The Montreal Canadiens currently sit in 28th place in the NHL with only six games remaining until the Christmas break. The return of Patrik Laine has rejuvenated the team as of late and brought some life into what seemed to be a lost season. However, a couple of items are still on the team’s wishlist heading into the holidays. Let’s take a look at the Montreal Canadiens Christmas wishlist for 2024.
Canadiens Christmas Wishlist
Dach and Slafkovsky to Find their Games
The biggest disappointment for the Canadiens thus far has been the play of Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach. Dach, who is coming off a major injury, has a bit of leeway but the leash is tightening and fans have been growing frustrated. He has managed only nine points in 28 games this year. While some rust was expected early on, Dach looks like a shell of his former self. He has been taken off the first power play unit as a result, in favour of Laine. When he was traded for the 13th overall pick it was expected that he could be the Canadiens long-term solution down the middle behind Nick Suzuki. However, injuries and a lack of confidence have derailed his career to this point.
As for Slafkovsky, the former first-overall pick has amassed 15 points in 25 games. This amounts to an approximate 50-point pace. This was Slafkovsky’s total from last season and is nothing to scoff at. However, many saw this as a potential breakout year for the forward and expected him to find another gear. He has seemingly regressed instead as he hasn’t been as impactful as he was a year ago. He has only managed two goals on the year compared to his 20 last season. Slafkovksy has chemistry with Suzuki and Cole Caufield but the two have been playing well alongside Alex Newhook as of late. Although breaking up that trio may be difficult, it might be exactly what Slafkovsky needs to get his game going again. The Canadiens need Slafkovsky and Dach to find their games if they hope to have success now and in the future.
Demidov to Get More Minutes
The Canadiens essentially struck the jackpot when Ivan Demidov fell to them with the fifth pick in last year’s draft. The Russian super-prospect has immense skill and franchise forward potential. However, he first has to play out his final season under contract in the KHL before joining the Canadiens. Russia was still believed to be a good environment for the 19-year-old as he looked to prepare for the jump to North America.
However, Demidov has received very limited minutes with SKA St. Petersburg. He has still managed 20 points in 33 games which is impressive for a teenager at that level. This makes it more puzzling as to why he hasn’t received more minutes. He has been stapled to the fourth line or used as an extra forward for the majority of the season. When used in a larger role, Demidov has thrived, even earning Rookie of the Month on a couple of occasions. The Canadiens have little leverage in the situation and can only hope Demidov’s development isn’t stunted during his time in Russia.
Another Top-Five Pick
The final thing that the Montreal Canadiens are hoping for this Christmas is another top-five pick. The Habs hoped to see some progression this season, but the team has looked lacklustre thus far. They currently sit in the bottom five in the NHL and although their play has improved, it’s clear that another top-five pick would benefit them.
Forwards James Hagens, Michael Misa, and Porter Martone are high-end impact forwards at the top of the 2025 draft class. Meanwhile, the top defenceman is Canadian Matthew Schaefer. The Canadiens could use some help in their top six and on right defence. These four players could give them exactly that. Some lottery luck this year might be the Canadiens biggest wish this Christmas.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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