It may seem counter-intuitive, but in this case, younger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to endurance.

Players lose a lot of weight by the time the season winds down, which has an impact on their muscle mass and their condition.

Some deal with the change better than others, and elite players have enough skill to overcome their stamina, but for the most part, younger players tend to fade down the stretch. We shouldn’t be surprised if some of the players who started the season with a healthy dose of youthful exuberance end up slowing down in the second half of the season.

Except for Nick Suzuki, whose stamina and endurance would put a prime Wolverine to shame.

Brass Tacks

Statistically speaking, the Canadiens will have a hard time losing enough games to secure a season finish below clubs such as the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks.

But there’s still hope the team could finish below the Columbus Blue Jackets, and thus improve their overall Draft Lottery odds.

Alternatively, if Montembeault stops channelling his inner Jacques Plante, there’s a very good chance the Montreal Canadiens could finish the 2023-24 season with a much-needed top 5 pick at the upcoming Draft in Las Vegas.