The Montreal Canadiens confirmed to four youngsters on Monday that they have won a job with the team, but those players will now have to live with the responsibilities that come with playing in the NHL.
Forward Juraj Slafkovsky and defenders Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris learned during a meeting Monday morning that they will start the season with the Canadiens.
“It’s a childhood dream to play in the NHL. It was special to hear the news,” acknowledged Guhle, selected 16th overall in the 2020 draft.
Head coach Martin St-Louis explained that the four players learned the news at the same time, because “if you bring them in one at a time, they’ll think they’re being cut!” – he said with a hint of humor.
“They will definitely remember this day for a long time,” added St-Louis. But with this moment comes a responsibility, something they have to take care of every day.”
The four rookies must be aware that their place can be lost as quickly as they earned it.
“It’s a competition that never ends, recalled Harris, selected in the third round, 71st overall, in 2018. There are a lot of good players and you have to constantly improve.”
Slafkovsky, first choice in the last draft, showed a broad smile in the Habs’ locker room at the Bell Sports Complex after having managed to carve out a position at the age of 18.
He admitted that he hoped his parents would arrive from Slovakia in time for the Canadiens’ first game on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.
Slafkovsky was limited to two assists in six preseason games, but he believes he has improved from game to game.
“I think I got better at skating, winning battles, making good decisions,” Slafkovsky said. But there are still a lot of things I need to improve.”
Slafkovsky said he wants to be more physical in the forecheck.
The Canadiens cut five players from their camp to reduce their roster to 23 players on Monday. Goaltender Cayden Primeau, defenders Otto Leskinen and Justin Barron, as well as forwards Jesse Ylonen and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard have been traded to the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League.
“It’s not the end for them, reminded St-Louis. They will continue to work on what they want to accomplish in their life. They have a bright future, but it just won’t happen today.”
Defensemen Corey Schueneman and Madison Bowey were not claimed on waivers and will also report to the Rocket.
Xhekaj, who was never drafted, was also traded to the Rocket late Monday afternoon. However, a spokeswoman for the Canadian confirmed to The Canadian Press that it was only a maneuver to respect the constraints linked to the salary cap. Xhekaj will be recalled Tuesday morning to train with the Canadiens.
One more rival
Defender Johnathan Kovasevic made his first outings with the Canadiens on Monday. The Montreal club acquired the 25-year-old Ontarian from the Winnipeg Jets via waivers on Saturday.
“I think I had a good camp, but I knew there were a lot of good defensemen on the Jets,” Kovasevic said. I knew I was eligible for waivers this season and I was hoping maybe to have an opportunity somewhere else if ever there was congestion on the blue line. So I’m happy to be here.”
Kovasevic had 11 goals and 19 assists in 62 games with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League last season. He also played his first four NHL games with the Jets.
“I think I had a good season and they counted on me in all situations,” said Kovasevic.
“I hope to be able to bring a reliable presence (to the Canadiens). To be someone you can count on to move the puck and be solid in your zone,” he added.
St. Louis admitted he didn’t know much about the six-foot-four, 208-pound right-handed colossus until he met him Monday morning.
“He moves well despite his size,” said St-Louis. We will see for the future.”
Returns expected
Forwards Nick Suzuki, Christian Dvorak and Mike Hoffman reunited with their teammates in practice on Monday.
The Habs also announced that forward Joel Armia will be sidelined for one to two weeks with an upper body injury, while forward Emil Heineman will be out for approximately six weeks with an injury. one inch away.
In defence, Mike Matheson remains sidelined with a lower-body injury, and his condition will be reassessed daily.
For his part, Joel Edmundson has been training alone, but he still has no timeline for a return to play. Edmundson is struggling with the same back injury that limited him to 24 games last season .