(Buffalo) The Canadian’s first choice in the last draft David Reinbacher will begin his adventure in the Montreal uniform alongside William Trudeau, Friday evening in Buffalo.
The Habs’ prospects will then face those of the Buffalo Sabers at LECOM Harborcenter as part of a rookie tournament.
Reinbacher was selected fifth overall at the NHL auction in June in Nashville. He’s had the opportunity to stretch his legs with his Swiss club in Kloten over the past few weeks, and he’s already had a taste of what awaits him by participating in the Canadiens’ development camp in July.
“Reinbacher is a young player in training,” said Laval Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle, who is leading the Canadian’s hopes during the tournament. Putting him with Trudeau, who has more experience, can only help him. »
For his part, Trudeau said he was happy to have the responsibility of supporting the new darling of the group.
“It’s a great role to have,” admitted Trudeau, who is preparing to play a second season with the Rocket. He is an excellent defender. As much as he can learn from me, I can also learn from him. »
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
William Trudeau
Jakub Dobes will be the Canadian’s goaltender for the first game of the rookie tournament. The Habs will play again Saturday afternoon against the Boston Bruins, then Monday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators.
Defenseman Jayden Struble was temporarily retained in Montreal and did not participate in Friday’s morning skate. However, he was expected to arrive in Buffalo later in the day and be available for the next two games.
An opportunity to shine
This is the second year in a row that the Canadian has sent his hopes to the rookie tournament in Buffalo.
Last year, many prospects stood out and began their march towards a position with the Canadian, such as Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris and Kaiden Guhle.
Others had built the foundations in anticipation of a good learning season, like Owen Beck and Trudeau.
“When I arrived at the tournament last year, I don’t think the world was talking about me,” admitted Trudeau. I had three excellent matches.
“These are games that the rookies can play before the veterans. It prepares us for the main camp,” added the man who finally finished the last campaign as the Rocket’s No. 1 defender.
Forward Joshua Roy missed the rookie tournament after learning he suffered a broken finger just before the team left for Buffalo.
That didn’t stop Roy from having an excellent campaign. After all, he amassed 99 points in 55 games with the Sherbrooke Phœnix, in addition to helping Canada win the World Juniors. However, he hopes to take advantage of the tournament to put the machine in motion, at the start of his first season in the professional ranks.
“Everyone has fun. “It’s a great gang of guys,” Roy said. It’s a tournament, it’s competitive.
“If things go well here, the rest will go well,” he added.
Roy will play in what should be the Canadiens’ first line, alongside Beck and Emil Heineman.