(Details will be added in over the course of the week)
GOALTENDERS
#30 - PETER BUDAJ
Goaltender - Age 29 - Slovakia
6'1", 200 lbs, Catches Left
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent (2011)
2011-12 Salary Cap Hit: $1,150,000
Signed Through: 2013
Drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2000, Budaj spent his junior days in the Ontario Hockey League and then played three full seasons with the AHL's Hershey Bears before making the leap to the NHL. Once seen as a goalie of the future to replace Patrick Roy after David Aebischer failed to do so, Budaj has struggled to establish himself as a starter in the big league. His best season statistically came when he was a #2 to Craig Anderson, so the Habs hope he can erase a poor preseason to be a solid back-up to Carey Price.
#31 - CAREY PRICE
Goaltender - Age 24 - Canada
6'3", 219 lbs, Catches Left
Acquired: Drafted, 1st round, 5th overall (2005)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $2,750,000
Signed Through: 2012
When Carey Price was drafted 5th overall following the NHL lockout, many in the media felt the Canadiens had blown their chance to add a real talent at a position where it was needed. After all, the Habs had Jose Theodore who was just two seasons removed from having won the Hart Trophy and both Yann Danis and Jaroslav Halak as young NHL prospects. To many, notably Pierre McGuire, it was a horrible move, and the team was out of their minds not to take Gilbert Brule. Today, Price is the young star netminder of the Montreal Canadiens, while Gilbert is a journeyman who just recently cleared waivers. Price silenced his critics with a very strong season last year but the team will rely heavily upon him to be just as good in 2011-12. He has personal motivation too, given that he'll be a restricted free agent next summer looking to cash in.
DEFENSEMEN
#6 - JAROSLAV SPACEK
Left Defenseman - Age 37 - Czech Republic
6'0", 210 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent (2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $3,833,333
Signed Through: 2012
In his prime and a few years beyond, Spacek was a quality powerplay quarterback who played a strong two-way game. The year before Montreal signed him, despite his age, he had just matched his career high of 45 points. Since joining the Habs, however, he has been a major disappointment, not only in terms of production, but due to injuries, soft play, and poor coverage. According to Spacek himself, he was unsatisfied with his play and thus took his training over this past summer very seriously, improving his conditioning through weight loss. He looked quite good in preseason and should hope to carry that level of play into the season, as Alexei Emelin is breathing down his neck for a spot in the top 6.
#17 - CHRIS CAMPOLI
Left Defenseman - Age 27 - Canada
6'0", 200 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent (2011)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $1,750,000
Signed Through: 2012
Campoli was a late addition to the club, signed during training camp to fill a need on the second powerplay unit and to allow Alexei Emelin more time to adapt to the North American game. A mobile two-way blueliner, Campoli was once seen as an emerging top 4 minute-eater when he broke into the league with the New York Islanders. Both the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks were disappointed that, because of a tendency for turnovers, he wasn't that, freeing him up to join a fourth organization this summer. When the Canadiens are healthy, he should be a bottom pairing guy, and in that role, he is more than a capable plug.
#26 - JOSH GORGES
Right Defenseman - Age 27 - Canada
6'1", 200 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired: Trade from San Jose Sharks (2007)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $2,500,000
Signed Through: 2012
A heart-and-soul type player, with the departure of Roman Hamrlik and the aging of Hal Gill, Gorges becomes the team's most important defensive defenseman. An apt shot-blocker, what Gorges lacks in physicality he makes up for in positioning and in a constant willingness to step in to defend a teammate. He is coming off a major ACL injury that ended his 2010-11 campaign before the halfway mark, but missed only 1 game over the two prior seasons combined and appears to be in 100% game shape.
