Montreal Canadiens Preseason Retreat
In a shift from their usual pattern, the Montreal Canadiens will hold their preseason retreat in Quebec City this year instead of Mont Tremblant, coinciding with their game against the Ottawa Senators this Tuesday. Despite the special setting, the matchup remains part of the exhibition season, so the Canadiens are opting for a lineup that includes a number of absent key players.
Key Players Absent
Notably, captain Nick Suzuki, alongside forwards Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, will be sidelined, as well as defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Noah Dobson. Their situation isn’t surprising, given that both Guhle and Dobson have been nursing groin injuries.
Lineup Adjustments
As the team prepared for the game, the morning skate revealed some familiar faces but also key adjustments. The only unchanged line is that featuring Ivan Demidov, Alex Newhook, and Oliver Kapanen. In contrast, Zack Bolduc will shift to play alongside Kirby Dach and Brendan Gallagher, while newcomer Florian Xhekaj steps into Gallagher’s previous slot to join Jake Evans and Josh Anderson.
This realignment presents a crucial chance for younger players like Xhekaj, Joe Veleno, and Owen Beck to assert themselves, but it also sends a distinct signal to Patrik Laine regarding the competitive landscape within the team’s ranks. With Laine not joining Bolduc and Dach, head coach Martin St-Louis implied that players must earn their positions more fiercely this season than in the past.
“Not really, it’s not like the players don’t know each other already. We’re trying to make up lines and see what they’ll give us so that we can keep evaluating.”
Defensive Pairings
On defense, Jayden Struble is set to pair with Alexandre Carrier, who is confirmed in a stable role as the fifth defenseman. Arber Xhekaj will partner with Lane Hutson, while Mike Matheson teams up with Adam Engstrom. St-Louis mentioned that there’s a clearer picture emerging regarding the team’s primary line, but he’s cautious about income stability as this could lead to frustration among players hoping for more ice time.
This dynamic will be an aspect he will navigate throughout the season, especially concerning both even-strength and power play formations.
Goaltending Situation
In goal, head coach St-Louis announced Jakub Dobes will take the net for the entirety of the game, suggesting his performance has solidified him as the backup for Samuel Montembeault this upcoming season. Unfortunately for Kaapo Kahkonen, this development likely signals his impending placement on waivers and a subsequent move to the Laval Rocket.
Looking Ahead
As the preparation continues, St-Louis anticipates a more complete squad for the rematch in Montreal on Saturday, where he is expected to deploy Montembeault in goal. Following Tuesday’s game, the Canadiens will enjoy a day off in Quebec before public training sessions on Thursday and Friday, with a return to Brossard scheduled for a morning skate on Saturday.
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