The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for an exciting season, with final roster decisions made and lines beginning to take shape. This year’s team boasts newfound depth, presenting both opportunities and questions for head coach Martin St. Louis. Key focuses include Alex Newhook’s pivotal role, the promising emergence of Oliver Kapanen, and the established top line of Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovský. We’ll also delve into Jayden Struble’s positive mindset and Cole Caufield’s Olympic dreams.
The pre-season has offered a glimpse into the Canadiens’ evolving strategy, revealing that some difficult choices had to be made with the final cuts. Despite the disappointment experienced by players like Florian Xhekaj and Owen Beck, their performance has demonstrated the organization’s improved depth. The team is now better positioned to handle potential injuries and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.
Final Roster Decisions and Waiver Moves
Martin St. Louis communicated frankly about the tough decisions surrounding the final roster cuts. While players like Florian Xhekaj, Owen Beck and Adam Engström were sent to the Laval Rocket, St. Louis emphasized that their performance in camp proved they are on their way to playing in the NHL. The fact that there was a justifiable reason for each of them to make the team is a testament to the Canadiens’ improved depth.
The only real surprise was the decision to expose Samuel Blais to waivers rather than keeping him as a 14th forward. Joe Veleno, with his versatility and determination to prove himself, secured a spot as the 13th forward. Veleno’s ability to play left-shot center also adds valuable depth to the roster.
The Established Top Line: Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovský
One certainty for the Canadiens is their established top line featuring Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský. The chemistry between these players has been evident, with Caufield noting that playing together consistently allows them to anticipate each other’s moves.
Statistical evidence supports the line’s effectiveness. Over the past two seasons, the Canadiens have outscored opponents 90-63 at five-on-five with Suzuki, Caufield, and Slafkovský on the ice. Their performance last season ranked among the top forward lines in the NHL, highlighting their importance as a building block for the team.
Alex Newhook’s Heightened Importance
Alex Newhook’s role has become increasingly vital for the Canadiens. Initially expected to center a line with Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and Brendan Gallagher, the lines were shuffled, leading to a new combination of Newhook, Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov. St. Louis saw enough from this trio after just one game to warrant further evaluation.
Newhook, the veteran of the line at 24, is expected to provide leadership and experience to his younger linemates. Beyond his offensive contributions, Newhook will also be relied upon to kill penalties and take crucial faceoffs on the left side, an area where the Canadiens lack depth following Christian Dvorak’s departure.
Faceoff Focus: Learning from Patrice Bergeron
Recognizing the importance of faceoffs, Newhook dedicated his offseason to improving in this area. He sought guidance from renowned faceoff specialist Patrice Bergeron, focusing on the theory and technique behind winning draws.
Newhook explained that Bergeron emphasized owning the left side of the dot and leveraging body positioning to gain an advantage. The early results from the preseason suggest that Newhook’s hard work has paid off, making him a key asset for the Canadiens in crucial faceoff situations.
Jayden Struble’s Healthy Mindset
Defenseman Jayden Struble has maintained a positive attitude throughout training camp, despite the uncertainty surrounding his spot in the lineup. With established pairings ahead of him, Struble has focused on making the most of every opportunity and not dwelling on potential outcomes.
Struble’s ability to stay grounded stems from his experiences last season when he was out of the lineup for extended periods. He learned the importance of gratitude and hard work, which has allowed him to approach this training camp with a resilient and focused mindset. Struble’s presence on the roster is assured, and he remains ready to contribute whenever called upon.
Cole Caufield’s Olympic Ambitions
While Cole Caufield remained coy about setting personal goal targets for the upcoming season, he readily admitted that the prospect of playing for the United States at the Olympics is on his mind. Caufield recognizes that earning a spot on the Olympic team requires a strong season and a focus on team success.
The Olympics hold special significance for Caufield and his linemates, with Suzuki also potentially in contention for a spot on Team Canada and Slafkovský a likely representative for Slovakia. The opportunity to represent their countries on the world stage serves as a powerful motivator for these players.
Final Thoughts on the Canadiens’ Outlook
As the Montreal Canadiens embark on the new season, the team’s improved depth and evolving lineup present both excitement and challenges. With key players like Alex Newhook stepping into vital roles, the established top line leading the way, and promising young talents emerging, the Canadiens are poised to make strides. The blend of experience and youth, combined with a renewed focus on key aspects of the game such as faceoffs, provides a foundation for success.
The Canadiens’ journey will be one to watch, with the potential for individual players to shine on the international stage at the Olympics. As the season unfolds, the Canadiens will aim to solidify their identity, build on their strengths, and ultimately contend for a playoff spot. The blend of skill, determination, and a healthy mindset promises to make this season a memorable one for the team and its fans.
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