#61 - RAPHAEL DIAZ
Right Defenseman - Age 25 - Switzerland
5'11", 194 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent (2011)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $900,000
Signed Through: 2012
The past few season, the Canadiens have rolled the dice almost every summer by signing an undrafted free agent out of summer. In response to these moves, Habs fans have tended to overhype the player, immediately penciling him into an opening night line-up. But where Janne Lahti and Mikael Johansson failed to ever reach the NHL, Diaz is poised to make an impact immediately. He isn't the biggest or strongest, and will struggle defensively against larger forwards, but he has a good breakout pass and is confident with the puck at the point in the offensive zone. His play will be monitored closely, and it's possible he is eventually sent down to Hamilton, but the top 6 job is his to lose for now.
#68 - YANNICK WEBER
Right Defenseman / Right Wing - Age 23 - Switzerland
5'11", 193 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired: Drafted, 3rd round, 73rd overall (2007)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $850,000
Signed Through: 2013
If Diaz impressed in camp, Weber was much the opposite. Entering camp looking to lock down a spot amongst the top 6 blueliners, Weber showed little improvement in strength and ability to handle larger forwards. His weak defensive play had the organization switch him to the wing, where he looked pretty good during last year's first round playoff matchup against the Boston Bruins, but his predictability from the point had him even taken off the powerplay. It looks, at this point, as though his days in Montreal might be numbered, and since he would have to be waived to head down to Hamilton, a trade is likely in the near future.
#74 - ALEXEI EMELIN
Left Defenseman - Age 25 - Russia
6'2", 223 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired: Drafted, 3rd round, 84th overall (2004)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $984,200
Signed Through: 2012
Emelin (previously Yemelin, but he has now officially dropped the Y from the English spelling of his name) was long considered one of the best defensemen in the world outside of the NHL. After many years of trying to convince him to cross the ocean, the Canadiens were finally successful in getting him to sign a 1-year contract this summer. Known for his on-or-over the line physicality, Emelin has developed into a solid two-way d-man by improving his shot and thus contributing offensively. He had a bit of a shaky camp, showing that his positioning will need a bit of work, but this is normal for a European defenseman making his North American debut. With time, he could become an important member of Montreal's back end, bringing the hard hitting presence the team has lacked since Mike Komisarek's young days. Yemelin was our first Player Spotlight subject back in June:
#75 - HAL GILL
Left Defenseman - Age 36 - United States
6'7", 241 lbs, Shoots Left
Assistant Captain
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent (2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $2,250,000
Signed Through: 2012
Gill brings far more to the Canadiens than his on-ice presence, being one of the major vocal leaders in the dressing room. He has done wonders in mentoring P.K. Subban and is endearing and funny in every "Get to Know Your Canadiens" video played during home games. Not the quickest of skaters and not physical despite his 6'7" frame, Gill makes best use of his body on the penalty kill in blocking the passing lanes and getting in the way of dangerous shots. Gill's age is becoming a factor, and it will likely be his last year with the team, but don't despair if he struggles during the regular season; he has a tendency of saving his high gear for playoff time.
#76 - P.K. SUBBAN
Right Defenseman - Age 22 - Canada
6'0", 206 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired: Drafted, 2nd round, 43rd overall (2007)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $875,000
Signed Through: 2012
The young star of the Canadiens' d-corps, Subban electrifies fans like no other player on the team. For all he lacks occasionally in defensive coverage, he makes up for in electrifying puck handling, skating, and shooting ability, along with the occasional thunderous hit (for every 6 that miss their mark) and general swagger. The aura of P.K. Subban is much bigger than the player himself and includes his honest, hard-working, but sometimes cocky/annoying off-ice persona. The expectation is for this to be a big year with Subban emerging as a legitimate #1 or #2 defenseman, but fans have to worry slightly about a potential sophomore slump. He'll start the year with his familiar partner of last season, Hal Gill, and being the go-to guy on the top powerplay.
