Mid-season review of the Canadian | After youth, balance

While the youth shift has been one of the key themes since the start of the Canadian’s reconstruction, the dosage of this same youth could become one of the challenges of the next phase.

If the Canadian finds himself in the playoff picture at mid-season, it is obviously because of some of his younger elements. But the scenario would not be the same without the contribution of veterans, in all positions.

However, the face of the team could change considerably over the coming months, as Jake Evans, Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak and David Savard will become unrestricted free agents on 1^is next July. Presumably a few of them, if not all four, will no longer be on the team in 2025-26. But will we want to systematically replace them with young players from the organization’s development system? Or will we prefer to ensure a certain continuity by retaining a few?

The question will inevitably be at the heart of management’s work between now and the trade deadline on March 7, and again during the off-season.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, general manager Kent Hughes spoke of the search for “balance” in this department. The recent addition of Alexandre Carrier in defense demonstrated this. In the stormy opening weeks of the season, the group’s inexperience was severely tested – Kaiden Guhle, Arber his first.

In this context, the CEO felt that these young backs needed “help to manage these difficult times”. By acquiring Carrier from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Barron, he added “experience” to his blue line. This, he believes, will benefit the “development” of the entire group.

The big winner of this operation so far is Kaiden Guhle. At the start of the campaign, especially when he was employed on the right, number 21 struggled to find his direction. Since his new partner was added to him, he has been a rock for his club.

“We saw his game improve with the arrival of Alex,” analyzed Kent Hughes, adding that it was his job to find the right moment to adjust this balance. Even more so as forward Ivan Demidov, undoubtedly the organization’s most promising prospect, is preparing to make his North American debut in October 2025.

Flexibility

The manager insisted on the importance, for his administration, of remaining “flexible” in this regard. It does not appear that he intends to fill his roster with rookie players next season.

That being said, he does not close the door to any experience, in particular because of the success of Lane Hutson during the first months of his professional career.

Arriving from the university ranks, the small defender had the difficult task of demonstrating that he could not only survive in the NHL, but also transpose his offensive potential, his main asset.

So far, the mission could not have been accomplished. With 30 points in 40 games, he is seventh in points among all defensemen in the league, and he leads the league’s rookies, all positions combined.

All these considerations, as we mentioned above, turn the spotlight on the Habs’ future free agents. Particularly in the case of Jake Evans.

The 28-year-old center player is having a thunderous season, with already 23 points, including 10 goals, in 40 games. Barring an injury, his career highs of 13 goals and 29 points will fall over the next few weeks. Various media reported that “discussions” between his camp and the CH had taken place, but no one reported formal negotiations for a new contract. Kent Hughes did not wish to provide further information to the media on this subject on Wednesday.

This file clearly illustrates the dilemma facing Flannel. Will we want to make a long-term commitment to a player who will be 29 next June and who will certainly want a salary increase, but who will give the team an immediate helping hand? Or do we believe we will be able to replace him internally, for example with Owen Beck, who is having a fantastic season in the American League?

“There are 22 games left before the trade deadline,” repeated Kent Hughes. We are not going to rush any decision. »