Will Montreal Canadiens Makeover Work?

I’m not completely sure but I think the Montreal Canadiens have made the most changes since the end of last season out of any of the other teams in the league.  If they aren’t at the top of that list, they’re close.  Of course, any time a club alters things drastically you’ve got to wonder if the gamble is going to pay off.

Since winning the Stanley Cup back in 1993, they have failed to make it very far in the playoffs.  It’s sad because of their rich history and past accomplishments but, for whatever reason, they just haven’t been able to pull it together.

image: TSN

Let’s start at the top.  They’ve been sold.  It’s always tough when a team comes under new ownership.  I know that it was bought by members of the Molson family, who has had a great track record with the team in the past, but this is a new generation and a new roster.

They’ve also gotten rid of Guy Carbonneau as the head coach with Bob Gainey filling in for the remainder of last season.  Back in June, the team announced that Jacques Martin would be behind the Habs bench in the 2009-2010 season and this could be a really good thing for the team.  He’s the first coach in 16 years who has had any NHL coaching experience.  We’ll see if that makes a difference.

Saku Koivu had only played with the Canadiens in his 13 year career in the NHL so, when the team’s captain was traded to Anaheim, it was a big deal.  It’s disorienting to have all of these changes to the faculty but when the on-ice leader gets shipped out, it can be devastating.  However, since so many changes have been made to the lineup it may not matter.

That brings me to the updated roster.  Along with Koivu, big names like Alex Kovalev, Alex Tanguay and Christopher Higgins have been dealt away, Patrice Brisebois retired and Carey Price is going to have to find a way to keep it together (I think he can do it, too).

On the flipside, Higgins left so that the Habs could get Scott Gomez and they’ve also brought on Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri so things could be pretty good as long as everyone gels and that’s a lot of ifs – If the new owners run the team well.  If the new coach is a good leader.  If they pick a worthy new captain.  If the new roster works well together.

So, will this makeover work?  I really can’t tell.  I am doubtful, to be honest, because the Tampa Bay Lightning have proven that enthusiastic young owners, an experienced coach and a hot roster doesn’t guarantee anything.