2013-14 record: 46-28-8 (100 points)
Lost to NY Rangers in Conference Finals
Captain: TBA
Even after an improbable run to the Conference Finals, the Montreal Canadiens are changing the infrastructure of the core of the team. The older leadership that was in place last year is gone save for Andrei Markov, and he will be joined by Tomas Plekanec, PK Subban, and Max Pacioretty as alternate captains, as they will be going that route for this season. In all likelihood, this is a chance for the Canadiens to see how both Pacioretty and Subban handle the leadership responsibilities while having Markov and Plekanec provide a helping hand for both players. As for on-ice production, it's not a surprise that both will be counted on to produce at the levels they're capable of, but it will be up to the supporting cast to provide the secondary goals, as the team was in the bottom third of the league on offense. It would help if Alex Galchenyuk shows he's ready for the added ice time and if new acquisition P-A Parenteau does better than Daniel Briere did last season.
Subban and Markov will be the top pairing, though the unit was solid last season, there will be at least one rookie cracking the roster, whether it is Nathan Beaulieu, Jarred Tinordi, or Greg Pateryn. Carey Price is backing those guys up, and he had a great year all around. Had he not gotten hurt during the Conference Finals series, it is possible the Canadiens would have made the Stanley Cup Finals. Dustin Tokarski proved that he could handle the pressure, playing well in Price's absence, but he will be competing with Peter Budaj for the backup role.
Prediction: 2nd in the Atlantic Division
Even with the change in on-ice leadership, the Canadiens still have the pieces in place to compete with the big boys in Boston and Pittsburgh. However, offensive production is a must because Price and the defensive unit cannot bail out the team every night.
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