The Montreal Canadiens’ rebuild is progressing, and there are great optimism that the core will continue to improve.
The be-all and end-all measuring stick of improvement is more than just points, yet it is critical for a squad that will gain from more goals. The odds are good that Nick Suzuki will be challenged for the team point lead at the end of the 2024-25 season. Suzuki dominated the 2023-24 season with 77 points, 12 more than Cole Caufield, who had 65.
If the Canadiens want to compete for a playoff berth in April, some internal competition will be the ideal solution. I believe Suzuki is capable of scoring points per game, and the odds are that he will do so next season if his upward trajectory continues. But I believe there are a few guys that can stay up with him, if not challenge him for his title.
Two players that can match or surpass Suzuki in points for the 2024-25 season.
Caufield scored 65 points last season, and at times, his season was viewed as a letdown. While I disagree, there were obviously expectations for Caufield to score 50 goals, yet his development did not slow down. If he can continue to play his powerful two-way game and get to the scoring areas, there is no reason to assume he won’t score more goals and surpass his career high of 65.
If he can stay healthy, a point-per-game season is not out of the question, and I don’t believe he will reach his full potential for a few more seasons. Caufield has 85-90 point potential, and if his power play improves, I believe he will be able to maintain that level for the next six to eight years. Suzuki and Caufield’s scoring will be heavily influenced by the development of their linemate and the third component of the top line.
That’s true, Juraj Slafkovsky is the only player on the club who still has a lot of room to grow and evolve before his prime. If Slafkovsky continues to progress at his current rate, I believe he has the ability to lead the club in points. That is, until Ivan Demidov arrives, and I believe he will be the leader for the majority of his career.
However, if someone exceeds Suzuki in points during the 2024-25 season, I believe Slafkovsky or Caufield will do so.
