The Montreal Canadiens’ rebuild is progressing steadily under the guidance of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. Each season since their takeover has seen improvements in the team’s performance:
- 2021-2022: 22 wins – 55 points – .355 point percentage
- 2022-2023: 31 wins – 68 points – .415 point percentage
- 2023-2024: 30 wins – 76 points – .463 point percentage
Despite the positive trajectory, some fans are growing impatient with the team’s prolonged stay at the bottom of the NHL standings. However, the long-term outlook is promising, and soon Hughes and Gorton might target players who can make an immediate impact.
One name frequently mentioned in discussions is Jonathan Marchessault. The talented Quebecois forward, who scored 42 goals this season, is a favorite among fans who would love to see him in a Canadiens jersey. However, Tony Marinaro argues that Marchessault is not the right fit for the Habs due to his size.
Marinaro explained on a recent episode of The Sick Podcast that despite Marchessault’s skills, his 5-foot-9 frame would be a disadvantage for the Canadiens. He believes that signing the 33-year-old to a three- or four-year contract would saddle the team with an aging, undersized forward in their top six.
Marinaro’s analysis of the current Stanley Cup semi-finalists underscores his point. The teams still competing are predominantly built with bigger players:
- Dallas Stars: 2 players under 6 feet (Logan Stankoven, 5’8; Mavrik Bourque, 5’10)
- Edmonton Oilers: 3 players under 6 feet (Derek Ryan, 5’10; Sam Gagner, 5’11; Troy Stecher, 5’10)
- New York Rangers: 2 players under 6 feet (Vincent Trocheck, 5’11; Adam Fox, 5’11)
- Florida Panthers: 3 players under 6 feet (Nick Cousins, 5’11; Ryan Lomberg, 5’9; Evan Rodrigues, 5’11)
Marinaro notes that these teams’ success in the playoffs demonstrates the importance of having larger players. In contrast, the Canadiens already have seven players under 6 feet:
https://x.com/thesickpodcasts/status/1794352724110434506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1794352724110434506%7Ctwgr%5E513e9eadf5d6286af0af710442ff3ba7f66044de%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdose.ca%2F2024%2F05%2F26%2Fjonathan-marchessault-too-small-for-the-habs-says-tony-marinaro%2F
- Cole Caufield: 5’8
- Brendan Gallagher: 5’9
- Rafaël Harvey-Pinard: 5’9
- Alex Newhook: 5’11
- Nick Suzuki: 5’11
- Jordan Harris: 5’11
- Lane Hutson: 5’9
Adding Marchessault to this roster would increase the number of smaller players, potentially hindering their playoff competitiveness.
https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1794716984216592409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1794716984216592409%7Ctwgr%5E513e9eadf5d6286af0af710442ff3ba7f66044de%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdose.ca%2F2024%2F05%2F26%2Fjonathan-marchessault-too-small-for-the-habs-says-tony-marinaro%2F
Marinaro’s perspective highlights a critical consideration for the Canadiens as they plan their future moves. While Marchessault is an exceptional player, his size may not align with the team’s needs to compete at the highest levels.
Leave a Reply