The Montreal Canadiens will not have a big defense and everyone knows it. This will cost the club victories and everyone is aware of this reality in Montreal.
But the goal will be to advance the young defenders of the club. Whether it’s in Laval or Montreal, you have to feel that the guys are progressing in all of this and they shouldn’t be placed in a difficult position.
That’s why the CH went to look for Johnathan Kovacevic on waivers. After all, while he’s not exactly Mr. Experience in the NHL (he’s four games behind the tie in the NHL), he’s going to eat up minutes instead of youngsters.
But that’s not all. According to what Renaud Lavoie said during Saturday’s game, GM Kent Hughes is not yet ready to finalize his defensive lineup for the start of the season and he would like to add anotherwhether via transaction or via waivers.
Is that why today’s press conference has been postponed to Wednesdayor to be ready to talk to the media knowing full well what the roster will look like?
Let’s keep in mind that the CH must submit its initial roster of 23 players at 5 p.m. to comply with the salary cap tonight, but that all can change. After all, injuries, waivers, trades, guy performances and the reality of the salary cap can affect the day-to-day running of the club.
According to what we know, Martin St-Louis is meeting with some players who will be cut today before practice at 11 a.m. to tell them some bad news. Kaiden Guhle should not be included.
That said, keep in mind that a player could be in practice at 11 a.m. but not on the 5 p.m. roster. After all, if a trade takes place by Wednesday, a youngster could be called up even before the first game.
So let’s not take training for cash, but we will still have clues.
But going back to defense, I understand Kent Hughes wanting to add one more guy. After all, besides the experience it takes at the blue line, you clearly have to have depth. The CH can not be an injured to be in trouble.
Prolongation
With the injury of Joel Edmundson and the uncertainty of Mike Matheson, the CH must have one more guy to ensure a good presence of veteran.
And if an addition were to be made, here’s how I see Wednesday’s defensive portrait.
- David Savard, Mike Matheson and Chris Wideman will be on the ice.
- Kaiden Guhle will have broken through the lineup and he will play with David Savard.
- Johnathan Kovacevic will be the club’s seventh (or perhaps sixth) defender.
- An addition will be made.
- Another youngster (either Arber Xhekaj or Jordan Harris) will be in uniform. The other will go to Laval.
Recall that yesterday, Corey Schueneman and Madison Bowey were placed on waivers. And with Otto Leskinen expected to go to Laval (just like Justin Barron, at this point), the picture should look like what I’ve stated.
But again, I could be wrong and that can also change with a movement of personnel. And like the CH is far from readyhelp is likely in Montreal.