Jeff Petry is probably the happiest player at the Montreal Canadiens these days. Not only does the style of play of new interim head coach Martin St-Louis suit him, but he could also soon find his partner on the blue line.
Defender Joel Edmundson, who played with Petry last season, could soon play his first game this season, although there is nothing definitive about him yet. The 34-year-old American is impatient with the idea of reconnecting with him.
“He’s been through a few delays in his rehabilitation program, but it looks like this time around he’s really getting closer to his return to the game. He was one of our mainstays last year and he will be again. when he’s back in action. His physical presence will solidify our defense,” Petry said via video call after practice Monday.
Edmundson, who has not played since July 7, 2021 in the Stanley Cup Final, wore a white jersey in training at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard.
It’s a step up for him, as the 28-year-old veteran trained with his teammates in powder blue — no bodychecking — jerseys on Friday. The CH indicated that Edmundson will accompany his teammates in Western Canada, but confirmed that he will not face the Jets in Winnipeg, Tuesday evening. His presence will nevertheless have a beneficial effect in the CH locker room, according to Petry.
“It’s a teaser in the locker room, it always lightens the atmosphere. And we developed a great chemistry him and I on the ice last year. His physical presence and his defensive game allow me to prepare the recovery, which I appreciate, ”explained Petry.
The game of No. 26 of the Habs seems to have regained the hair of the beast for some time. According to the principal concerned, it is probably attributable to the arrival in post of St-Louis.
“We spend less time in our territory, which allows us to have more energy to support the offense and control the puck. As “Marty” (St-Louis) said, as soon as we take control of the puck, we are on offense. And as soon as we lose it in offensive territory, we play defense. Disc control is very important in its concept, and like I said before, I like having the puck and getting it around. The way we play right now suits me better, admitted Petry.
“He brought back the pleasure of coming to the arena,” added Petry about St. Louis. We know we’re going to have to work hard on the ice, but it’s fun to do it your way. We can’t wait to join him at the arena. It’s refreshing, and it’s been good for the team and me so far. »
For its part, St-Louis seems inclined to continue its work with its veteran defender.
“My ‘job’ is to ‘coach’ the guys who are here. And when I arrived, it was a new beginning for everyone. I came here not with the idea that this player was like this, or that one was like that. I want to see them every day, see their strengths and their weaknesses, mentioned St-Louis.
“Jeff has played great hockey so far since I’ve been here. He is a defender who is capable of defending himself, who brings the attack, who has a tiring hockey in the defensive zone. There are a lot of positives since I arrived here, and I’m happy that he feels good because he plays a big role for our team, ”continued the 46-year-old Quebecer.
Meanwhile, forward Joel Armia, who wore a no-contact burgundy jersey last Friday, also donned a regular jersey. He could therefore soon make his return to the game too, after receiving an accidental kick in the face of forward Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues on February 17. It is unclear at this time if he will return to his post on Tuesday.
The practice session was briefly interrupted so that forward Cédric Paquette could leave the ice after blocking a shot by Mathieu Perreault with his right skate. Interim head coach Martin St-Louis nevertheless mentioned that Paquette will accompany the team on his trip.
On the other hand, forwards Christian Dvorak and Jonathan Drouin continued their rehabilitation by skating together after their teammates’ training session. They will therefore not accompany their teammates for the start of the journey.
After its stopover in Winnipeg, where it will covet a sixth victory in a row, the Bleu-blanc-rouge will cross swords with the Calgary Flames. This will be forward Tyler Toffoli’s first game against his former team since the Feb. 14 trade. Toffoli has four goals and one assist in six games since joining the Flames.
The CH will continue its journey by visiting the Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday, before completing it by facing the Canucks in Vancouver next Wednesday.