Struble Changing Rebuild Plans & Hutson Ready for NHL
A look at why Jayden Struble is changing the Habs' rebuild plans, Hutson is ready for the NHL, and more.
Welcome to the THW Montreal Canadiens Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Canadiens writers.
In today’s edition, we look at why Jayden Struble is changing the Habs' rebuild plans, Hutson is ready for the NHL, and more.
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Jayden Struble Changing Canadiens’ Rebuild Plans
January 8, 2024 by Blain Potvin
The Montreal Canadiens’ best asset in their rebuild thus far has been their depth of defensive prospects. Last season saw six rookies make their debuts with the club, and this season, another was added to the list, Jayden Struble. The Canadiens’ defence as a unit all play a mobile, puck-moving style. Some are more offensive, and some are more physical, but Struble, who was dubbed “a Greek God” by former general manager (GM) Marc Bergevin, can provide those skills, but can also play a simple, effective defensive game.
Current Canadiens GM Kent Hughes probably didn’t start this season with Struble on his list of “keepers”, the list of young defencemen that he will build his blue line around. But his play so far this season has forced him into that conversation. Now everyone watching can see how difficult it would be to take him off the NHL roster. Based only on his performance so far, is he here to stay?
Canadiens Goalie Montembeault a Starter in Principle Not Practice
January 8, 2024 by Ryan Szporer
One way or another, Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault is going to end up proving general manager Kent Hughes right and wrong in one fell swoop. Remember, once upon a time, Hughes went on record as saying he didn’t see any Habs goalie as having shown they can be a No. 1. However, having recently signed Montembeault to a three-year extension, he seems willing to bet on the netminder panning out, at least to a degree.
Canadiens’ Lane Hutson is NHL-Ready
January 6, 2024 by Blain Potvin
The 2024 World Junior Championship (WJC) has come to a close, and Team USA has won the gold medal over Team Sweden. Lane Hutson played a pivotal role, just as he does with his NCAA club, Boston University (BU). Canadiens fans should be excited with the way that Hutson has been developing his game overall. He has been outstanding for BU over his entire collegiate career and internationally.
Hutson has the potential to be a star; he has what it takes to do great things. Not only is he an offensive machine, but he has also been focused on improving defensively. There is a good chance that he would be able to be signed to an entry-level contract (ELC) and play a few games for Montreal before the 2023-24 season comes to a close. The question is, will he be ready to play in the NHL? His play this season says yes, and we will look at his current ability to play professionally.