Roundup: What should the focus be for the Montreal Canadiens at training camp?
By Omar L
A lot is coming up for the Montreal Canadiens including training camp, the Rookie Tournament and a possible answer to the Karl Alzner dilemma.
1) Who are you the most excited to see at the Rookie Tournament? Who has the most to prove?
Sebastian: The annual Rookie Showcase is always something I look forward to. After a summer without any hockey, I am always starving for Habs action at this point of the year. The Tournament is a good showcase to compare the quality of our prospects and for chemistry to develop between our young players.
The one downside of it is the recurring injuries that have come to Habs prospects in the tournament. Jarret Tyszka, Mikhail Sergachev and Jake Evens have all been hurt during games in this tournament. I am so excited to see so many of our prospects perform and choosing one is no easy task. However, the player that will be the most intriguing to watch in my opinion would have to be Cayden Primeau.
The young goaltender proved his worth at the NCAA level and is vying for the starting position in Laval. The Showcase will undoubtedly give him an opportunity to dominate his peers and get a head start in the battle for starter position in our AHL affiliate, which will be far from an easy task, with Charlie Lindgren, Michael McNiven and Connor LaCouvee all eyeing the same position. I am so excited to see this kid play this year! As for the player with the most to prove, I assume I’m not the only one with Nick Suzuki pencilled into this slot.
Suzuki is extremely talented and will be giving his all to crack the Canadiens’ opening night lineup. The Rookie Showcase should give us fans a better idea of how feasible this goal will be for him to accomplish. I, for one,, believe that if he performs well at the Showcase, his jacked-up confidence will immediately render his chances a whole lot better.
Dillon ‘Dom’ Dominique: I am most excited to see Nick Suzuki at the rookie tournament, and I also feel like he has the most to prove. He didn’t knock anybody’s socks off the last go-around, so he will be looking to so this time. There is a spot in the lineup streaming his name, he just needs to take advantage of the opportunity.
The expectations are quite high, not only within the fan base but around the league as well. Some in the media have criticized his ability to play at an NHL level pace, after watching him during the development camp held last month. I think that could just be the style in which he plays, but he’ll be looking to change that narrative at the rookie tournament.