Having started the season with such a bang, the Montreal Canadiens have been disappointing fans for over two months now. They are now sixth in the Atlantic Division, and their hopes of making the playoffs are getting dimmer each passing game. The team may begin focusing on long-term rebuilding, because a lot needs to change for this to once again become a successful franchise. Carey Price's injury may have had a lot to do with the slump, but the Habs' offense was not clicking either.
Sportsnet's Eric Engels reports that for the team's long-term success, General Manager Marc Bergevin needs to put his "fingerprint" on the team this summer, by building the team. He suggests the team look for the best coach available, even if it means a uni-lingual one. This could spark outrage in Montreal's polarized linguistic community, but if the results show, chances are the city will not care. Engels also suggests trading core players now.
1. Marc Bergevin has a chance to build his #habs. This summer he can change so much and put his fingerprint on the team.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 4, 2016
2. The Canadiens need to have an honest look for the best coach available. Period. Get a translator if you must. — Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 4, 2016
3. Some of the core players have to move. This much losing does irreparable damage.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 4, 2016
Speaking of core players, it seems that no one is untouchable, as RDS analyst Francois Gagnon has suggested even star P.K. Subban should be considered for a trade.
From @GagnonFrancois: Habs should consider trading core players. Yes, maybe even this guy. https://t.co/0LRVImWMb1 pic.twitter.com/pwGdwUS4YE — TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 3, 2016
CTV's Brian Wilde also echoed the sentiment that the Habs should build long-term, as Price's recent performance is not up to par as he is still bothered by his injury, and coach Michel Therrien has stated that making the playoffs would be a long shot.
The way Price is skating and Therrien saying it will be tough to make the playoffs, Bergevin surely out of market for short term trade now.
— BrianWilde (@BWildeCTV) February 4, 2016
Price might have just returned, but it seems unlikely he will be the team's savior. The team has been hurting for a while now, and there is no quick fix. Long-term moves might be necessary.
The Montreal Canadiens are 1-8-1 in their last 10, the worst record in the NHL. They are coming off a 4-2 loss to the 7th place Buffalo Sabres.
