Xavier Ouellet was an interesting name heading into the 2018-19 season. The Detroit Red Wings chose to buy out the final year of his contract despite being in a clear rebuilding stage where keeping relatively young talent seemed to be the way to go. However, he was made a free agent, and the Montreal Canadiens chose to bring him into the organization on a one-year contract, and it was just announced that they have done it again.
Ouellet started the season on the bottom pair making a convincing duo with Jordie Benn. The two defended well, and Ouellet’s playing style matched the new demands from the coaching staff in having a much more mobile and confident blue line.