The Canadiens rookies are preparing to return to Montreal. But first, they will play a third and final game on American soil by crossing swords, Sunday, at the stroke of noon, with the young Ottawa Senators.
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For the occasion, Juraj Slafkovsky, left out against the Devils, will return to training. This confrontation will also be an opportunity for Kaiden Guhle to see action for the first time at this tournament.
“He is ready to play matches. He had three good practices this week. He feels good, he is healthy,” said Jean-François Houle on Saturday after the team’s training at the LECOM Harborcenter.
Photo Micheline Veluvolu
If the Habs wanted to go gradually with the 20-year-old defenseman, it’s because he is just recovering from a lower-body injury suffered at the end of the season with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Junior League. from West.
Although he claims to be completely cured, the ensuing period of rehabilitation has had the effect of delaying his summer fitness work.
“I wanted to make sure my injury healed properly. I didn’t want to take the risk of making the situation worse at the dawn of my first season as a professional,” explained the Albertan.
Guhle therefore refrained from jumping on the ice until the beginning of August, when he came to Montreal.
“I was still able to do off-ice work. At home, I have what it takes to throw pucks, work on my stickhandling, that kind of thing,” said Guhle, who wore the Laval Rocket uniform for three games during the 2020-2021 season.
In addition to being able to receive the required care, this early presence in the metropolis allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the skaters who risk being his teammates for several seasons.
“I spent time with Arber (Xhekaj), whom I already knew from last year, Juraj (Slafkovsky) and Mesh (Filip Mesar). The two Slovaks are really good guys. We had a lot of fun. It was good getting to know them. »
These summer gatherings are, without a doubt, greatly appreciated by the management of the Canadian. After all, if these youngsters want to be the next strong core of the team, they might as well develop their esprit de corps now.