Montreal Canadiens: Michael McCarron feels he can be a top-nine player
Michael McCarron showed improvement against the Detroit Red Wings for the Montreal Canadiens, and he still believes that he can be a top-nine player.
The Montreal Canadiens have been patient with Michael McCarron. Although the young centre was never your typical first-round pick, there was still hope that he could pave a way into a full-time role in the NHL. It’s been a struggle for McCarron over the number of years as finding an identity with the Habs has at times left him invisible when given the opportunity. A prime example of that was the 23-year-old’s eight games early this season.
However, it looks like Monday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings was the beginning of something new and improved for McCarron. The 2013 first-round pick had his best game of the year by far, and if he continues to have that effort, a spot on the team will be there for him. McCarron picked the right time to do it as he’s in a contract year with the Montreal Canadiens. Before, many would agree that management would still bring him back next season, but his latest performance may have solidified that.
Many have tracked and projected where they believe McCarron’s spot will be with the Habs. The popular answer is as the team’s fourth line centre, but he would disagree with that. McCarron spoke with Dan Robertson of TSN 690 speaking to the prospect about his recent success and projections for the future. Robertson asked McCarron if he can be a regular NHLer and how he saw his role and if and when that happens where he replied saying:
I’ve said it before but, I feel good. I feel good out there. I feel like I belong here, I’m not a half step behind anymore. I’m getting in on the forecheck and I’m breaking up plays rather than when the pucks already moved before I make my head. I really feel like I’m an NHL player now especially these past couple of games I’ve felt really into it and I’ve felt confident and the game is slowing down for me. I see myself top nine at the end of the day and I gotta put in the work now and earn my spot.
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Glad to hear that he’s confident in himself and wants to improve. Additionally, McCarron’s belief that he can be a top-nine player fits with how he was being groomed in the Laval Rocket. Something else that he mentioned in his conversation with Robertson is that he’s keeping up with the pace and found it difficult to get dialled into games when going from 20 minutes to 8-10 minutes of ice time between the Laval Rocket and Montreal Canadiens.
McCarron also believes that he’s improved the mental aspects of his game as well as the on-ice details and it’s starting to show. Can he keep it up? Hopefully. Regardless of the assumed frustration from management, the only place the Habs want McCarron is in their lineup.
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