Now that we are very close to the end of the difficult 2022-2023 season, many analyses are beginning to take place in preparation for the Montreal Canadiens' next campaign. Obviously, management will want to make changes to their organization to improve the team to be more competitive next year, while staying true to the long-term plan. Among the changes to be made by the Tricolore, there are three simple ones that should be easily accomplished and that could make a big difference on the overall performance of Martin St-Louis' team. <b>First change:</b> Samuel Montembeault will act as the number one goalie ahead of Jake Allen, or possibly Cayden Primeau. Despite the fact that the 32-year-old veteran will be paid almost four times as much as Montembeault, there is no longer any doubt that Allen can no longer handle a full-season starting goaltending role. A total of 50 games for the Quebecer, versus 32 games for the backup goaltender, seems to be the plan for the CH goaltending tandem. <b>Second change:</b> Keep Rafael Harvey-Pinard in Montreal and offer him a suitable role on offense. The effect of his addition to the Habs' lineup was instantaneous. He has been a spark plug for the team, scoring 14 goals and 20 points in 33 games with the big club. He can play on all four lines, as well as have a presence on the special teams. He's like a wild card that you can put anywhere in a lineup. <b>Third Change:</b> Young Justin Barron will be on the defensive squad as a regular defenseman next year, at the expense of Chris Wideman. The 21-year-old proved after his recall that he can bring something very solid to the Habs with his fluidity on skates and offensive support. He had 14 points in just 37 games, which would give him a 30+ point season over 82 games. That's a great return for a rookie. The defensive brigade will still be very young next year, with Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhejak, Jordan Harris and Johnathan Kovacevic. However, all four of these backs have proven this year that they can play in the NHL and develop at this level. Veterans Michael Matheson and David Savard will round out this young core. It is also important to note that Kent Hughes is likely to make several external changes over the summer. There were four major transactions in the 2022 off-season, and expect the same amount of movement potentially again this year. Credit: <a href='https://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens-improve-position-montembeault-harvey-pinard-2023-24/' class='link_marker' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The Hockey Writers</a> & <a href='https://www.habsetlnh.com/equipe-lnh/canadiens-de-montreal/Trois-changements-confirmes-chez-le-CH-pour-la-saison-prochaine-dont-un-surprenant' class='link_marker' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>HabsetLNH.com</a>