The Canadian | In the notebook of Stéphane Robidas

Martin St-Louis having obtained a rare interview leave with the media, it was Stéphane Robidas, assistant coach in charge of the defenders of the Canadiens, who had the thankless task of facing the infamous Montreal press. Perfectly at ease in front of the cameras, he shared his thoughts on some of his protégés. Overview.

Justin Barron

Context : Having spent the entire first half of the season in the American League, the Nova Scotia native had a lot of difficulties following his recall to the NHL at the end of 2022. Often dropped in defensive cover, he struggled to simply survive on the rink. After skipping a few games, he has come back strong and is gaining confidence, especially on the attacking side, one of his great strengths.

In the words of Robidas: “The Laval Rocket coaches did a good job with him. adam nicholas [entraîneur spécialisé] also, with whom he made a lot of video. Defensively, his game has improved greatly. I really like what he is able to bring to the team. »

Arber Xhekaj

Context : The big guy has the faults of his qualities. Fiery, fearless and in love with the robust game, he is the first to defend his teammates… but also sins by indiscipline. He is now the most punished player in the league, having already fought eight times. He also had 16 minor penalties in 46 games.

In the words of Robidas: “He is learning a lot. Last year, he was still in the Ontario Junior League. We see good progress with him. Martin St-Louis spoke to him a few times about these things. We try to keep constant communication with him to talk to him about the details we learn inside the game. »

Chris Wideman

Context : At 33, Wideman is the dean in defense. However, he has already been left out 20 times in 48 games. And even when he is in uniform, the one we knew was limited defensively hardly plays on the power play anymore. Including Kaiden Guhle, currently injured, he finds himself ninth in the hierarchy in his position. Even if he is very popular with his teammates, does he represent a management challenge for his bosses?

In the words of Robidas: “Honestly, he’s a real pro. I watch the enthusiasm he shows in training and the way he interacts with our young defenders, and I tip my hat to him. It’s not easy for him, but he never complains. He always has a good attitude, a good work ethic. […] For me, that’s what being a good teammate is all about. When we talk about culture [d’organisation], he’s the kind of player we want in training. »

Joel Edmundson

Context : We know Joel Edmundson and the leadership he brings to the locker room. But on the ice, he is not having a good season. His differential of -20 is among the worst in the league. As he finds himself among the potential candidates for a transaction, one wonders whether, in the eyes of the other teams, he is being judged for his present or past performance. A journalist therefore wanted to discuss Edmundson’s season specifically; on this one, Robidas rather insisted on his personal qualities.

In the words of Robidas: “He missed training camp, but as soon as he got back [le 3 novembre], we saw the presence he could have. He is a respected player in the league, he is physically imposing, he is able to take big minutes. I think he has a reassuring presence for young defenders who have the chance to play with him. He started with Xhekaj, this is Barron. It makes a very good job. »

Kaiden Guhlé

Context : One of the organization’s most promising prospects suffered a knee injury on December 29 in Florida. We probably won’t see him again until March. This is all the more heartbreaking since his progress was already evident. Even if he can’t play, his development seems to continue otherwise.

In the words of Robidas: “He watches the matches from above [sur la galerie de la presse] and not on television. You can learn a lot from there. The game is slower, you can grab some things and use that time to improve and come back stronger. That’s what he does. We would like to have him on the ice, but he has to make the best of the situation. »