Montreal Canadiens: Top 5 Training Camp Battles To Watch
Position: Third Line Left Wing
Candidates: Paul Byron, Artturi Lehkonen, Tyler Toffoli
The Incumbent: Paul Byron has brought offence from the bottom six of the lineup better than most in the NHL over the past four season. Well, over three of the past four seasons. Last season was certainly not his best.
After being claimed off waivers, Byron had a decent season for the Habs in 2016-17, using his speed to become a regular penalty killer and a threat to break up a play and go down on a breakaway at any moment. He scored 11 goals in 62 games, but that would be his worst goal scoring season for a while.
After that, Byron mostly remained on the third line, but started scoring at a far higher clip. He scored 22, then 20 and then 15 in just 56 games, proving to be a terrific penalty killer while scoring plenty without getting much time on the power play.
However, Byron may have lost his grip on the third line role last season. He was injured for half the year, but only scored four goals and ten points in the 29 games he did play. He added another goal and four points in ten postseason games.
Was the downturn in production due to injuries? Or is age catching up with the 31 year old? Speed is his calling card, did he take a small step back and if so can he find that gear again?
If so, he is a great asset on the third line and won’t be relinquishing the role anytime soon. If he is a half step slower, other options may be considered.
The Challenger: The first option that could be used would be Artturi Lehkonen. We know he is a terrific defensive player and penalty killer and he causes as many turnovers as anyone in the game. The Finnish winger is a very smart, defensive presence, but his offensive game has never blossomed after an 18 goal rookie season.
He did score 13 goals and 27 points in 70 games last season which is a slightly higher rate than Byron produced. If the 31 year old Byron takes a small step back, the 25 year old Lehkonen is ready and waiting to take on the third line role. If he could just add that little bit of finish to his game and convert a few more chances, he would be an excellent third line player.
If Lehkonen looks like he is ready to take a small step forward offensively, he could take the third line left wing spot from Byron.
The Dark Horse: Tyler Toffoli will probably play right wing for the Canadiens this season. He had primarily played right wing his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. However, he does appear to have the versatility to move to the left side as he is smart and skilled enough to still bring offence if playing his off wing.
The Canadiens also brought in Josh Anderson and Corey Perry who play right wing. Brendan Gallagher and Joel Armia have played right wing their whole careers. That is five NHL caliber right wingers right there. If neither Byron nor Lehkonen are producing much offence from the third line left wing spot, I could see Calude Julien moving Toffoli to his off wing to try and find a third line that can bring offence on a nightly basis.