The decision with the Canadiens forward group will likely divide fewer fans. Pacioretty, Galchenyuk, Gallagher, and Danault are going nowhere, while 'late-bloomer' Paul Byron did enough in one season at a measly $1.167M cap hit to assure his inclusion on this list as well. Spots six and seven, on the other hand, provide this management with a bit more flexibility. Bergevin has made it abundantly clear that he sees a need for size and toughness within the Montreal lineup. Therefore, Andrew Shaw and his strong possession numbers as a checking line centre all but assure him a spot as well. So with one pick to go, do the Canadiens continue a trend towards size in the lineup with Jacob De La Rose, or do they continue their development of diminutive forward Charles Hudon?

KIDS ON THE LOOSE

The Canadiens have three young forwards to consider for their last protection list slot. Although we haven't yet mentioned his name, Daniel Carr has seen the most action with the big club out of this group. The Union College alum has quickly proven his worth as an NCAA free agent by channeling the workman-like scoring mentality big league clubs convey. For a player of such a slight build, Carr manages to get to the net effectively and score most (if not all) of his goals within a couple feet of the net. Overall, his ability to move up and down the lineup provides a team valuable flexibility.

Jacob De La Rose provides the Montreal Canadiens a commodity they are sorely lacking: size up front. A 6'3 215lb frame and overall unknown scoring potential makes our assessment of De La Rose a tough one. Reports indicate he has taken on key face-off and penalty killing duties for the farm team in St. John's (soon to be Laval). Stints with the club in Montreal haven't exactly drawn rave reviews, but De La Rose was always going to be a bit of a project; frankly, most power forwards are. Habs management will likely remain hopeful in his development as a strong skating, physical third-line contributor. Whether or not his scoring touch progresses along with that is another story altogether.

Charles Hudon feels a bit like a forgotten man in Montreal. The Habs have called him up for only 6 total NHL games, despite his resounding success at the AHL level. Unlike the previously mentioned De La Rose, offensive ability is definitely not in question for Hudon, but surviving the physical toll of the NHL and finding opportunity within the Canadiens' top-six could be. Although he lacks the same versatility of Carr to play within either the Habs top-six or bottom-size, talent alone should separate Hudon as the player to protect. If not, his potential scoring production at the top level will all but guarantee a Golden Knights selection of the dynamic winger. Thus, we will act first and take Hudon off the table.