3 Bold Predictions for the Montreal Canadiens in 2021-2022!

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Beerad
August 18, 2021 (4:34)

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The dog days of summer are here, but for Montreal Canadiens fans, there is lots of optimism after their magical run to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in nearly three decades. I'm with them on that optimism. Here are my three bold predictions for the Canadiens this coming season.

Prediction #1: Cole Caufield hits 30 goals.

After joining the Canadiens for the last 10 games of the season, he averaged around 13 minutes per game. Scoring 4 goals (2OT goals), which had him on pace for about 33 goals. Sure, small sample size, but Caufield is one of the most exciting prospects in hockey (if you still call him a prospect) and one of the most skilled young players coming into the league recently. He's only going to get better, and with what we've seen last season, maybe 30 goals isn't so bold?

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Prediction #2: Kotkaniemi Breaks Out Finally.
I think it's about time, don't you? He's got the skill, he's got the players around him, and a very competent management and coaching staff that will give him every opportunity possible to succeed. All signs point to a breakout season. I won't predict stat lines, but let's just say, Marc Bergevin won't look as bad for choosing him over Brady Tkachuk back in 2018.

Prediction #3: Marc Bergevin makes a blockbuster trade.
It's a contract year for Bergevin, and if it wasn't for the Stanley Cup run they just went on, I don't know how certain you can be whether he is getting resigned or not. We can all agree though, Bergevin has never been shy to pull the trigger on a big time deal. Whether fans like it or not, Bergevin is going to do what he thinks is best for the team. And again, the fact that he's in a contract year, he will be more eager and aggressive than ever to get something done that will get the Canadiens back in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Credit: TheHockeyWriters