When one looks at the Montreal Canadiens’ depth chart, there is one weakness that jumps out, and it’s nothing new to those who follow the team: the left side of the defence is presently weak, and the pipeline offers no hint of immediate relief.
Victor Mete formed a pair with Shea Weber this season, though with mixed success. Mete’s speed allowed him to backcheck effectively, and he had a good breakout game. Unfortunately, he doesn’t add much offensive production.
Karl Alzner was signed as a free agent two seasons ago to become a steady regular on the second pairing, but it quickly became apparent that he could not keep up with the quicker pace of the game, and found himself in the AHL this season, with seemingly no future on the Canadiens’ roster.