Montreal Canadiens: Daniel Carr is making a case to stay
By Omar L
Daniel Carr is still the easy option to send down once Jonathan Drouin returns, but he’s showing the Montreal Canadiens each game why he should stay.
The Montreal Canadiens win streak is over. They had moments of solid play against the St. Louis Blues, but for the most part, they were outworked and outplayed. At the same time, a lot of the team’s key players went unnoticed for the full 60 minutes. Alex Galchenyuk and Paul Byron fell into this category, and we all took note of Max Pacioretty but for the wrong reasons. One player that you always noticed on the ice was Daniel Carr.
The 26-year-old has at least a point in each of the games he’s played with the Montreal Canadiens this season. However, it’s not just the offensive production that has made him effective. Carr does the little things every night. He plays with speed and tenacity, is hard on the puck and works along the boards.
Carr’s efforts on the Jordie Benn goal went beyond getting the assist. He screened Jake Allen pretty well to the point where he didn’t see the puck at all. If you watch the replay, Benn’s shot almost went over Allen’s head.
Nicolas Deslauriers is playing better as well, but it’s almost as if Carr is sparking them.
More from Editorials
- Montreal Canadiens: Senators Rebuild At Crisis Point As Kent Hughes Moves Forward
- Montreal Canadiens: Jonathan Drouin Continues Charity Work In Montreal After Leaving Habs
- Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Lineup Going To Be Must Watch
- Montreal Canadiens: Jesse Ylönen Contract Extension Analysis
- Montreal Canadiens: Top 31 Prospects – #31 Quentin Miller
Unfortunately, and as many have pointed out, waivers aren’t working in Carr’s favour. Byron Froese is past the milestone and requires waivers to be sent back down to the Laval Rocket whereas Deslauriers needs one more game. Carr, on the other hand, has an extended window due to the circumstances of his recall.
The Montreal Canadiens are going to have to make a tough decision, one that may help the team. Personally, I feel that Carr is making the Habs better and deserves to stay. However, I could understand why they would want to take the easier option. Froese hasn’t played as well as Carr has, but he’s a serviceable center and has good numbers in the AHL which may make him worth a try in the eyes of other teams.
Claude Julien has continued to be a coach who rewards players for doing things the right way. Carr has proven that in his short time with the Habs. We’ll have to see if that’s enough for him to stay as Jonathan Drouin gets closer to returning to the lineup.
Do you think the Montreal Canadiens will send Carr down to the Rocket? Let us know down in the comments.