The Montreal Canadiens training camp is in full swing. The team has already played a few pre-season games, and we are beginning to get an idea of what the opening night lines will look like. The defence seemingly is set in stone, but there are still a few forward spots up for grabs. So who is in contention for these final roster spots and who will claim them? Let’s take a look at which Montreal Canadiens could make the opening night roster.
Montreal Canadiens Forward Battle
A Glimpse at The Canadiens Lines and Available Spots
The Montreal Canadiens top two lines appear to be set in stone. Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky have been one of the NHL’s most productive lines over the past two seasons. They had a strong pre-season debut, and there is no reason to break them up at this stage. The second line features Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, and rookie Ivan Demidov. There have been some question marks surrounding Dach’s health and whether or not he is capable of centring the second trio. However, as of now, it appears they are going in that direction as he is their best internal option. Finally, the fourth line is made up of veterans Josh Anderson, Jake Evans, and Brendan Gallagher. They form likely the most expensive fourth line in the league. However, due to the newfound depth up front, Gallagher and Anderson are slotted further down the lineup.
The third line is where the question marks come in. It appears as though Zachary Bolduc and Alex Newhook will make up two-thirds of the trio. Whether Newhook will play centre or wing is another question, however. As for their linemate, there are several candidates for the role. There is also at least one extra forward spot available on the roster, potentially two if the Canadiens choose to carry fourteen forwards.
The Favourites: Oliver Kapanen, Joe Veleno, and Sammy Blais
Oliver Kapanen appears to be the current favourite to play with Newhook and Bolduc. He started the season in Montreal last year before being loaned to Sweden for the majority of the season. In total, he played eighteen games as well as three playoff contests for the Canadiens. He got a look centring the second line in the preseason, although it’s unlikely he starts there. The fact that he can play centre or wing gives him a leg up on some of his competition.
Joe Veleno and Sammy Blais were both signed by the Canadiens in free agency this offseason. Blais is set to become a UFA at the conclusion of the year, while Veleno will be an RFA. Both were born in Quebec and will be looking for an opportunity to play for their hometown club. Veleno, a former first-round pick, has struggled to find a consistent role in the NHL. He will be joining the fourth club of his young career. However, he has more NHL experience and success than the majority of players he is competing with. He should be a strong candidate to slot in alongside Bolduc and Newhook.
As for Blais, he spent last year in the AHL, where he found some offensive success on a championship-winning Abbotsford Canucks roster. However, throughout his career, he has been a fourth-line grinder at the NHL level. The 29-year-old veteran was brought in essentially as a replacement for Michael Pezzetta, who left in free agency.
Longshots: Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, and Florian Xhekaj
A trio of rookies will also be looking to stake their claim and battle their way onto the roster. Joshua Roy was expected to start last season in Montreal, potentially in a top-nine role. However, a poor training camp performance halted those hopes. He has had strong numbers in the AHL over the last two years, but hasn’t been able to graduate to the NHL on a full-time basis. Roy appears to have been passed on the depth chart at this point. It will be an uphill battle for him to make the Canadiens this season.
Owen Beck saw twelve games of NHL action last year in the midst of a successful first pro season in Laval. He is a very responsible two-way player even at a young age. However, at only 21 years old and with only a year of pro experience under his belt, the Canadiens may opt to give him another year in the minors.
Florian Xhekaj has been making waves early in the preseason. He scored a goal in his pre-season debut, as well as holding his own against heavyweight Nicolas Deslauriers in a tilt. Much like his brother Arber, he came out of nowhere last year and notched twenty goals in his first season in Laval. Many fans want to see him in a Canadiens uniform as soon as this season. However, there is no reason to rush the youngster. There may not yet be room on the Canadiens roster for Xhekaj this season.
Final Verdict
The final spot on opening night will likely come down to Veleno and Kapanen. The other may stay on the roster as an extra forward, but if it’s Kapanen who sits, Montreal might want him playing bigger minutes in Laval instead. Samuel Blais should also make the roster as an extra forward, replacing Michael Pezzetta. Blais will likely only see playing time in the event of an injury.
Roy and Beck have an outside chance at making the squad. However, they will need a stellar training camp to do so. Despite not making the team, they will be the first call-ups if need be throughout the year. As for Xhekaj, his play has turned some heads, but it’s still too soon for him to make the Canadiens.
Roster Spot Winners: Joe Veleno, Sammy Blais, Oliver Kapanen
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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