Montreal Canadiens: Final push for the youth in the organization

The Montreal Canadiens returned Michael McCarron, Kerby Rychel, and Brett Lernout to the Laval Rocket to further make a case for themselves.

The hockey season was over for all Montreal Canadiens save for three after Saturday’s loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Laval Rocket have two more games left both against the Toronto Marlies (ironically). It’s not much, but Michael McCarron, Kerby Rychel, and Brett Lernout have time to put a little more into the bank of their respective seasons.

Rychel has been a shining light after being acquired days ahead of the Trade Deadline. His impact in the AHL was expected seeing as how effective he was on the other side of the rivalry for these past two seasons. However what was a mystery was whether he had what it took to be an NHL player. After the four games Rychel played with the Montreal Canadiens, it’s safe to say that the answer is obvious.

McCarron and Lernout had their own evidence pieces to write as well. Both had less than ideal showings in the NHL earlier in the season and wanted to show the organization that they could be better. Lernout is the easiest name to pluck out from the two as he improved quietly in a Habs uniform.

His decision making and effectiveness in the defensive zone to read plays and clear pucks picked up in the latter half of the year. Additionally, he was able to use his skating to get to where he needed to be and was not often left in the dust similar to his first call-up against the Edmonton Oilers. Lernout has another year on his entry-level, so a contractual decision doesn’t need to be made yet. However, the 22-year-old made a good enough case to get a look at making next year’s opening lineup.

The microscope, as always, falls on McCarron. There’s no denying that the 2013 first-round pick looked better, but he’s still far from a lock to make the team. If anything, his contract may keep him from the AHL as he will require waivers to clear. However, what works in McCarron’s favour is that he has time to build on the progress he’s made already. That starts with these two Laval games.

After that, a decision is made which will most likely be a one or two-year extension. The real work starts then. McCarron needs to put in serious work this summer, even more than he did in last year’s. The same goes for Rychel and Lernout who have a shot at cracking the lineup.

The Montreal Canadiens need to establish a true sense of accountability as to who plays and who doesn’t. Work ethic, commitment, and drive for growth should never be a debate again. And similarly to what Claude Julien said, the young players can’t be absolved.

Next: The Winds of Change May Come Soon

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