Forwards

There is obvious concern with who will put the puck in the net for Les Canadiens this season. While they'll look for offense from Erik Cole (35 goals in 2011-12), Rene Bourque, David Desharnais, Tomas Plekanec, captain Brion Gionta and last season's leading scorer Max Pacioretty (65 points), there are too many questions surrounding the overall scoring depth of this club. If Alex Galchenyuk cracks the roster, likely as a winger, the Habs could benefit from his eye for the net.

Defense

On the blueline, P.K. Subban was fifth in team scoring with 36 points last season. Once signed, he will be ready to have a breakout offensive season and at 23 years of age, this should be the year when he begins to assert himself as a true scoring threat. He has scored 21 career goals, with 14 coming on the powerplay. After Subban, the offensive well is relatively dry. The big question from the backend will be whether Andrei Markov has fully recovered from a devastating knee injury that kept the Russian out of all but 13 games last season. If healthy, and he seemed to be fine in playing in the KHL, Markov could return to be the Canadiens' best defenseman.

Goalies

In goal, Montreal will continue to place its fortunes on Carey Price. The 2012 All Star Game participant averages 54 games per season and has amassed a career .916 save percentage to go along with a 2.56 goals-against-average. Last season, Price was depended upon to make the big save too many times. He is an elite puck stopper but needs a stronger defense in front of him to help clear rebounds, block shots and keep the front of the net clear of opponents in order for the 25-year-old to get a clear view of the shots from the blueline. Price's backup, Peter Budaj, is a capable netminder, but has appeared in 20 or more games in a season just once during his seven-year career. If Price were to suffer an injury that would keep him out of the lineup for a long period of time, the Habs may need to make a deal for a starter in a hurry.

Projected Outcome

The addition of Armstrong should be a boost to both ends of the ice. Brandon Prust will provide toughness, as will Bouillon, however, after finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference in goals-scored, questions remain as to whether the club can significantly improve in that department. The Habs are in dire need of improved play from its blueliners or there will be some long, difficult nights for Price. Sadly, for fans who flock to the Bell Centre, this could be another long season (regardless of it's 48-game schedule). Expect the Habs to finish last in the Northeast Division again.

3 Players to Watch
 

	Max Pacioretty The Habs are counting on Pacioretty to have the equivalent of another 30+ goal season this year. Montreal hasn't had too many proven snipers over the years and Pacioretty has all the skill to light the lamp on a regular-basis.
	Tomas Plekanec If the Canadiens want to make any noise this season, they're going to need Plekanec to find the magic he had in 2009-10 when he tallied 70 points. The Habs are thin in the offensive category and having a rejuvenated Plekanec will help their playoff chances.
	Josh Gorges Gorges is the rock of the Montreal blueline. The Habs, especially Carey Price, need him to be a strong leader on the backend.

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