NHL · 1 year ago

5 Questions Ahead of Montreal Canadiens Training Camp

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Will More Kids Steal Spots?
Although spots will be hard to come by, if a young player forces the their hand, general manager Kent Hughes has proven he'll move out players to make it work. Heading into camp, there's multiple spots up for grabs on the backend, which could be won by the likes of Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom, or David Reinbacher. There's merit in all three of these defenseman challenging for a roster spot, with Mailloux likely holding an early edge. In addition, you have players like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen charging for spots up front. This kids are coming in Montreal, and the battles are plentiful.

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Where Does Lane Hutson Fit?
The buzz around Lane Hutson in Montreal is very real. Habs fans got a taste of what Hutson was capable of in their final two regular season games last year, and are now ready for the full course. Unless Hutson has an extremely poor showing in the preseason, all signs point to him starting the year in Montreal's top four on defense, likely next to a veteran in David Savard. Adding a player with the pure skill and hockey IQ that Hutson possesses is a major step in their rebuild. There will be growing pains along the way, but Hutson has proven his talent at every level. Next up is the NHL. No pressure, kid.

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Can Kirby Dach Bounce Back From Injury?
After playing only four periods for the Montreal Canadiens last season due to injury, it's going to be interesting to see how Kirby Dach looks in training camp, and early this season. By all accounts, Dach was ready to make the jump into being a second line center in the NHL last year. He looked the part in training camp in 2023, and a big season was expected from the young center. If the Habs want to leap frog multiple teams in the Eastern Conference, they'll need Dach to take the next step in his development and stay healthy.
Will Sam Montembeault Play Like a Number One?
We've seen what Sam Montembeault can be as a platoon goalie. What will he look like as a bonafide No. 1 goalie for the Montreal Canadiens? This is a big question for the team, knowing very well it will be difficult for them to take a step forward as a group if Montembeault takes a step back in goal. If Montembeault plays 50 games and Cayden Primeau plays around 32, will the Canadiens get the goaltending they need to stay in the playoff race?
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How Will the Bottom Six Shape Up?
It will be interesting to see the makeup of the Montreal Canadiens bottom six forward group in training camp. The likely frontrunners for roles include Josh Anderson, Joshua Roy, Christian Dvorak, Brendan Gallagher, Joel Armia, and Jake Evans. That doesn't even factor in some of the kids that will have something to say about pushing these veterans. Although by all accounts these six forwards will all start in Montreal this year, don't be surprised if a young forward earns their way into the mix.
Will More Kids Steal Spots?
Although spots will be hard to come by, if a young player forces the their hand, general manager Kent Hughes has proven he'll move out players to make it work. Heading into camp, there's multiple spots up for grabs on the backend, which could be won by the likes of Logan Mailloux, Adam Engstrom, or David Reinbacher. There's merit in all three of these defenseman challenging for a roster spot, with Mailloux likely holding an early edge. In addition, you have players like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen charging for spots up front. This kids are coming in Montreal, and the battles are plentiful.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Where Does Lane Hutson Fit?
The buzz around Lane Hutson in Montreal is very real. Habs fans got a taste of what Hutson was capable of in their final two regular season games last year, and are now ready for the full course. Unless Hutson has an extremely poor showing in the preseason, all signs point to him starting the year in Montreal's top four on defense, likely next to a veteran in David Savard. Adding a player with the pure skill and hockey IQ that Hutson possesses is a major step in their rebuild. There will be growing pains along the way, but Hutson has proven his talent at every level. Next up is the NHL. No pressure, kid.

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5 Questions Ahead of Montreal Canadiens Training Camp

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