#79 - ANDREI MARKOV
Left Defenseman - Age 32 - Russia
6'0", 207 lbs, Shoots Left
Assistant Captain
Acquired:
Drafted, 6th round, 162nd overall (1998)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $5,750,000
Signed Through: 2014
For many seasons, Markov was far and away Montreal's best non-goalie player. The team's record without him in the line-up over those years was atrocious. With his injuries the past few seasons, the team has had to adapt and diversify, but a healthy Markov returning to the line-up at some point this Fall will be a huge boost. A powerplay whiz thanks to his precision passing skills and accurate shot, Markov is also responsible in his own end, making him a complete package. Questions linger about his knee and if he can still be as effective as he once was even if he does manage to stay healthy, but only time will tell. Regardless of that, he has come along way off the ice from the shy young Russian to being a vocal leader on the team.
FORWARDS
#11 - SCOTT GOMEZ
Center - Age 31 - United States
5'11", 198 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Trade from New York Rangers (2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $7,357,143
Signed Through: 2014
Gomez has taken a lot of heat in Montreal due primarily to the hugely inflated salary Glenn Sather gave him in New York. Taking on that contract was certainly not Bob Gainey's best move, but last season, Gomez was simply bad at any salary. The center recognized this and appears determined to prove his detractors wrong, putting together a strong preseason and continuing to show nice chemistry with linemates Brian Gionta and Max Pacioretty. A quality playmaker, Gomez excels most at carrying the puck through the neutral zone from his own end into the attacking zone, something at which he may be one of the best in the league. But his true best skill comes off the ice, as we featured in a Player Spotlight over the summer: the interview. See some of his best at the link below:
#15 - PETTERI NOKELAINEN
Center - Age 31 - Finland
6'1", 202 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired:
Trade from Phoenix Coyotes (2011)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $550,000
Signed Through: 2012
After a failed attempt at picking up Blair Betts to center the team's fourth line, and subpar play from Andreas Engqvist, the Canadiens finally addressed a need through the acquisition of Nokelainen. A valuable right-handed face-off man, Nokelainen is a quick, two-way player, who brings some physicality to the table but little in the way of offense or hockey sense. He will be a valuable role player for the team, acquired at a low cost (Brock Trotter and a 7th round pick).
#13 - MIKE CAMMALLERI
Left Wing - Age 29 - Canada
5'9", 182 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Signed as an unrestricted free agent (2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $6,000,000
Signed Through: 2014
A natural but streaky sniper, Cammalleri has admitted that his production in Montreal hasn't been where he'd like it to be, well below the 39 goals and 82 points he scored in Calgary in 2008-09. Still in his prime, there is no reason to believe the sharpshooter can't get back up there flanking Tomas Plekanec on one of Montreal's top 2 lines. Based on preseason, he looks to be a little quicker this year, likely thanks to a strict off-season training regimen he swears by (and often Tweets about). Cammalleri forms part of the core leader group on the team along with the likes of Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, and P.K. Subban. He is a big part of Montreal's powerplay where he has the time and space to execute his favourite play of a full-body-powered one-timer from one knee. Cammalleri was also the subject of a Player Spotlight this summer:
#14 - TOMAS PLEKANEC
Center - Age 28 - Czech Republic
5'11", 198 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Drafted, 3rd round, 71st overall (2001)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $5,000,000
Signed Through: 2016
Pleks might be Montreal's most important forward, serving as the team's equivalent to Ryan Kesler in Vancouver. Not only is a favourite to lead the club in points, but he is also the top defensive/shutdown center who is a star on the penalty kill. Rewarded for his play with a fat, long-term contract, Plekanec will have to continue to produce offensively to earn his pay and especially step up his game in the post-season where it has historically tapered off. He has centered Andrei Kostitsyn for many years and the two have nice chemistry despite Kostitsyn's inconsistent play.
#21 - BRIAN GIONTA
Right Wing - Age 32 - United States
5'7", 173 lbs, Shoots Right
Captain
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent
(2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $5,000,000
Signed Through: 2014
The captain served as one of the trailblazers for diminutive forwards in today's NHL. Gionta may only be 5'7", but he plays like a much bigger man, never shying away from mucking it up in the corners or charging straight to the net. While he'll never repeat his 48-goal season of 2005-06, through 2 years in Montreal, he has managed his 2nd and 3rd career bests in that category and with an improved Scott Gomez could top the 30 mark this season. A leader on and off the ice, Gionta has filled the shoes left by captain Saku Koivu in leading by example more than anything and giving his 110% on a nightly basis.
