The upcoming training camp for the Montreal Canadiens is set to be particularly compelling, with numerous battles for positions anticipated. As the team’s rebuild progresses, young players will be eager to prove they deserve spots in the NHL lineup, especially on the blue line.
Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, and David Savard are likely secure in their positions, but there will be significant competition among the remaining defensemen. This push from younger players highlights the team’s depth and the potential for a dynamic defensive corps. The training camp will be a crucial period for these players to showcase their abilities and make their case for inclusion in the regular season roster.
With Kaiden Guhle locked up, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes can focus on further improving his team this offseason… even if he doesn't really need to #GoHabsGo #THW https://t.co/vfSU2zkD9I
— Ryan Szporer (@rszporer) August 3, 2024
The potential trade of Christian Dvorak by the Montreal Canadiens could have significant implications for the team’s lineup. According to Szporer, Dvorak’s departure would address “several problems,” notably in accommodating the return of Kirby Dach, which could shift Alex Newhook to the wing. This shift might push Joshua Roy out of the top-six, raising concerns about his development and potential role.
If Dach returns, there remains a spot in the top-six, with the first line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský likely staying intact. The second unit, featuring Dach and Newhook, will need a winger. Joel Armia is a logical candidate for this role, but if Joshua Roy impresses during training camp, he could secure his place in the top-six and avoid a situation similar to Jesse Ylönen, who lacked an offensive role to fully develop.
This dynamic makes the Canadiens’ training camp an intriguing period, as young players like Roy will be eager to seize the opportunity and solidify their positions in the NHL roster.
Il y a plusieurs raisons qui font en sorte que ça tombe sous le sens… pour le moment → https://t.co/Zu6YSe7w1o
— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) July 28, 2024
Trading Christian Dvorak to create a spot for Joshua Roy might not be the most straightforward solution for the Montreal Canadiens. Given that Dvorak is a center and Roy is a winger, the direct impact on opening a spot for Roy is less clear. Additionally, Dvorak may not be in high demand on the trade market, and moving him could require Kent Hughes to pay to offload a player who is not a significant issue and will be a free agent at the end of the season.
A potential trade involving Dvorak to Columbus for Patrik Laine could make sense in terms of balancing salaries, but without enough young players pushing for positions, the Canadiens might not be inclined to make such a move now. If Owen Beck impresses during training camp and earns a spot as a fourth center, the situation could change, but he is likely to spend the season in Laval.
Holding onto Dvorak until the trade deadline, when a team might be more interested in acquiring him, or letting his contract expire at the end of the season, could be more prudent strategies. This would allow Dvorak to fill the third center role until younger players are ready to step up.
In Overtime
– 61 points: do you see Jonathan Huberdeau reaching that plateau?
Are you taking the over or under on Jonathan Huberdeau? 💬
More @NHLFantasy player point projections from @NHLdotcom ➡️ https://t.co/8Bdqx7SECI pic.twitter.com/ucytVp2vAQ
— NHL (@NHL) August 4, 2024
Dog in the Cup.
DOG IN THE CUP! pic.twitter.com/LgBqcxa1kc
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 3, 2024
How do you feel about this projected lineup for the @penguins? 🐧
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/cyJEQu80nw pic.twitter.com/HILwL89EWH
— NHL (@NHL) August 4, 2024
