Montreal Canadiens fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Montreal Canadiens. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

Cole Caufield, RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 80

Reason for optimism: Caufield missed the final 36 games of the season (shoulder surgery), but prior to his injury he was tied for the 11th-most goals in the NHL last season (26 in 46 games). Caufield was on an 82-game pace for 46 goals last season, and if he can remain healthy, could be a candidate to hit the 40-goal mark this season.

NHL.com point projection: 69

Nick Suzuki, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 164

Reason for optimism: Suzuki recorded NHL career highs in goals (26) and points (66 in 82 games) last season, all while playing without Caufield for almost half of the year. He has high individual upside with a large role as the center on Montreal's top line, and with a full season skating at even strength and on the power play with Caufield, could set new career highs in all production categories.

NHL.com point projection: 70

Juraj Slafkovsky, LW/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 239

Reason for optimism: The first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft made the Canadiens roster out of training camp last season but had a slow start with 10 points (four goals, six assists) in only 39 games prior to sustaining a knee injury. Slafkovsky has high individual upside this season if he remains healthy with the chance to play top-six, potentially first line, minutes and substantial power-play time. This makes him a deep sleeper candidate in fantasy drafts and a player to watch in keeper and dynasty leagues.

NHL.com point projection: 46

Mike Matheson, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 250

Reason for optimism: Matheson emerged as the top fantasy option among Canadiens defensemen last season with an NHL career-high 34 points (eight goals, 26 assists) and nine power-play points in 48 games. With forwards Caufield, Slafkovsky and Sean Monahan expected to be healthy and the acquisition of Alex Newhook, Matheson could return even more fantasy value as a deep sleeper this season.

NHL.com point projection: 42

Other MTL players to consider in fantasy: Kirby Dach, C/RW; Alex Newhook, C/LW; Brendan Gallagher, RW