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Montreal Canadiens: Victor Mete has moved into a new era of his life

By Omar L

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 26: Victor Mete #53 of the Montreal Canadiens takes to the ice prior the NHL against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre on February 26, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 26: Victor Mete #53 of the Montreal Canadiens takes to the ice prior the NHL against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre on February 26, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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The Montreal Canadiens had another birthday to celebrate yesterday as Victor Mete turned 20 losing his status as a teenager.

There were several things that made Victor Mete making the Montreal Canadiens out of camp special. For one, it would be his debut season in the NHL. If you asked anyone what new face would be on the team that October, Mete may not have been the first choice. But he quickly proved fans and management why it was the right decision.

What stood out the most about the Woodbridge native’s debut was his age. Mete made the team on as a 19-year-old. It’s not unheard of for young defencemen to play in the NHL, but it’s unique nonetheless. He started the season as Shea Weber‘s partner on the top pair and didn’t look too bad doing it either.

However, the wear and tear of the NHL caught up with him that led to a lower slotting along the blueline. The debates as to whether the Habs should send Mete back to junior caught steam as it didn’t make sense to have him in and out of the lineup. The World Juniors came and went, Mete got his gold medal and was right back with the team.

He looked more improved and confident, and it reached a new height when Julien paired him with Jeff Petry. Unfortunately, Mete was hit by the Montreal Canadiens injury bug seeing his season come to an end early.

All that came as a teenager in the NHL but he can’t say that anymore after celebrating his 20th birthday yesterday.

https://twitter.com/Lamiss927/status/1004770940666949632

Mete may not be a teen anymore, but he still has the potential to make his second season in the NHL as special as the first. Hopefully it comes with more trust and opportunity from Julien and the rest of the coaching staff.

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