First
off, I was as surprised as anyone when I learned that Leblanc was cut by the
Montreal Canadiens. I thought that he was having a decent camp, but as Therrien
mentioned, Leblanc was going down early no matter what. Could he have been able
to force the team’s hand by having an amazing camp? Maybe, but the team’s idea
was already made. Some people are starting to write off Leblanc, but I still
believe in the Pointe-Claire native to eventually develop in a decent third
liner. To give himself better chances, the forward will need to develop some
kind of specialty, like a PK specialist for example.
As for the other cuts, I was at
first to see the likes of Reway and Hudon among the cuts, since they were
impressive with their talent level. However, it’s logical that they were cut
early since they would have never made the team.
Now, about the players that are
still here, I had the chance to see the inter-squad scrimmage, see Monday’s
game against Buffalo, and Wednesday’s practice. I can tell you that I would
make room for Jarred Tinordi on the team. The kid has improved tremendously
since last season. He is a much better skater, enough to keep up with most
forwards, and is obviously stronger. So far, in my opinion, he looks much
better than Murray and Drewiske, who are slated ahead of him in the depth
chart.
Speaking of Murray, he is
slow, reeeeeeally slow. I don’t know if he really has a
lower body injury – which could explain his turtle like pace – but
I get the feeling that this is just a cover up because he is in the middle of
trade talks since Tinordi has been outperforming him.
That or it’s Drewiske leaving, once
he comes back from that injury he suffered in a weird accident with Bouillon.
Watch out for Galchenyuk. The 19
year old phenom is obviously bigger, stronger, and faster. His talent level is
completely insane and he looks confident. Forget the sophomore jinx for him; he
will have a great season.
Gallagher also won’t suffer from the
sophomore jinx. He’s too much of a hard worker to see a decrease in his
production. Gallagher, Eller, and
Galchenyuk could become the team’s top offensive line.
Andrei Markov looks much more
comfortable on the ice now compared to last season. Having a full summer to
work-out without rehabbing an injury has obviously helped him. He looks quicker
and more agile, which can only be good news for the Habs. He still shouldn’t
see more than 23 minutes of ice time per game, nor heavy penalty killing
minutes, but he should still be the team’s best point producing defenseman
after Subban.
Speaking of which, P.K. is a
bull! During Wednesday’s practice, Subban and Galchenyuk would battler along
the boards, and it was quite the thing to see. You could see their talent level
on display, and I can tell you that both of these young franchise players won’t
disappoint this season. Subban looks as quick as last year and stronger.
Michaël Bournival is very impressive
this year so far. Scoring two goals against the Sabres is good way to impress,
but it’s his work ethic and awareness that impresses. He always seems to know
where to position himself and he isn’t shy to play the physical game. He may
very well have taken Louis Leblanc’s spot on the depth chart and earn himself
the right of being the first injury call-up this season.
Even though lots of people
compliment McCarron’s game, and with good reason, he still has ways to go
before being an NHL player. Yes he skates well for his massive frame, but he
still kind of looks awkward on his skates. He doesn’t seem to have a fluid
stride like Tinordi has, or his agility. He still has lots of work to do on his
skating and his puck skills. However, he does seem to have good instincts on
the ice and he uses his large body effectively. I’m looking forward to see how
he fares when he goes back in the CHL.
Now let’s hope the Habs start
winning some games.
(Photo by Clause Anderson/Getty
Images North America)
