Marc Bergevin has been going all in to try and reach the playoffs, and the Montreal Canadiens‘ odds show. The team has an NHL betting line of +3300, and the team’s acquisitions this offseason show that they’re looking to get back in the swing of things.
These changes come knowing that the Habs may be in an all-Canadian division for the 2021 season. The Habs will be contending against talented teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, but their additions will allow the side to hold their own against those clubs.
Who’s Coming To the Team?
The Habs have multiple new acquisitions of interest. Jake Allen was picked up in the offseason from the St Louis Blues and will be a useful backup goaltender to support Carey Price.
Josh Anderson also joined the Habs this offseason. The former Columbus Blue Jackets forward had been a rising star, but he missed much of last season due to a shoulder tear. He has recovered from surgery and is ready to get back on track in Montreal.
Joel Edmundson is also new to Montreal. The defenseman was an effective role player and physical figure for the Carolina Hurricanes last year.
But the most intriguing acquisition to see came from the Habs grabbing Tyler Toffoli from the Vancouver Canucks. He had 44 points in 68 games last year and has been one of the most interesting young players in the league in recent years. Toffoli will likely appear on the first or second line.
[Sans oublier que notre capitaine actuel avait marqué le but d’assurance en toute fin de match. 😏]
[And let’s not forget that our current captain scored the insurance goal right at the end of the game.] pic.twitter.com/S8Ie8zylBo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 3, 2020
Who Else Is There?
The existing players on the Canadiens roster are also worth noting. Carey Price will likely improve this season, as having Jake Allen as a backup will ensure he doesn’t become overworked at goal.
Shea Weber continues to be one of the top offensive-minded defensemen in the league, while Brendan Gallagher will benefit from being on a line with Toffoli and Anderson.
Nick Suzuki is also worth exploring. He had an outstanding rookie season with more than forty regular-season points. He is expected to be on the first power play unit.
How Tomas Tatar will perform for the Habs this year remains uncertain. Tatar was sluggish in the playoffs, as he had two goals in ten games. Having Toffoli and a few others on the side will keep him from possibly being the team’s leading scorer once again, but he will still be a useful player on this year’s roster.
Should You Pick the Habs This Preseason?
The Montreal Canadiens are a viable upset pick worth exploring this season. The team has been building up over the years and continues to be interesting. Marc Bergevin’s efforts in free agency and the trade market have paid off, and it will be interesting to see how well the Habs can compete with all these new players. Take a look at the Canadiens if you’re looking for a surprise team for your NHL betting interest.
*Odds are correct at time of writing.
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