As students across the province head back to school, hockey enthusiasts are ready for some classroom-style evaluations, particularly for the Montreal Canadiens. With the new NHL season getting underway this Wednesday at the Bell Centre, when they host the rivals Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s time to break down the Canadiens’ performance during the offseason and what it means for their ambitions this winter.

The team enters its third full season of a rebuild, having missed the playoffs in each of the last three years. So how do the Canadiens stack up in various categories ahead of the 2024-25 campaign?

Front Office: Grade A

Jeff Gorton has been navigating uncharted waters as the executive vice-president of hockey operations, working hard to revitalize a struggling franchise. His impressive moves include establishing an analytics department and expanding the player development team. The collaboration between Gorton, GM Kent Hughes, head coach Martin St. Louis, and team owner Geoff Molson suggests a strong commitment to a well-structured rebuilding plan. While it remains to be seen whether their strategy will yield immediate playoff success, there's no denying that the team is cultivating a promising future filled with young talent. Management is optimistic, adopting the mantra of being "in the mix" for a playoff spot this season, which seems realistic given the trajectory.

Coaching Staff: Grade B

Martin St. Louis took the reins as head coach amid uncertainties, having zero prior experience at the NHL level. Yet, he has proven himself capable enough to shed the interim tag. His players are rallying behind him, a crucial factor in the rebuilding phase. St. Louis's control over the power play, which ranked a low 27th last season, and the need to enhance the struggling penalty-kill unit, are key focuses as he seeks to implement his vision for the team.

Leadership: Grade B

Young captain Nick Suzuki continues to grow into his leadership role, having made history as the youngest captain in Canadiens’ history at 23. He led the team in scoring last season with career-best numbers, but as he develops his leadership prowess, veteran assistants Brendan Gallagher and Mike Matheson support him in this transition. As Suzuki gains respect from his teammates, his influence on the ice will undoubtedly expand.

Forwards: Grade D

Last year’s scoring woes raise concerns as the Canadiens relied heavily on just a few players, with Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky hoarding the goals. The offseason trade for Patrik Laine was a glimmer of hope, but an unexpected knee injury has sidelined him for the next couple of months. The team is hoping for a resurgence from veterans like Gallagher and Anderson, who underperformed last season, as the trio’s hefty combined salary of US$16.45 million looms overhead.

Defense: Grade C

Defensively, the Canadiens are bracing for a youthful shake-up after trading away players to make room for younger talents like Lane Hutson, who had phenomenal numbers in college. There may be growing pains ahead, but Hutson represents a potentially exciting future. Veteran Matheson is coming off a strong season and will play a crucial role as the team navigates through challenges on the blue line.

Goaltending: Grade C

Goaltending remains a critical question mark as Samuel Montembeault assumes the number one spot, with Cayden Primeau pushing for a chance. After an inconsistent but promising previous season, Montembeault now has the chance to solidify his role. The emergence of young prospect Jacob Fowler from Boston College offers a glimmer of hope for the future.

Overall: Grade C

Rebuilding takes time, and fans shouldn’t expect miracles overnight. The Canadiens can score more goals and enhance their power play once Laine returns. However, defensive issues are likely to persist. The positive takeaway is the expected arrival of Ivan Demidov, the No. 5 overall draft pick, for next season, while David Reinbacher’s recovery from knee surgery may pave the way for a strong future. The road ahead looks challenging yet bright, and this long-term rebuilding plan may just lead to the Cannes’ return to playoff contention.

As the Canadiens prepare to launch themselves into the 2024-25 NHL season, one thing is for certain: they’re a team on the rise, and hockey fans are eager to witness the thrilling journey ahead!