Grading the Playoff Performances of Former Canadiens

While the Habs didn't make the playoffs, several of their former players did. With the first round now over, it's a good time to look at how those players performed.

As the Stanley Cup playoffs continue to capture the attention of hockey fans everywhere, former Montreal Canadiens are making their mark with new teams. Whether they’re leading their squads with standout performances or struggling under the playoff pressure, these ex-Habs are under the microscope. From Artturi Lehkonen’s remarkable impact with the Avalanche to Max Pacioretty’s struggles with the Capitals, let’s take a closer look at how each former Canadien is grading out in this year’s quest for the Cup.

Artturi Lehkonen – A++

Draft Information: Drafted by Montreal in the 2nd round, 55th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 396 games.

How’s he doing? Lehkonen exhibited a dominant and impressive first-round, showing an unexpected level of productivity with the Avs. He is undeniably the most impactful ex-Hab on the ice this postseason, earning accolades from both coaching staff and teammates.

Max Domi – B (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Phoenix in the 1st round, 12th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 153 games.

How’s he doing? Domi retains all the skill and determination that marked his time in Montreal. Despite the Leafs’ uneven performance against the Bruins, Domi maintained his intense play on the Leafs’ top line, striving to elevate the team’s star players to prominence.

Joel Edmundson – B (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by St. Louis in the 2nd round, 46th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 108 games.

How’s he doing? Edmundson introduced stability to the Leafs’ defence line despite struggling to contain the Bruins’ top pairing. It’s unlikely that Edmundson will be blamed for Toronto’s early exit.

Tyler Toffoli – A (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Los Angeles in the 2nd round, 47th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 89 games.

How’s he doing? Toffoli continued to display the scoring prowess that made him a fan favourite, standing out even in a challenging playoff series against the McKinnon-led Avs.

Phillip Danault – C- (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Chicago in the 1st round, 26th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 360 games.

How’s he doing? Danault encountered a challenging first round with the Kings, particularly against ex-Leaf Zach Hyman and the Oilers. His struggle with the physical play was unexpected, as was his absence from post-game pressers, drawing considerable criticism.

Max Pacioretty – D (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Montreal in the 1st round, 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 626 games.

How’s he doing? Far from his days as a mercurial playoff performer, Pacioretty was unable to break his goal drought, making him a non-factor against the formidable Rangers.

Sean Monahan – C (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Calgary in the 1st round, 6th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 74 games.

How’s he doing? Despite showing promise at the season’s end, Monahan could not deliver the offensive impact needed against the Avs, highlighting a need for more focused defence strategies.

Alexander Romanov – A (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Montreal in the 2nd round, 43rd overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 133 games.

How’s he doing? Romanov has been a stalwart defenceman for the Islanders, combining grit and mobility into a compelling package. Despite the team’s struggles, Romanov’s reliability has been evident, positioning him as a critical figure for future enhancements in team defence.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi – C

Draft Information: Drafted by Montreal in the 1st round, 3rd overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 171 games.

How’s he doing? Kotkaniemi has shown flashes of robust physical play and promising opportunities at the net typical of his style, yet consistent production has eluded him. With the playoffs progressing, the Canes are pondering his role, expecting more impactful contributions from the big Finn.

Michael McCarron – B (Eliminated)

Draft Information: Drafted by Montreal in the 1st round, 25th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Games Played in Montreal: 69 games.

How’s he doing? McCarron’s presence in the playoffs was marked by his characteristic physical play, contributing significantly to the Predators’ efforts. As the series against the high-flying Canucks intensified, McCarron’s impact was noticeable, making him one of the few Predators to consistently show up.