Montreal Canadiens: The Saving Graces of the Preseason

Brett Lernout

It’s not always the best players who make it to the end of training camp. Sometimes you’re not just cut because you weren’t good enough, but because the organization wants to give you an opportunity to play big minutes somewhere else. Case and point, Brett Lernout.

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The young defenceman had a spectacular camp and looked even better in the few preseason games he played in. All eyes had been on 2015 1st round pick Noah Juulsen. Unfortunately he sustained an injury in his first preseason game and the microscope moved elsewhere for the time being.

Lernout deserved the spotlight though. He was one of the few reliable options for the Montreal Canadiens. He was rarely caught out of position and was very physical as well. It wasn’t just your ordinary hit though. There’s a big misconception towards the importance of a hit. Even though it spreads a little intimidation along the ice, your main objective to when you hit someone is to separate them from the puck. Lernout had no problem doing that.

Another thing that stood out about Lernout’s game was his hockey sense and shot. There’s a lot of weight to that shot of his that almost got him a goal or two. He also has the ability to find people breaking out. Think back the game against the New Jersey Devils where Lernout put the puck on Torrey Mitchell‘s tape for the breakaway.

He was by far one of the better defencemen for Montreal. So all the outrage for him being cut early was definitely warranted. However, it wont be long before fans get to see him with the team.