In the exciting world of hockey, the Montreal Canadiens are facing a dilemma on defense as they head into the 2024-25 season. With a plethora of talented defensemen vying for a spot on the roster, General Manager Kent Hughes may have to make some tough decisions in order to balance the team.
One domino has already fallen, as Johnathan Kovacevic was traded to the New Jersey Devils for a fourth-round pick. But who else may find themselves on the move, and who will ultimately crack the opening night roster on the backend? These questions are on the minds of fans and analysts alike as the new season approaches.
According to insider sources, the three defensemen most likely to be on the move are Jordan Harris, Justin Barron, and Jayden Struble. While none of these players may individually fetch a high price in a trade, they could potentially be packaged together in a deal for a bigger forward. Barron, in particular, has struggled to live up to expectations since being acquired for Arturri Lehkonen. Despite his offensive potential, he often appears unsure of himself and lacks poise, especially in the defensive zone. Harris, on the other hand, is a more well-rounded player with strong skating and puck-moving abilities. However, he lacks a standout characteristic that sets him apart from his competitors like Guhle and Struble, who bring more size and physicality to the table. This makes Harris the most expendable defenseman for the Canadiens.
On the flip side, there are three young defensemen who are knocking on the door and pushing for a roster spot come October. Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, and David Reinbacher have all shown promise and skill that could earn them a place on the team. Hutson, in particular, has drawn comparisons to former Canadiens star P.K. Subban for his dynamic offensive abilities. Mailloux, who had a standout season in the AHL, proved he is ready for the NHL level in his debut. Reinbacher, a former fifth overall pick, struggled in the Swiss League but found his footing upon coming to North America. A full season in Laval could be just what he needs to make the transition to the NHL.
Looking at potential defensive pairings, it seems that veterans like Mike Matheson, David Savard, Kaiden Guhle, and Arber Xhekaj are likely locks for the lineup. Hutson could potentially find himself alongside Savard, while Guhle and Xhekaj could form another formidable duo on the ice. The door is wide open for Mailloux to make his mark, as he looks to solidify his spot on the right side of the defense.
As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for an exciting new season, the fate of their defense remains uncertain. With a mix of seasoned veterans, promising prospects, and potential trade candidates, the team has a lot to consider in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the roster takes shape and the puck drops on another thrilling season of NHL action.
