Alexander Romanov’s progress this season has not gone unnoticed. The defender won the Jacques-Beauchamp-Molson trophy, awarded annually “to the player who had a decisive role in the success of the team during the regular season [sic]without taking any special honors from it”, as described by the Habs.
Posted yesterday at 9:49 p.m.
The winner is determined by a ballot among the journalists who cover the team.
In his second season, Romanov was given increased responsibilities, first because Joel Edmundson missed three quarters of the season, then because Ben Chiarot and Brett Kulak were traded.
In 79 games, Romanov registered 3 goals and 10 assists for 13 points, while posting a -9 differential. From 17 min 15 s last year, his average time of use has climbed to 20 min 24 s He notably added the numerical disadvantage to his list of tasks, since he is the defender of the CH most used in this situation since leaving Chiarot.
Romanov also ranked 6and among NHL defensemen with 227 hits and 19and for blocked shots with 144. Such statistics speak volumes about his role as fourth star, which the Beauchamp-Molson trophy underlines.
The Russian has not been spared either, often facing the best opposing elements since he has been paired with veterans Chiarot and David Savard for a good part of the season. Moreover, the attacker against whom he has played the most minutes at 5 against 5 this season is Mitch Marner.
“He skates well, makes subtle little plays, can shoot, play physically; he has all the attributes of a solid defender, said of him Luke Richardson, assistant coach responsible for defenders at the Canadian. […] Before, he got rid of the puck quickly, whereas now he uses the space in front of him well to carry the disc. It’s not just a big defender looking for the big hit. »
On the ballot, Romanov received 10 votes of 1D place, while goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault got seven. Forward Jake Evans ranked 3and and got three votes of 3and square.
Romanov succeeds Jake Allen as winner of the Beauchamp-Molson Trophy. He is the first defender to win since Josh Gorges in 2011-2012.