Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkosky line in its final days?
Photo credit: Habsolument Fan
For the past few weeks, the Montreal Canadiens' first line, consisting of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, has been extremely successful, to the point where the idea of splitting them up seems almost unreal.
Indeed, since the Slovakian player joined the two star forwards, he has shown rapid progress. However, it's not just because number 20 benefits from his two new teammates, but because his strengths perfectly complement Suzuki and Caufield, making this unit extremely dangerous in the offensive zone.
It's worth remembering that when Juraj Slafkovsky was selected first overall in the draft, many experts saw him as the perfect winger to join the duo of number 22 and number 14, an observation that has proven quite accurate in light of their recent performances.
However, this famous line could be separated when Kirby Dach is ready to return to play. Indeed, according to Max Van Houtte on BPM Sports, an incredible chemistry has developed between Juraj Slafkovsky and Nick Suzuki, so much so that it would be preferable to move Cole Caufield to the second line in order to have two units that can contribute offensively.
«I no longer think we should talk about the Suzuki-Caufield duo. The chemistry between Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky is even more marked than that between Caufield and Slafkovsky. I would like the two pairs to be Suzuki-Slafkovsky and Caufield-Dach.» - Max Van Houtte
Honestly, the point made by Max is not crazy, even though I love the rapport that has developed between Caufield, Suzuki, and Slafkovsky. Kirby Dach has huge potential, but he absolutely needs a natural goal scorer by his side if he wants to get his share of points.
Knowing that the Montreal Canadiens will have higher ambitions in 2024-2025, Martin St-Louis will necessarily need to rely on the support of two offensive lines, and this could potentially be achieved by breaking up the current first trio.
However, if Kent Hughes is able to make a significant trade during the draft or even in the off-season by acquiring a solid forward, this player could join Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook on the second line, allowing the first unit to remain intact.
In an ideal world, the general manager of the Habs would therefore add a goal scorer to his roster in order to keep the trio of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky together.
What do you think, if the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge does not add any top forwards to their lineup, should the CH's head coach change his lines by placing Cole Caufield alongside Kirby Dach for the first game of the 2024-2025 campaign?
| POLL |
8 AVRIL | 130 ANSWERS Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkosky line in its final days? Should Martin St-Louis split Caufield off from Suzuki and Slafkovsky? |
| Yes | 37 | 28.5 % |
| No | 93 | 71.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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