Excellent News Emerges for Kent Hughes and the Canadiens' Defensive Core

The additions of Lane Hutson at the start of the season, Alexandre Carrier during the campaign, and Noah Dobson this summer have completely changed the face of the club's blue line. According to Thomas Hickey of NHL Network, the Canadiens' top-6 ranks in the top 5 in the NHL.

Only the Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Washington Capitals rank ahead.

What's impressive about Hickey's entire ranking is that the Canadiens' defensive unit is very young compared to the other four teams. Only two players are over 25 years old among Kaiden Guhle (23), Noah Dobson (25), Lane Hutson (21), Alexandre Carrier (28), Mike Matheson (31), Jayden Struble (23), and Arber Xhekaj (24).

Let's not forget David Reinbacher (20) and Adam Engström (21), who will be knocking on the door of the big club sooner rather than later. Steven Ellis even believes that the Swede would be the best defensive prospect in several NHL organizations.

Last season, the Canadiens finished 22nd in goals against (261). The club will therefore have a big step to take in proving to the rest of the league that they truly belong among the top defensive units.

Defense coach Stéphane Robidas will have a lot of work ahead of him to develop his young core next season - especially once Reinbacher reaches the NHL.

But all of this is part of the process that, as Kent Hughes hopes, will lead the club to be competitive for many seasons.

Just imagine when these players gain more maturity and experience. This defensive unit could very well crack the top 3, even top 2 in the rankings.