Andrei produced a stellar 26-goal season after two less-than-impressive NHL tryouts (14 points in 34 games between 2005/06-2006/07). Both players are going to round into stars in this league, and like the Sedins (and the Niedermayers), an additional comfort level is brought to the table when you get to play with family.
The acquisition of Robert Lang offers up a solid shot for the Kostitsyn's to rely on, and a player who's been around for a bit to offer a brain to pick for the youngsters. Even at 37, Lang can still be a 50-point performer, and may even receive a bit of a boost from being surrounded with a tad of youthful exuberance.
Tomas Plekanec continued to improve his play, going from a 47-point season in 2006/07 to a 69-point season in 2007/08. Plekanec displayed the proficiency to score last season (29 goals), and the vision to be a quality set-up man. Add in to that his quality two-way game, and the Canadiens' have their next great centerman.
The Canadiens continued to toughen up over the offseason as well, adding Montreal-native Georges Laraque to the mix. Laraque is still the premiere heavyweight in the NHL, and adding him to the roster adds the grit to ensure their superstars won't get pushed around, while Steve Begin and Maxim Lapierre are going to be the Sean Avery-emulators for the Habs, getting under the skin of the opposition.
Guillaume Latendresse could be a factor for the Habs if he can step up his two-way play and become a 20-goal threat, while Kyle Chipchura, Chris Higgins, and Tom Kostopoulos will be battling it out to be the go-to energy guys and grinders.
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