#32 - TRAVIS MOEN
Left Wing - Age 29 - Canada
6'2", 215 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Signed as an unrestricted free agent
(2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $1,500,000
Signed Through: 2012
A misunderstood sound defensive forward, Moen gets slack because observers try to see him as things he is not. He is a solid third or fourth line winger who is responsible in his own end and can help to shutdown opposing players, while occasionally throwing hits or dropping the gloves. He's not a prototypical tough/energy guy, so fans shouldn't be frustrated if he isn't always overly physical, nor is he skilled enough to play with purely offensive forwards, even though he is often inserted on to such lines due to injuries or slumps. He's an honest lunch pail type player who fits in well with veterans in the dressing room and is a leader to younger players with his work ethic. We featured Moen in a Player Spotlight over the summer:
#45 - MIKE BLUNDEN
Right Wing - Age 24 - Canada
6'4", 218 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired: Trade from Columbus Blue Jackets
(2011)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $615,000
Signed Through: 2012
A former second round pick and representative of Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Blunden's awkward skating has kept him out of a full-time NHL job. Instead, his career has been defined by making good use of his size through physical play, earning him 51 appearances with the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was acquired by the Habs for career AHL'er Ryan Russell over the summer and earned a call-up to add some toughness to the team's fourth line.
#46 - ANDREI KOSTITSYN
Right Wing / Left Wing - Age 26 - Belarus
6'0", 214 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Drafted,
1st round, 10th overall (2003)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $1,500,000
Signed Through: 2012
A streaky winger with good size and slick moves, Kostitsyn frustrates fans because of the wasted potential they see there. He is capable of throwing out big hits and using his body effectively, but is also capable of coasting and being unnoticeable on the ice. Similarly, he can be a virtual YouTube highlight reel offensively thanks to quick stickhandling and a heavy shot, but can also be soft on the puck and turn it over. He showed potential of nice chemistry with Lars Eller during the later stages of last season, so that duo is likely to be tested out again, freeing Tomas Plekanec to play with Erik Cole in the top 6, and potentially giving Kostitsyn easier opposing defender matchups. He should be motivated to have a big year given that he has the potential to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career next summer.
#51 - DAVID DESHARNAIS
Center - Age 25 - Canada
5'7", 177 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Signed as an unrestricted free agent
(2008)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $850,000
Signed Through: 2013
Despite being the same size as Brian Gionta, Desharnais's game is actually quite different from the Captain's. Rather than playing like a big man, Desharnais relies on keen offensive awareness and skilled puck handling ability to create plays in the offensive zone while being agile and shifty enough to avoid larger defenders. As such, he is best when playing with bigger wingers who can create room for him, and players who can finish plays as he is primarily a set-up man. Desharnais is likely in competition for ice time with Lars Eller centering a third line, with one of the two possibly shifting to the wing. DD's edge is his face-off ability, which also has him in the middle of the team's top powerplay unit to start the season.
#52 - MATHIEU DARCHE
Left Wing - Age 34 - Canada
6'1", 215 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Signed as an unrestricted free agent
(2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $700,000
Signed Through: 2012
A McGill University graduate, Darche's path to the NHL was long and unconventional. Bouncing back and forth between the NHL and AHL for many years, he has really only established himself as a full time big league'er since halfway through his first season with the Canadiens in 2009-10. For what he lacks in skill, Darche compensates with effort and hockey sense, typically finding himself in the right places on the ice at the right times. He uses his body to provide a netfront presence or battle along the boards and he can chip in some secondary offense from a third or fourth line. A player like him has to live from year-to-year not knowing what the future holds, but while in Montreal, he will force young players and veterans alike to be on their game or his consistent work will earn him their ice time.
