by Blain Potvin, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

MONTREAL, QC. — As we anticipate changes in the Canadiens roster for next season, let’s take a closer look at the blueline of La Sainte Flanelle.

Losing Carey Price for the season was tough, but then losing Tom Gilbert, Jeff Petry and P.K. Subban was detrimental to blueline, and was not helpful to rookie Mike Condon. Injuries were taxing and they put blueline depth to the test.

The top pairing

One of the few bright spots in this past season was the top pairing of Subban and Andrei Markov. Also, seeing a fourth straight full and productive season from Markov is also very reassuring. While Markov has lost a step, which is to be expected at 37 years old, his hockey sense and vision more than make up for it.

While Markov is still serviceable on the top pair with Subban, he would benefit from playing less time per game. Eventually if Markov was to return with a contract extension, he could benefit from a reduced role, perhaps in a second pairing allowing him to maximize his impact in the game.

As for P.K., his underrated defensive play had him as one of the few with a positive plus-minus. He was also on pace for a career season offensively before his season ending injury. The sting of missing the playoffs, added to not being selected to Team Canada for the World Cup of Hockey in September may not publicly be addressed by Subban, but he is a player who is geared to improve constantly and these factors are simply added motivation for next season.

The second pairing

Jeff Petry’s loss was painful to defensive depth. Petry provided stability to the blueline with his effective three zone play and ability to play in all situations logging heavy minutes. Petry formed an effective duo with Alexei Emelin prior to his injury. Emelin’s physical play paired with Petry’s transition game made for a solid duo.

Nathan Beaulieu spent significant time on the second pairing after Petry’s injury. His all-around play and willingness to stand up for teammates showed that he was more than capable of playing on the second pairing. In the minds of some, Beaulieu’s play gives Marc Bergevin another top-4 defenseman, making Emelin redundant.  Also, it provides Bergevin trade options to acquire more depth for the coming season.

The third pairing

With Tom Gilbert out, Greg Pateryn stepped in and offered size, grit and effective defensive play even logging heavy minutes. His emergence solidified his place on the third pairing for the coming season.

Mark Barberio’s arrival as a unrestricted free agent was a good depth signing. Barberio was able to step into the lineup and show that he is capable of being an NHL defenseman. His play on the third pairing gives Montreal an option of a puck moving defenseman on each pair. His low offensive totals will likely allow him to be signed to a cap friendly deal now that he has received a qualifying offer.

While Tom Gilbert was a serviceable third pairing defenseman, he is unlikely to return now that his contract has ended. Victor Bartley is another UFA defenseman who may not return to the NHL roster, yet he may be offered a two-way contract to provide depth and leadership to the young prospects in St. John’s.

In the System

The rash of injuries to close out the season gave the organization an opportunity to assess the defense prospects in an NHL environment. Morgan Ellis, Ryan Johnston, Joel Hanley, Brett Lernout and Darren Dietz each made their NHL debuts.

As surprising as Hanley’s six points in 10 games played was, Dietz was the most consistent in that group showing he is likely the closest to being ready for full time NHL duty. With the addition of NCAA UFA signee Tom Parisi and Noah Juulsen, possibly graduating to the AHL, the organization’s defensive depth is solid. But there is still no heir apparent to be able to replace the loss of Markov to retirement or Subban to injury.

There are no potential star defencemen in the system, they are all at best second and third pairing potential. That said, defensive depth is an organizational strength. This depth, especially with right handed defenders, provides more trade options for Marc Bergevin to improve other areas of the organization.

To keep track of them and all the Canadiens pro prospects playing with the IceCaps follow the IceCaps Hockey Report on Twitter.

Possible Moves

Having the depth in NHL capable defensemen the Canadiens have allows for several options.  To keep the status quo allows for an enviable depth, but also leaves the most cap spent on defence in the NHL.  That expenditure leaves little to be used to upgrade in other areas.

Emelin, a capable physical top four defenseman who can play both sides with equal comfort provides Marc Bergevin an excellent trade chip.  Beaulieu is another trade option, yet his age and contract coupled with his recent play would mean that to be moved Montreal would be getting a significant return.

Finally, if management is truly looking to the future blueline and replacement for Markov, the ninth overall pick could provide several options for a possible replacement on the top pair with defenceman such as Jakob Chychrun, Mikhail Sergachyov and Olli Juolevi.