Four questions for the Montreal Canadiens to think about over the break
By Omar L
2. What’s the plan for Karl Alzner?
Nothing has changed on that front since the last time I asked this question. The Montreal Canadiens are making the most of Karl Alzner‘s waiver exempt window. Yesterday marks the second time Alzner was sent down to the Laval Rocket as it’s another opportunity for the veteran defenceman to get some playing time.
Why is that important? Because the one game against St. Louis, which if you remember was a bad one, is still the only game Alzner has played in since being recalled the first time. He’s still being kept in the press box as the Habs continue to roll with the usual crew.
This is not to criticize that decision at all. It took guts not to play a guy signed a year prior to a considerably impactful contract both in cap-hit and term. The Habs have had their defencemen be a lot more energetic and mobile which has speed as a crucial quality to have. Some have bypassed that and are still able to contribute to the blue line’s success while Alzner was continuously exposed.
The writing is and has been on the wall all season: there isn’t any room for Karl Alzner on the Montreal Canadiens.
They could choose to leave Alzner in the AHL with the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the year. That would have the Habs at 22 players on their active roster leaving room for Shaw to return once healthy. At the same time, Laval is without Noah Juulsen who is out with an upper-body injury. Juulsen and Alzner are different players in both style and performance but having him there would soften the blow on defence.
It wouldn’t that much sense to trade Alzner now even though it would solve some issues. Bergevin may find it difficult to work out a trade that makes sense as teams would try to nickel and dime him given Alzner’s limited play. Working it out in the summer always looked to be the better scenario when teams are more likely to live a little dangerously as far as player transaction.