Top Four Canadiens In 2024

2024 has been a big year for the Montreal Canadiens, one filled with trials and tribulations which allowed us to identify key cogs in this lineup, players that should be there for the long run.

In no particular order, here are the four Habs players who have impressed me the most in 2024:

Nick Suzuki

Not so long ago, there were a lot of chatter about Suzuki not being a real first line center and Kirby Dach being poised to climb up the depth chart. Needless to say, we're not hearing this anymore.

The Canadiens' captain may never be a 100+ points player, but he doesn't have to be to be a top line center either. Case in point: Patrice Bergeron. In his most productive season, the former Boston Bruins captain picked up 79 points, and he reached that total at 33 years old. As things stand, the Canadiens' captain is on pace for just that 79 points and he is only 25 years old with a pair of wingers that are still maturing.

On top of his more than accurate production, he is as reliable as clockwork and plays a polished 200-foot game. The coach knows what he's getting from his captain and there's something to be said about his toughness as well. The 2023-24 season was tough for the Canadiens, but Suzuki shone brightly and had the best season of his career, which he's likely to do again this season.

Cole Caufield

The sniper who turns 24 today has matured quite nicely under Martin St-Louis. There were doubters last season when he had a slow start, but the work he put in made him a more complete player.

He's more involved in all aspects of the game and doesn't strictly think about shooting at all cost anymore, but still picks up more than his fair share of lamplighters. He's thrilled the fans early this season by picking up goals at a torrid pace, he has slowed down on that front of late, but he's picked up a lot of assists.

Caufield is currently on pace for 75 points and 42 goals, needless to say, those would be career numbers for him. On top of the offensive production, the sheer joy he feels playing the game is contagious and greatly appreciated by fans and teammates alike.

Lane Hutson

Granted, he hasn't even played a full season yet, but he's the most exciting defenseman to lace them up for the Habs since P.K. Subban and his ceiling is likely higher than the former fan favourite.

The speed, the mobility, the headshakes, every time he touches the puck at the Bell Centre, the crowd gets buzzing in anticipation. Even in the early days of the season, when the Canadiens were struggling, he was worth the ticket price.

The rookie has 26 points in 37 games and is on pace for a 58-point season. He's currently third in rookie scoring, only three points behind league leader Matvei Michkov even though he's a blueliner. Whichever way you look at it, Hutson is in the Calder Trophy race and if he keeps progressing as he has, one day (in the not so far future), he'll find himself in the Norris Trophy conversation.

Patrik Laine

The trade for the big Finn was celebrated this Summer and every was foaming at the mouth at the idea of finally having two real top-six lines. Unfortunately, a pre-season injury delayed his official start until December, but he was certainly worth the wait.

In 13 games in 2024, he picked up 10 points and gave the Canadiens' power play a new lease of life. Just like Hutson, he can light up the Bell Centre in a flash with his lethal shot and amazing hands.

At first, points only came on the man advantage, but in this current road trip, he has started to link up better with Dach and Alex Newhook giving Martin St-Louis another reliable line to play with at even strength.

Should he play the remaining 45 games and keep the same pace, he would finish the year with 45 points in 58 games, an impressive total for a player who only played 18 games in the previous season.

It will be interesting to see if Kent Hughes decides to try and extend Laine before his contract expires. So far, he has certainly fitted in and made quite the impression in town, as his presence in this top four even though he only played in 10 games shows.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens