Montreal Canadiens: Predicting Habs Final Training Camp Cuts

The Obvious Cuts Still To Be Made

The Canadiens cut nearly two dozen players yesterday, and none of them were all that controversial. None of the players that were released were expected to make the NHL roster, and there are still a handful of players remaining at training camp that we know aren’t going to push for a roster spot on opening night.

Alex Belzile has 13 games of NHL experience, but he is destined to be a veteran leader for the Laval Rocket once again. He had 22 points in 32 games for the Rocket last season and will surely head back there again.

Brandon Gignac is another experienced AHL player who is sure to head back to Laval. He has played 175 career AHL games, scoring 26 points in 48 games for the Rocket last season.

Anthony Richard has the right last name to play for the Montreal Canadiens but he isn’t going to be there to start this season. The Trois-Rivieres native scored 38 points in 71 AHL games last season and will add some scoring depth for the Rocket this season.

Nate Schnarr was acquired midseason and provided some depth down the middle for the Laval Rocket, where he is sure to begin this season after a couple of preseason games, as well.

Mitchell Stephens falls behind at least five experienced NHL centres on the depth chart and may be called up at some time if there are injuries, but there isn’t room on the NHL roster to begin the season.

Madison Bowey was brought in to provide some experience on the Rocket blue line in the absence of Xavier Ouellet this season and that is exactly where he will be in two weeks.

Logan Mailloux is still on the NHL roster, but is injured. He will be heading straight to London to join the Knights as soon as he is healthy enough to do so.

Kevin Poulin is signed to an AHL-only contract, so there is no chance the goaltender breaks camp at the NHL level.