Tempering Expectations
May 6, 2024
By Bob Trask
Habs fans are looking forward to the NHL entry draft with great anticipation and with the team currently holding 12 picks, who can blame them. But any improvement in the team next season is unlikely to be related to who general manager Kent Hughes chooses in this draft. In the long term, draft picks made this year will be essential to the team’s success but short-term improvement will have to come from elsewhere. Three potential sources for any team improvement will be the continued maturation of younger players in the organization, players acquired via trade this off-season and any free agent signings. Reducing injury time and a return to form by some of the veterans are also areas that could help lead to increased success. With all that said, the enthusiasm for the upcoming draft keeps the Canadiens’ fanbase optimistic about the future as the team continues down the road to eventually competing for the Stanley Cup. – Trask