The $100 question. Even Prime Minister François Legault asked the question on Monday. Will the Canadiens make the playoffs?

I don’t have the absolute truth, but in my opinion the answer is no.

I believe there are two certainties in the team environment right now: Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Otherwise it remains abstract.

Many players still need mileage to determine their true value.

On offense, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook are perfect examples. Are they offensive or defensive? Are they better on the wing or in the middle? Can they play a lead role or not? Nobody knows, not even management.

The young people have shown us some great things, but there are no guarantees as the misfortunes of season two could hit them directly. Arber Kaiden Guhle is the only one I have no concerns about.

Nothing is secured from the network either. Will there be a number one goalkeeper? Can Samuel Montembeault build on the good progress he made in his game last year? Can Jake Allen just stay healthy? And is Cayden Primeau a goaltender who belongs in the NHL? A lot of questions.

There are many veterans who have something to prove. Christian Dvorak, Josh Anderson, Sean Monahan, Brendan Gallagher and Joel Armia all need to get better and perform better for the Canadiens to advance. Will they succeed or will their best seasons be a thing of the past? Another question in their case: will they be traded?

We also have to remember that the Canadiens section is, in my opinion, the most competitive in the league. The Maple Leafs, Lightning, Panthers and Bruins are far superior to CH. The Senators, Sabers and Red Wings have their best days ahead of them and are aiming to make the playoffs. Then there are the Canadians in the Atlantic section.

I see the Canadians somewhere between 22nd and 30th overall. Management hopes that the team will stay in last place for as long as possible and gain access to the playoffs.

In 2021, the team was eliminated in October. Last year, hopes were dashed in January.

And this year? Taking part in the series would be a miracle. It would take a lot of magic, a healthy team for 82 games and the players on the 2023-24 team all having their best season together.

My expectations are low. I just hope to be entertained.