The Canadian rang. Rookies and veterans will undergo physical tests Wednesday at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard to begin training camp.
Coaches and players hope to prove the observers who are predicting a long and painful season wrong. They showed great confidence when they met reporters at the golf tournament last week.
People don’t like to talk about the beginning of a reconstruction. It is normal. It’s a word that has never been fashionable in Montreal. However, this is the reality their side have to deal with this season.
The training camp promises to be interesting. For the first time in a long time, several young players have the chance to secure a place in training ahead of the regular season.
The first candidates of the last two years, Juraj Slafkovsky and Kaiden Guhle, are being scrutinized by the Canadian’s staff. Despite their potential, they have to prove themselves. They have to perform well in the pre-season games to convince the league leaders.
First for St. Louis
This is Martin St-Louis’ first training camp as CH head coach. He already has a good idea of the team he wants to have under his control.
Since his appointment, he has used matches and practices to evaluate his squad. He now knows the players and people he works with on a daily basis.
As a player, St-Louis was a competitor. He didn’t like defeats and half measures. It’s a bit like the culture he’s been trying to establish since arriving.
However, this aspect does not change with the waving of a wand. He will still need time to get concrete things up and running.
expected fights
St-Louis will use the camp to try out some experiments. He will put specific players in specific situations to gauge their performance.
Positions are available within the formation. All skaters are aware of this. They know they can’t slow down until the final cuts.
During the final selection of the workforce, we experienced surprises. That’s the beauty of this camp. Everything is possible.
Eight burning questions as the camp dawns
1. Will Juraj Slafkovsky start the season in Montreal?
Photo archive, Pierre-Paul Poulin
That’s the $64,000 or maybe more question. Slafkowski has a real chance of starting the campaign with CH. If so, he has earned his place. The 18-year-old Slovakian will need to perform well in the pre-season games to reach his goal.
2. What will be the composition of the defense brigade?
Taking his first steps in the NHL as an assistant, Stéphane Robidas has an entire mandate under his belt. He needs to rebuild a unit with veterans and young players. The Quebecer must find the right recipe to prevent the goalies from being bombed every night. Even if he comes from the offspring, Kaiden Guhle will be one of the focal points during the camp.
3. How many recruits will break into the starting lineup?
Photo archive, Pierre-Paul Poulin
The Canadian is ready to give way to several youngsters in his squad for the first time in a long time. How many ? We do not know. Martin Saint Louis can frame it as best as possible. He does not say no to talent and passion.
4. How will Nick Suzuki behave in his new role as captain?
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
It will be interesting to see what kind of leadership the striker will have over his team-mates. It starts in training camp. He’s not just a player anymore. It is he who must lead the way from the first exercises. You shouldn’t see a problem because it’s natural for him.
5. Will Cole Caufield continue to fill the net?
Photo archive, Pierre-Paul Poulin
The small forward will come to camp with his traditional smile. He’s happy to play under Martin St-Louis and his performance at the end of last season is there to prove it. Now the biggest challenge for him will be to repeat his exploits from last season.
6. Will Jonathan Drouin be able to restart his career?
Photo archive, Ben Pelosse
Jonathan Drouin is a liberated man. He cleared his head. His wrist is healed. He’s returning to his number 27, which he had success with in Tampa Bay and the QMJHL. Everything is set for a season that lives up to expectations. Will he find his touch? Expectations are not very high in his case. He could be one of the nice surprises this season.
7. Among the newcomers, will Kirby Dach and Sean Monahan be able to make Kent Hughes look good?
acquisitions of hyphen and Monahan made noise during the summer season. What can we expect from them? The two giants have good intentions and can’t wait to make their debut with the Canadiens. Dach, with a long-term contract under his belt, has yet to prove himself in the NHL. As for Monahan, he could be a good catch if he stays away from the infirmary.
8. Montembault or Primeau?
Photo archive, Pierre-Paul Poulin
The league leaders expect a battle for the position of second goaltender behind Jake Allen. Samuel Montembault and Cayden Primeau have NHL contracts in their pockets. According to several experts, the Quebecer will have a position to lose during the camp. When he does the job, he doesn’t have to worry about the coaches’ decisions. Primeau smoked with Rocket in the last series. However, this phase came after very difficult times with CH. Consistency is key in his case.