With 41 games played, it’s time to give grades to the Montreal Canadiens. First up are the goaltenders and defensemen. Tomorrow, grades for the forwards will be released.
Goaltenders
Samuel Montembeault (2.94 GAA .907 SP): B
While the Canadiens may not want to come out and say it, Samuel Montembeault is the organization’s number-one goaltender and has shown it by his performance this season. Playing behind such a young defense corps is never easy, but the 27-year-old goaltender does it without complaining or looking frustrated when he’s hung out to dry.
Jake Allen (3.52 GAA, .900 SP): D
It’s been a tough season for Jake Allen. Perhaps the trade rumors got to the veteran goaltender, or maybe he’s reached the age of decline, but whatever the reason, the team looks less confident when he’s in net.
Cayden Primeau (3.13 GAA, .905 SP): C
It’s tough to evaluate someone who’s only played nine games this season, but I believe we’ve still seen a progression in Cayden Primeau’s game. He’s proven he can handle NHL shots and play. But Primeau needs to show he can handle it consistently. That’s not likely to happen until the end of the current threesome.
Defensemen
Mike Matheson (41 GP, 6 G, 24 A, 30 PTS, -9) B
It’s tricky to grade Mike Matheson, he’s second in scoring on the team behind team captain Nick Suzuki, but commits more than his share of turnovers. While some loathe him for it, I believe it comes with the territory. Offensive defensemen will sometimes gamble and lose. You win some, you lose some as they say.
Kaiden Guhle (37 GP, 3 G, 8 A, 11 PTS, -1): B
Kaiden Guhle still looks head and shoulder above the other defenseman and can handle a lot more workload than most of the other blue liners. Guhle’s decision making is remarkable, and his ability to play in any given situation is key. He’s also managed to remain relatively healthy this season, only missing four games this season.
Justin Barron: (38 GP, 6 G, 6 A, 12 PTS, -4): D+
Justin Barron is meant to be an offensive defenseman, but you wouldn’t know it looking at his numbers. While his mobility is greatly appreciated, his decision making is still somewhat lacking. The main reason why Barron doesn’t get a passing grade is because turnovers can still be expected from him in more or less every game.
David Savard: (19 GP, 4 G, 6A, 10 PTS, -3): B
It’s a small sample, but David Savard’s presence is such a confidence booster for this group that he fully deserves the positive grade. The stay-at-home defenseman has 10 points in 19 games, which is a bonus, but Savard’s real impact is his shot blocking machine ability and his imposing presence in front of the net.
Jonathan Kovacevic: (36 GP, 5G, 2 A, 7 PTS, +6): D
Right shot defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic stayed in Montreal’s line-up for so long because the team doesn’t have many options on the right, but Jayden Struble’s arrival pushed him out of the line-up. Kovacevic’s defensive lapses and turnovers were the main reason why the Canadien’s couldn’t keep him in the line-up.
Jordan Harris: (24 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 PTS, -6): C
Jordan Harris has missed some time due to injury this season. However, he walked right back into the line-up upon his return. One of the numerous left defensemen on the team, Harris was asked to play on the right as Kovacevich was scratched to make way for him. Harris does nothing extraordinarily well, but he’s a jack of all trades you can rely on. That’s why he has earned a passing grade.
Jayden Struble: (23 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 PTS, 0): B
The biggest (positive) surprise of the season, without a doubt, is Jayden Struble. Due to numerous injuries suffered on the blue line, Struble was recalled from the Laval Rocket on November 20, 2023. He stepped into Montreal’s lineup with incredible ease for a rookie. He plays a confident, physical and safe defensive game and has impeccable decision making. If Arber Xhekaj is still in the AHL, it’s because of Struble’s game.