The Montreal Canadiens’ announcement of their Rookie Camp roster for the 2024-25 season has generated excitement, particularly around promising forwards like Owen Beck and Filip Mesar. These two, along with others, have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially push for a spot on the NHL roster.
However, cracking the Canadiens’ lineup will be challenging, especially for forwards, as there are limited openings due to the several one-way NHL contracts that GM Kent Hughes has at his disposal. Much like the competition on the blue line, where the Canadiens’ defense is packed with depth, the forward group faces a similar situation. Although it’s a tight race, the camp offers a platform for a young player to potentially seize a rare opening and make their mark in the upcoming season.
Players like Beck and Mesar, who have shown flashes of potential in their development, will need to stand out among the competition. Their performances during Rookie Camp and preseason games could be critical in determining whether they can break through and earn a place on the Canadiens’ roster.
Fans will be watching closely to see how these young prospects perform, knowing that the competition for spots will be fierce.
Canadiens Lines
The Montreal Canadiens are heading into the 2024-25 season with some key decisions to make about their lineup, particularly when it comes to constructing their forward lines under head coach Martin St. Louis. His approach tends to categorize lines into two types: ones that play with energy and pace and others that emphasize puck possession. While the top line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovskyis versatile enough to do both, the bottom six lineup will be shaped by the style St. Louis wants to emphasize.
Top Line:
– Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky have already cemented themselves as the Canadiens’ top trio. This line combined for 81 goals last season, finishing as the team’s top three goal scorers. With their combined skill set, they have the potential to score over 100 goals if Slafkovsky continues to develop as expected.
Second Line:
– The second line is nearly set with the newly acquired Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach anchoring the duo. The question that remains is who will complete this line. If St. Louis wants to add more playmaking ability to complement Laine’s scoring touch and Dach’s versatility, Alex Newhook could be an ideal fit on the wing. Newhook’s creativity and speed could make this line a dynamic threat.
Third-Line Center Dilemma:
– If Newhook is placed on the second line, Christian Dvorak would likely center the third line. Dvorak, entering the final year of his contract, offers a more balanced, two-way game suited for the third line. However, should St. Louis opt to use Newhook as the third-line center, it could bring more offensive upside to the bottom six, leaving Dvorak’s role in question.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether St. Louis prioritizes playmaking on the second line or wants to distribute talent more evenly across all four lines. Given that Dvorak is in a contract year, it’s possible the team will lean toward maximizing his experience in the third-line center role while letting Newhook’s offensive instincts shine on a more prominent second line.
If Christian Dvora is slotted in as the third-line center, it creates an intriguing situation for the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup, especially on the wings. Josh Anderson, despite a disappointing 2023-24 season, is a natural fit for this line but will need a strong camp to solidify his position. His physical play and speed could complement Dvorak’s two-way game, but given the competition from Joel Armia, who is coming off a career-high 17-goal season, Anderson’s spot is far from guaranteed.
This battle between Anderson and Armia for the right-wing role could have ripple effects throughout the lineup. If one of them doesn’t secure the third-line spot, they will likely drop to the fourth line, where Jake Evans is expected to center a line featuring the hard-working Brendan Gallagher. Gallagher, a fan favorite and emotional leader, has faced significant injuries in recent years, and there’s concern that his aggressive style of play might lead to more time on the sidelines this season. If that happens, it could open up another spot for a young player to make an impact later in the year.
Left Wing Opportunity:
The left-wing position on the third line is where the door really opens for one of the Canadiens’ younger players to step in. With the third-line center and right-wing competition already fierce, the left-wing role is one of the few spots that appears truly up for grabs. Players like Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Jesse Ylönen, or even rookies like Owen Beck or Filip Mesar could push for a spot, depending on how well they perform in training camp and the preseason.
This battle for the third-line left-wing position will likely be one of the most exciting storylines of the Canadiens’ camp. Whoever secures the role will have a chance to play meaningful minutes and grow alongside more experienced linemates, potentially carving out a long-term spot on the roster. For St. Louis, this adds to the challenge of balancing experience with youthful energy as he builds his lineup for the 2024-25 season.
Canadiens Hopefuls
The role of the 13th forward on the Montreal Canadiens appears to be a more straightforward decision, with Michael Pezzetta having the inside track due to his familiarity with the role. Pezzetta has spent the past few seasons serving as an energy player who can come off the bench and provide physicality on the fourth line. His ability to stay ready despite long stretches in the press box makes him a known and reliable option for head coach Martin St. Louis.
However, Alex Barre-Boulet could provide competition for that spot. While Barre-Boulet brings a higher level of skill and competitiveness as a smaller forward, he’s more likely to spend the season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, where he can be a top-line player and provide leadership for a young roster. His versatility and offensive ability make him an intriguing option, but his role with the Canadiens could be more situational, depending on injuries or lineup changes.
The Real Drama: Third-Line Winger Battle
The most intense competition at Canadiens’ training camp is shaping up for the third-line winger position, which will be contested by Joshua Roy and Oliver Kapanen.
Joshua Roy enters camp as the “incumbent” after a solid debut last season. Roy was called up after posting an impressive 32 points in 41 games during his rookie AHL season. In 23 NHL games, he scored four goals and demonstrated his ability to be a reliable two-way player. Roy’s knack for puck retrieval and his smart, responsible play make him an appealing option for a third-line role, where he could develop further while bringing some offensive upside to the line.
Oliver Kapanen, while somewhat of an under-the-radar candidate, has the potential to surprise at camp. The Finnish forward is known for his high hockey IQ, good positioning, and versatility. Although he hasn’t had the same NHL exposure as Roy, Kapanen’s strong play in Europe and international tournaments has given him a reputation as a player who can handle various roles, including defensive assignments and penalty-killing duties. His skill set could make him a dark horse to claim the spot, especially if St. Louis prioritizes responsible two-way play on the third line.
Key Takeaway:
While Pezzetta is the frontrunner for the 13th forward role, the third-line winger competition between Roy and Kapanen will be one of the most interesting battles in camp. Roy’s experience and proven ability to adjust to the NHL give him the edge, but Kapanen’s well-rounded game could make things competitive. Both players have a chance to leave a lasting impression and carve out a significant role for the Canadiens this season.
