As a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens, my love of this team is well-known by those around me. With such a storied history and so many hall-of-fame players, ranking my top 10 favorite Canadiens ever was challenging, however, I think I nailed it down... for now anyways. Let's just say the list is fluid.
Before, we begin, I think it is important to note that this list reflects my personal favorites rather than the best players in Habs history. My choices will tend to favor the players I actually go to watch, grow up with or have a personal connection to.
Just Missed The Cut:
Nick Suzuki
Saku Koivu
Andrei Markov
10. Alex Kovalev (2004-09)
Alex Kovalev comes in at number 10 as when I first got into hockey, he was the best and most skilled player on the team.
9. Mike Cammalleri (2009-2012)
Honestly, Mike Cammalleri could have ranked even higher on this list. Cammalleri was my first favorite hockey player ever, and so much so that when I was playing hockey at a young age, I often wore number 13 because of him. Not to mention, my first playoff run following the team and actually understanding what was going on was in 2010 when the team went to the Eastern Conference Final.
Cammalleri that postseason led the Habs in scoring with 13 goals, and 19 points. Truly one of my all-time favorite Canadiens.
8. Shea Weber (2016-2021)
If you had told me in 2016 that Weber would make this list, I wouldn’t have believed you. However, he captained the team during their only Stanley Cup Final appearance in my lifetime in 2021, and every time he stepped on the ice, he gave everything for the team. He has arguably been the best Habs captain of my lifetime.
7. Jean Beliveau (1950-1971)
If this were a list of the greatest Canadiens ever, Beliveau would easily be in the top 3. Unfortunately, my only real memory of him is his passing in 2014, however, his legacy as a franchise icon and one of the most important players in Canadiens history is unquestionable. He helped set the standard for the franchise, both during his playing days and as a lifelong ambassador, which is why he belongs on this list, even though I can't place him any higher.
6. Brendan Gallagher (2013-Present)
I can’t lie, having Gallagher ranked higher than Beliveau on any Habs list is pretty funny, but hey, it’s my list. Gallagher played his junior days in Vancouver (where I’m from), so when I saw the Habs draft a player from the Vancouver Giants in 2010, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. When he became captain of the Giants, I knew he’d be one of my favorite players once he got to Montreal and he hasn't disappointed me. It’s been tough watching him battle injuries over the years, but I’ll never forget how much he’s given to the team on and off the ice. It truly saddens me that he never got the chance to wear the “C” in Montreal, but I guess the timing was never right.
5. Patrick Roy (1984-1995)
Kicking off the top 5 is Patrick Roy. Roy helped guide the team to their last two Stanley Cup championships (1986 & 1993). Although his time in Montreal didn't end on a high note, his trash talk, as well as the unforgettable wink during the 1993 playoffs will forever leave him as a legend in Montreal.
4. Maurice Richard (1942-1960)
Maurice "The Rocket" Richard is undoubtedly the greatest player in the franchise’s history, but since I don’t have any personal memories of him, he doesn't crack my top 3, although it feels almost sacrilegious. Simply there have just been other players who have resonated with me more over the years who I either got to meet or watch on the ice.
3. Guy Lafleur (1971-1985 & 1988-91)
Guy Lafleur is my 3rd favorite Hab ever because he was not only a franchise icon but also my dad’s favorite player. I still remember getting to meet him when I was 11 years old, ironically, at the place I work now, which made his impact on the Habs a bit more personal to me.
2. P.K. Subban (2009-2016)
P.K. Subban comes in at number two because he was the most electrifying player the Canadiens have had in my lifetime, and I don't know if anyone has been more passionate or proud about being a Montreal Canadien over the last 20 years than him. I still remember the day he was traded, and I don’t know if I’ve ever been sadder about a trade involving one of my favorite teams than when they dealt Subban away to the Nashville Predators in 2016.
Carey Price (2007-2022)
This shouldn't be shocking, but Carey Price is my favorite Montreal Canadien of all time for many reasons. First, he is from my home province of British Columbia. Second, he was incredibly kind when my brother and I waited outside the team bus in Montreal for autographs where he was the only one who stopped to say hello and sign our shirts.
Lastly, he is just the best player of "my era" of Habs history and it's not even close. It’s deeply saddening to me to see his career end on such a sad note due to injury and being so close to winning the Cup in 2021.
Comments