Performance of Montreal Canadiens’ Young Defenders Analyzed in Pre-season Game

The Montreal Canadiens‘ recent pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs provided a platform to observe the potential of their young defensive players. The Canadiens opted to field six young defensemen alongside a goaltender from the American Hockey League, during the match on Wednesday, which they lost 2-1. This strategic decision was aimed at testing their upcoming talent against the established veterans of the Maple Leafs.

Jakub Dobes, a promising young goaltender, was one of the standout performers, earning commendations for his outstanding play. “He’s a prospect to watch,” noted a colleague, highlighting Dobes’ potential for the future.

Among the defenders, Arber Xhekaj and David Reinbacher faced challenges throughout the game, with specific struggles highlighted for Xhekaj, who is also known by the moniker “Shérif”. Adam Engstrom also experienced moments of difficulty. In contrast, Justin Barron was acknowledged for his solid performance.

Jayden Struble and Lane Hutson were the defensemen who particularly impressed. Struble was lauded for his reliability on the defensive end, living up to the expectations set by his consistent performances in the past. However, it was Lane Hutson whose performance attracted considerable attention. Hutson demonstrated strong puck-handling skills, showing promise for his prospective place in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Hutson was tested considerably during the game. Paired with Justin Barron, who is not known for defensive prowess, Hutson played without seasoned partner David Savard and faced a robust opposition. Despite these challenges, he logged 25 minutes and 47 seconds of ice time, effectively handling several situations.

François Gagnon, a journalist who observed Hutson’s performance, remarked that while the defenseman’s game was excellent, it would be vital for him to learn to shorten his on-ice presence to avoid late-shift fatigue during regular-season games. “This is something Stéphane Robidas will need to focus on,” commented Gagnon on Hutson’s further development.

It’s important to note that pre-season games typically feature lineups that aren’t as competitive as those in the Stanley Cup finals. Therefore, performance metrics from these games should be approached with some caution. However, Hutson’s effort did not go unnoticed. Despite the need for improvement in a few areas, his strong showing was evident against the Maple Leafs.

Arber Xhekaj, whose performance showed a lack of urgency, could take inspiration from Hutson’s commitment on the ice. To secure substantial playing time, Xhekaj will need to demonstrate this kind of drive, according to team observers.

While the Canadiens defense faced some challenges, no defender was involved in any major incidents, such as the one where William Nylander of the Maple Leafs was knocked down and subsequently injured during the game.

Overall, the Canadiens’ future appears promising, with strong depth across all positions noted by observers during the pre-season campaign. As the team continues to refine its lineup for the regular season, the performance of players like Lane Hutson suggests potential growth and improvements within the squad.