#53 - RYAN WHITE
Center / Right Wing - Age 23 - Canada
6'0", 193 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired:
Drafted, 3rd
round, 66th overall
(2006)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $625,000
Signed Through: 2012
White brings a much-needed physical element to Montreal's forward group, but is out for an indefinite amount of time with a lower body injury to start the season. His play earned him his first one-way contract this past summer. A feisty forechecker who is a willing combatant, White's offensive upside is limited, but he'll be a welcome fourth liner for matchups against the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Lears, and Boston Bruins.
#60 - AARON PALUSHAJ
Right Wing - Age 22 - United States
5'11", 187 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired:
Trade from St. Louis Blues (2010)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $883,333
Signed Through: 2012
Acquired from the Blues for winger Matt D'Agostini, Palushaj has been an inconsistent but at times dominant scorer in the American Hockey League. His inconsistency showed during training camp this Fall as he started off very slowly but began producing points as the preseason games wore on, making him the team's first call-up on wing. Palushaj will have to prove himself this season, as not only will he be an RFA next summer, but he'll also be waiver eligible for the 2012-13 season, meaning he'll make the Canadiens or find a new organization.
#63 - ANDREAS ENGQVIST
Center - Age 23 - Sweden
6'4", 199 lbs, Shoots Right
Acquired:
Signed as an unrestricted free agent
(2009)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $900,000
Signed Through: 2012
Engqvist was nearly handed the fourth line center job entering training camp, but he's done his best to throw it away, leading to the acquisition of Blair Betts. He has shown little skill offensively and doesn't make optimal use of his 6'4" frame, rarely getting involved physically. His big edge is that he's the lone right-handed centerman, but still he was far too weak on the puck to lock down a starting role. The organization isn't asking for him to become a hitting machine, but he needs to at least be stronger on his feet to win one-on-one puck battles to become a permanent fixture in the line-up.
#67 - MAX PACIORETTY
Left Wing - Age 22 - United States
6'2", 196 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Drafted, 1st
round, 22nd overall
(2007)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $1,625,000
Signed Through: 2013
No one needs to be reminded of the horrific injury that cut Pacioretty's 2010-11 season short just as he was emerging as an offensive force. Many questioned his NHL offensive upside prior to last year, but he has made the needed changes to play a speed and power game, blazing past defenders to charge straight on goal. Good size, a hard shot, and top-notch acceleration are the skills that should lead to a true breakout season for MaxPac, who beefs up an undersized Montreal top 6 up front. Boston and Montreal fans all have the first Bruins-Canadiens encounter of the season circled on their calendars and though it will very likely be anticlimactic, the first Zdeno Chara - Pacioretty interactions since "the hit" should be interesting to observe.
#72 - ERIK COLE
Right Wing - Age 32 - United States
6'2", 205 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired: Signed as an unrestricted free agent
(2011)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $4,500,000
Signed Through: 2015
Montreal's prized offseason signing, Cole, like Max Pacioretty, is extra important in Montreal because of his size. He appears to come as advertised, leading the team in preseason scoring while willingly throwing hits and creating turnovers by ripping pucks off opposing players with ease. It will be interesting to see where he ultimately fits in the line-up as undoubtedly Jacques Martin will test his chemistry with a number of permutations. Cole's game is defined by above-average speed, good net-front presence, and strong shooting, assets that should see him come close to last year's output with the Carolina Hurricanes - a welcome additional 25-goal scorer up front for the Canadiens.
#81 - LARS ELLER
Center - Age 22 - Denmark
6'2", 198 lbs, Shoots Left
Acquired:
Trade from St. Louis Blues (2010)
2011-12 Salary
Cap Hit
: $1,270,833
Signed Through: 2012
There was a lot of pressure on Eller last season as the player acquired for playoff hero Jaroslav Halak, and some were underwhelmed that he didn't instantly tear up the scoresheet. He did show a lot of promise, however, protecting the puck well along the boards with his size, and displaying some nice creativity with the puck. Many expect a big boost in production as Eller will provide secondary scoring from a third trio.
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