Renee: Okay, Joel, I've got a question from a fan that's going to set the tone for today's entire show.
Joel: Hit me with it.
Renee: Is Ivan Demidov already the best player on this team, or is that still Nick Suzuki's crown?
Joel: Oh, that's a hot one. And we're going to answer that and more in today's mailbag.
Renee: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, Canadiens fans! I'm Renee, joined as always by the sharpest mind in hockey, Joel.
Joel: Hey, everybody. Ready to dive into your questions.
Renee: Here's what's on the docket today: first, we're breaking down the Demidov extension and what it means for this team's ceiling.
Joel: Then we're looking at the goaltending situation, because that's a question mark that won't go away.
Renee: And we'll wrap up with a fun hypothetical and a lightning round of quick takes. Stick with us.
Renee: Alright, first question comes from Sarah in Rochester. She asks: 'With Demidov locked up for eight years, is he now the face of the franchise over Suzuki?'
Joel: That's a great question, Sarah. And honestly, I think the answer is yes and no.
Renee: How do you mean?
Joel: Demidov is the most electrifying player on the ice. He was rookie of the year runner-up, and he's only going to get better. But Suzuki is the engine that makes this team go.
Renee: Suzuki's the captain, the two-way anchor, the guy who plays in all situations.
Joel: Exactly. Demidov might be the face on the highlight reels, but Suzuki is the face in the room.
Renee: So it's a one-two punch that should scare the rest of the Atlantic.
Joel: Absolutely. And that's why this team is sitting second in the division.
Renee: Next up, we've got a question from @HabsFanMike. He wants to know: 'With the blue line stacked, who's the odd man out when the season starts?'
Joel: Ooh, that's the million-dollar question. We've got Hutson, Guhle, Reinbacher, Dobson, Carrier, Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj... that's a lot of bodies.
Renee: And we've been saying for weeks that a trade might be coming to clear that logjam.
Joel: Right. I still think that happens before the deadline. But for opening night, I think you go with your best seven or eight.
Renee: So who's on the outside looking in?
Joel: I'd say Struble and maybe Xhekaj are in the mix for the last spot. It's going to be a tough call.
Renee: We'll see how it shakes out in training camp. Next question, from Marcus in Denver: 'What's the biggest concern heading into the season?'
Joel: For me, it's goaltending. Montembeault is solid, but can he carry the load for a full season as a contender?
Renee: We've got Dobes, Fowler, and Kahkonen in the system too.
Joel: Fowler's the future, but he might need another year. Until then, it's Monty's net, and we need him to be consistent.
Renee: I think that's fair. But if Monty plays like he did in the playoffs, we're in good shape.
Joel: Exactly. And that's the hope. Alright, we've got more questions coming up, but first, let's take a quick break. Stick with us.
Renee: Welcome back. Let's get into the roster battles. This question is from @CanadiensChick: 'Who wins the third-line center spot between Dach and Newhook?'
Joel: That's a good one. Dach has the size and the offensive upside, but Newhook has the speed and the versatility.
Renee: I feel like Dach's been the more consistent of the two.
Joel: I agree. If Dach can stay healthy, he's the guy. Newhook can slide to the wing if needed.
Renee: Alright, next up: 'Who's the second goalie behind Montembeault?' This one's from Tyler in Ottawa.
Joel: I think it's Dobes' job to lose. He showed flashes last year, and he's got the size.
Renee: But Fowler is knocking on the door.
Joel: Fowler's the future, but he needs reps. Let him play big minutes in Laval for one more season.
Renee: So you're saying Dobes gets the backup role to start the year?
Joel: That's my call. But training camp will decide it.
Renee: Another fan question, this one from @HabsGirl99: 'What line combination are you most excited to see?'
Joel: I want to see Demidov with Suzuki and Caufield. That could be the most dynamic line in hockey.
Renee: That's a scary thought for the rest of the division.
Joel: And then you've got Slafkovsky and Laine on the second line, that's a lot of size and skill.
Renee: Alright, let's take another quick break. More questions coming up.
Renee: Welcome back. Time for our favorite part of the mailbag: the fun hypothetical. This one's from @HabsFan4Life: 'If you could add any retired Habs legend to this current team, who would it be and why?'
Joel: Oh, that's easy for me. Guy Lafleur. His speed and goal-scoring would fit perfectly with Demidov and Suzuki.
Renee: The Flower on a line with Demidov? That's a video game line.
Joel: And you know he'd love playing on the big stage in Montreal again.
Renee: Alright, lightning round time. I'm going to throw out a quick take, you give me your instant reaction. Ready?
Joel: Let's do it.
Renee: The Canadiens will win 47 games this year.
Joel: I'll take the over. This team is too good.
Renee: Demidov will score 40 goals.
Joel: That's bold, but I think he's capable. I'll say 35-40 is the range.
Renee: The blue line gets traded before the deadline.
Joel: I've been saying that all summer. I think it happens.
Renee: And finally: the Leafs are the biggest threat in the Atlantic.
Joel: They're always the threat, but we've got their number. Remember that opening night matchup on September 29th.
Renee: We'll be ready for that one.
Renee: That's all the time we have today. Quick recap: Demidov is the future, goaltending is the question, and the blue line logjam is coming to a head.
Joel: And don't forget, we'll be back with full coverage of the season opener at Toronto.
Renee: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with your fellow Habs fans.
Joel: And as always, Go Habs Go!
Renee: We'll see you next time. Keep it locked to the Beatline Podcast Network.