OAKVILLE, ON | Junior Team Canada would certainly have preferred to have more than one NHL player on its roster, but at least the one player present will have a big impact on the team, according to head coach Alan Letang.
The only player on loan from a team in the Bettman circuit is defenseman Tristan Luneau, as Connor Bedard (Chicago), Adam Fantilli (Columbus), Zach Benson (Buffalo), Kevin Korchinski (Chicago) and Matthew Poitras (Boston) were not released.
It should be noted that Luneau is not the only player present at the national team camp in Oakville who has played games in the NHL – Fraser Minten played four games with the Leafs to start the season, Matthew Savoie played one with the Sabers and Owen Beck played last He was also with the Canadiens once this season – but he is the only one who was still in the squad of an NHL team before the start of the camp.
“He will have a big impact,” Letang predicted of the man running for team captain. These players returning from the NHL are admired by their teammates. He will take on a leadership role. However, his focus right now is probably on getting back into shape since he didn't play much in Anaheim.
In fact, Luneau only played seven games with the Ducks and six with the San Diego Gulls, her school team.
A chance before returning to the junior level?
Despite living his dream in California, Luneau did not view this loan to Junior Team Canada as a demotion from the Ducks, who informed him two weeks ago of their plan to loan him to the national team.
“They warned me that they would release me so that I could experience this tournament at least once. It’s really fun that they take the time to do this,” he assured.
And the path seems ideal because as soon as the tournament is over, he will return to the QMJHL to complete his junior internship with a team that is aiming for major honors, as the Gatineau Matériaux will trade him in the next trade period.
“The Ducks told me it would depend on my final games, but the original plan was for me to start the season in Anaheim, go to the World Juniors and then come back [au niveau] Junior. They haven’t talked to me about it anymore, so I don’t know if I was well enough to stay.”
Training stay
Although he only played seven games, Luneau believes he learned quickly in the NHL. Of course, spending a lot of time on the bridge comes with some challenges, especially mentally, but the benefits were worth it.
“I've been working hard in the gym and really improving the physical and defensive side of my game. Being stronger makes it easier to win battles.” You can play harder in your zone and initiate more defensive plays. Plus, everything speed-related has improved by practicing at the NHL pace.
His good friend Noah Warren, who was also in attendance at the ECJ camp, couldn't help but notice the improvements in Luneau's game.
“You see, he spent a lot of time in the gym to get stronger and physically fit. He also keeps his game simpler. “He plays the game he has to and doesn’t try to do too much,” he believes.