This 2023-2024 season will have shown that the Canadian is well equipped on the blue line. With a little more experience, this defense brigade could eventually make people jealous.

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• Also read: Mailloux and Hutson received a warm welcome

Led by the offensive talent of Mike Matheson, the Canadian's defense team finished among the top five teams on the circuit in terms of goals scored. They were involved in 28.5% of the team's goals, a contribution that ranked them third in the NHL.

The beauty of it is that behind leaders Matheson and David Savard, virtually all members of this brigade are 23 years old and younger.

Kaiden Guhle has proven that he will be a pillar of this group. Despite his 22 years, he has proven his effectiveness against the best opposing attackers. He was also a major factor in the Habs' numerical inferiority.

Benefits for Kent Hughes

Arber Xhekaj returned somewhat changed after a stay in Laval to work on his defensive game. He remains a physical player and is quick to defend his teammates, but is less prone to shooting.

Lane Hutson showed some nice impressions during the Detroit game. One game doesn't make a career, but there are clues that don't lie: understanding of the game, vision and solidity of passes and decisions.

This group of young players, which also includes Jordan Harris, Jayden Struble and Justin Barron, will soon be joined by Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher. Kent Hughes has to make decisions. Not everyone will be able to monitor the Canadiens' blue line.

The good news is that the quality of these individuals could allow the Canadiens general manager to fill weaker positions on his board.

Difficult winter for Anderson

When it comes to disappointments, it's hard to ignore Josh Anderson's disastrous season. The big striker had the worst season of his career.

He experienced lethargy of 24, 15 and 16 games. Droughts that severely affected it. He has three seasons left, each costing $5.5 million. Ouch!

Brendan Gallagher also had a difficult time, which he made up for with a productive end to the season.

Joel Armia is another who has rehabilitated himself. And brilliant. After two stays in the minors lasting several weeks, the Finn experienced a surprising resurrection. He suddenly became intense and committed, as if he had rediscovered his love for playing hockey.