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NHL division previews: 2017-18 Atlantic Division

By Nic Hendrickson

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 08: Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) gets congratulated on his game winning goal in overtime during the NHL hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings on April 8, 2017, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 08: Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) gets congratulated on his game winning goal in overtime during the NHL hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings on April 8, 2017, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – SEPTEMBER 23: Montreal Canadiens defensemen Karl Alzner (
OTTAWA, ON – SEPTEMBER 23: Montreal Canadiens defensemen Karl Alzner ( /

1st in 2017-18 Atlantic Division – Montreal Canadiens

Although it was a tough decision to pick the best of the top three here, the Canadiens are the pick to repeat as Atlantic Division champions. With Karlsson out in Ottawa, the youth in Toronto and Tampa Bay hoping Stamkos can stay healthy, Montreal looks the safest bet to win the division.

One of their biggest needs heading into the off-season was a number one center, and they may have found their solution. Acquiring Jonathan Drouin from the Lightning for very promising defensive prospect Mikhail Sergachev was a good deal for them. And although Drouin played mostly on the wing, he has reportedly been putting in the work to transition full-time to center.

If Drouin can slot into the center position next to Pacioretty, this could be a partnership worth salivating over. Drouin had his breakout year last season, scoring 21 goals and getting 53 points in 73 games, a promising year from someone who is now only 22 and ready to fill a void the Canadiens have had for quite some time.

Another interesting note is that if Drouin is to somehow lead the Canadiens in scoring, it will be the first time in over a decade that a French-Canadian will have done it for the Canadiens.

The only relative worry for the Canadiens would be the depth in defense. Bringing in Karl Alzner was a very smart decision, and he will slot into the top pairing with Shea Weber. After that is a bit precarious, however. Jordie Benn and Jeff Petry look to be a solid second pairing, but consistency will be the key. And for the third pairing, a partnership of David Schlemko and possibly Brandon Davidson looks to be rather sub-par.

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The silver lining to this all is that they are back by one of the truly elite goaltenders in the league in Carey Price. not much needs to be said about Price, as everyone knows his quality. He will win the Habs a few games, simple as that.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Victor Mete. While not a large defenseman, Mete has surprised many with his solid play in the preseason. Taken 100th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Mete was seen as a long-term project, but that may be a lot less long-term than previously expected. Regardless of where he ends up playing, he is a Canadiens prospect to keep an eye on for the future of the blue line.