Montreal Canadiens: The Impact of Victor Mete Staying With the Team
Montreal Canadiens head coach mentioned Wednesday that the plan is to keep Victor Mete up for the entire season, what ripple effects could this have?
The news regarding Victor Mete has gotten more satisfying as the days have gone by. First we learned that he had made the Montreal Canadiens out of camp. It was hard to gauge whether that was going to happen or not. Although he had an outstanding camp, the Habs were at 24 players and needed to make a decision to make the fit work.
Thankfully they were able to put David Schlemko on IR which provided room for the 19-year-old to make the team. That would give the Canadiens a week or two to gauge how well Mete can handle the NHL.
However, from Claude Julien‘s comments, it doesn’t look like this stint in the NHL is another trial for the rookie.
#Habs Julien says the organization is of the mindset that Mete will stay the whole season, not just 9 games.
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNWpg) October 4, 2017
Related Story: What Mete Can Become in the NHL
That’s a relief isn’t it? The Habs need some flair on their blue line, and Mete will provide that as the season progresses. There’s one thing to consider though, the “Schlemko on IR”, move is a temporary one. In some way shape or form, the Montreal Canadiens need to either make a trade or put someone on waivers.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
It’ll probably come down to one of the three extras still on the roster in Torrey Mitchell, Brandon Davidson, and Joseph Morrow. We could also throw in Mark Streit into this conversation depending on how he plays in the team’s first set of games.
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From the way he was handled in the preseason, I think the Julien and the rest of the coaching staff value Davidson the most even though he doesn’t have a clear spot. Despite his struggles, Julien continuously harped on the fact that he knew he could do better.
Mitchell lost his job to Jacob de La Rose, but could still see time on the ice if he falters. Therefore, it comes down to Morrow and Streit. You have to give the “edge” to Streit here to be the odd man out. Although he’s a proven winner, he’s lost a step playing at 39. Additionally, his cap hit is virtually nothing.
Morrow is still young enough where Julien can get it in his head that he can make him a better player. The same can be said about Davidson. If anyone is going to be cut from the team once Schlemko returns, it’ll definitely be one of the older players.
Next: The Keys to Success This Season
What do you think the Montreal Canadiens will do for room? Let us know what you think down below.