Some observers already see Jordan Harris starting the season in Montreal. Others claim that Arber Xhekaj will win a position and that Mattias Norlinder will never have this chance due to his shortcomings in his territory.
For his part, the coach of the Canadian defenders, Stéphane Robidas, recalled that he was still early in the camp to draw conclusions.
“Everyone knows there are places available on the defense. The camp is still young, insisted Robidas on Sunday. We saw the rookies at the tournament in Buffalo. Since the beginning of the camp, we have seen great things in intra-squad games. We will see during the preparatory matches. The more it progresses, the more we will be able to evaluate the players. »
The Canadian continued his camp with the presentation of his traditional game Reds against Whites, Sunday afternoon at the Bell Centre.
Just under a dozen veterans were in uniform, leaving the spotlight to players looking to establish themselves with the Habs this season, or at least make a good impression on the team’s management.
However, striker Juraj Slafkovsky, first choice in the last draft, was left out. The darling of the supporters Cole Caufield had also been granted leave.
Anthony Richard was the star of the game. He had two goals and an assist in a 6-2 victory for the Reds in two 30-minute periods, of which only the last five minutes were stoppage time.
“It’s really impressive to see the crowd. Even though it’s an intra-squad game, it was special to hear the crowd supporting us. In the end, when we got the sticks up in the air, it was amazing to hear them in a game that really doesn’t matter at the end of the day,” Richard said.
His linemate Owen Beck had two assists. Beck, selected at 33e rank of the last repechage, continues to shine during the camp thanks to his good sense of the game on the ice.
“He’s a very smart player in his positioning,” Richard said of Beck. As a winger, I just have to stand out, pick up my speed. He is good at attracting a player and distributing the puck. I’m impressed to see such a young player being so calm in such an environment. »
Alex Green, Joel Armia, Jared Davidson and Xavier Simoneau also scored for the Reds, whose net was protected by Cayden Primeau and Kevin Poulin.
Brendan Gallagher and Lucas Condotta replied for the Whites. Samuel Montembeault and Riley Mercer allowed two and four goals respectively.
The trio of Gallagher, Christian Dvorak and Evgenii Dadonov was the best, among those featuring veterans.
“I like to play with them. They are two very good players, said Dadonov. But I believe we can continue to get to know each other. I try to make games by reading their actions. »
A five-minute three-on-three period was also featured. Xhekaj scored for the Reds during this period.
Ready to live with mistakes
Corey Schueneman had a good game on defense on Sunday. Robidas recalled that the 27-year-old American was also in the race for a position, although several younger hopefuls have been attracting attention since the start of the camp.
“I’m going to do anything to get a job,” Schueneman said. There are many candidates and therefore a good competition. The good thing is that it will make us all better players. »
Schueneman played 24 games with the Canadiens last winter, scoring two goals and four assists.
“It allowed me to see the speed of play and execution. I’ve also seen what it’s like to be a pro in the NHL,” Schueneman said.
With Joel Edmundson on the sidelines indefinitely with the same back problem as last year, the Canadiens have only three healthy veterans of more than 200 NHL games.
Three rookies could therefore be in uniform on the blue line on October 12, when the Canadiens begin their campaign by hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“For me, the important thing is to see the players relying on their strengths,” Robidas said. Mistakes will happen. It’s not an easy sport or an easy league. But you have to play your game without being afraid of making mistakes. »
“I’m a bit like a caddy in golf,” he added. My job is to guide them, support them and help them develop. Whether the player is young or old, I want us to improve every day as a defensive squad. »
It should be noted that Elizabeth Mantha, the first woman to referee in the QMJHL and a member of the official women’s group in the American Hockey League for two years, was one of the referees on duty on the ice on Sunday.
The Canadiens will play their first preseason game of camp Monday night at the Bell Center against the New Jersey Devils.