Paul Byron’s perseverance and strength of character have long been praised. Over the next few days, it is his patience that will be tested.
Byron, who is almost completely recovered from a hip operation, will indeed have to wait a little longer to finally play a first game with the Montreal Canadiens in 2021-2022. His name was submitted to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol on Wednesday, along with that of goalkeeper Cayden Primeau.
The Canadian broke the news early in the afternoon, about half an hour before holding a practice session in Raleigh ahead of Thursday’s meeting against the Carolina Hurricanes.
In a press videoconference on Wednesday, head coach Dominique Ducharme clarified that it was not Byron who had received a positive result, but rather a member of his entourage.
The fact remains that Ducharme was disappointed for his rapid attacker, especially since his presence in the roster brings a special dimension to the Montreal team.
“A guy like Paul has built his career with his skills, yes, but he’s a guy with character. And for him, to be kept out of the game for so long to recover from his operation, it’s already hard, because he is a competitor and he wants to be on the ice, ”noted Ducharme, who said Byron had returned home.
“He’s approaching a comeback and unfortunately he’s got this bad news. It is so unfortunate. He was really ready, he was excited, he could see it was coming. He has another obstacle. It’s a question of time. One day, he’s going to be back with us, and we can’t wait to see him on the ice. He’s a guy who brings energy, he’s a character guy, he’s a challenge guy. We need guys like him, ”continued Ducharme.
The names of Byron and Primeau are added to those of forwards Laurent Dauphin, Mike Hoffman, Artturi Lehkonen and Tyler Toffoli, defenders Ben Chiarot, Joel Edmundson, Jeff Petry and Chris Wideman as well as goalkeeper Jake Allen, who are still submissive. to the circuit protocol.
In Primeau’s case, he will have to spend five days in a hotel in Tampa before getting permission to join his parents in New Jersey to complete his quarantine.
The team’s goalie coach, Eric Raymond, is also on the list of people subject to the protocol.
Take advantage of opportunities
After coming close to knocking down the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night, the Canadian will have another massive challenge Thursday against the Hurricanes.
This will be another opportunity for players like Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Kale Clague, who both scored their first NHL goals on Tuesday, to show off their desire to win.
“Tomorrow is another chance to show what they can do and bring in the same energy,” admitted Ducharme.
“When you put on a jersey, wherever you are, whatever the league, you’re playing to win. These young people have an opportunity to show what they can do. They want to prove themselves, they want to show that they are approaching the National League or that they have their place. […] As a player or as a person, when you aspire to do something, you must take advantage of your opportunities. And that’s what they’re trying to do. “
Samuel Montembeault will keep the goals against the Hurricanes, also confirmed Ducharme.