The Montreal Canadiens rebuild is going well thus far, but next season will likely be another one that unfortunately features a lot of losing.
That being said, even in the darkness, there could be some light and I do expect some of the Habs young players to enjoy some career seasons.
Here are my stat projections for every skater on the Montreal Canadiens current roster.
Juraj Slafkovsky
After his rough rookie season, Slafkovsky had a successful back half of his sophomore season that resulted in him finishing the year 50 points and playing all 82 games.
If he can remain healthy once again and the pressure of no longer being on a contract year with his brand new extension, I expect Slafkovsky to crack the 60-point mark in his career while also setting a new career high in goals as he continues to develop.
2024-25 Projections: 28 Goals, 34 Assists, 62 Points
Nick Suzuki
In 2023-24, Nick Suzuki put up a career-high 77 points by once again playing every game for a fifth straight season.
If the players around him continue to develop as I expect, I can see Suzuki putting up a new career high in 24-25.
2024-25 Projections: 30 Goals, 50 Assists, 80 Points
Cole Caufield
Even though he is still young, I have come to terms with the fact I do not think Cole Caufield will be a perennial 50-goal scorer like I one day envisioned for him.
That being said, I do think this upcoming season should be the first time we see him reach the 30-goal mark in his career as his chemistry on the top line with Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky continues to grow.
2024-25 Projections: 33 Goals, 37 Assists, 70 Points
Kirby Dach
Kirby Dach is such a tough player to project and he is possibly the biggest X-factor in the Canadiens rebuild. If he can develop into the player who was drafted third overall in 2019, it could take this Habs forward core to new heights.
However, due to his lack of ability to stay healthy, I can't see Dach ever becoming an All-Star caliber player now, and I expect similar statistics to what he put up in 2021-22 after missing the final 80 games of 23-24 with a torn ACL.
2024-25 Projections: 15 Goals, 29 Assists, 44 Points
Lane Hutson
The player I am most excited to watch in the Habs lineup this upcoming season.
Call me overly optimistic, but I am expecting Huston to be Montreal's version of Quinn Hughes when he reaches his prime, and I believe he will begin his career quarterbacking the powerplay while somewhat struggling defensively in his rookie season.
Huston will have decent points totals this season, but I do think it will be a year of ups and downs as he starts his NHL career.
2024-25 Projections: 8 Goals, 32 Assists, 40 Points
Projections For All Skaters:
Forwards:
Josh Anderson- 13G, 13A, 26PTS
Joel Armia- 15G, 10A, 25 PTS
Cole Caufield- 33G, 37A, 70PTS
Kirby Dach- 15G, 29A, 44 PTS
Christian Dvorak- 10G, 8A, 18 PTS
Jake Evans- 9G, 18A, 27 PTS
Brendan Gallagher- 13G, 15A, 28 PTS
Alex Newhook- 22G, 25A, 47 PTS
Michael Pezzetta- 2G, 7A, 9 PTS
Joshua Roy- 12G, 15A, 27 PTS
Juraj Slafkovsky- 28G, 34A, 62 PTS
Nick Suzuki- 30G, 50A, 80 PTS
Defenseman:
Kaiden Ghule- 10G, 25A, 35 PTS
Jordan Harris- 4G, 13A, 17 PTS
Lane Hutson- 8G, 32A, 42PTS
Mike Matheson- 12G, 43A, 55 PTS
David Savard- 7G, 17A, 24 PTS
Arber Xhekaj- 4G, 7A, 11 PTS
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