Montreal Canadiens: Jayden Struble Could Throw A Change Up In Future Blueline Plans
The Complexion Of The Canadiens’ Future Blueline Could Change
With Struble hypothetically fitting into the Canadiens’ top six deployed defenseman, the blueline will undergo a bit of a shake-up.
It may not affect very much at the moment, but when Xhekaj and Harris return, Hughes and Martin St. Louis will have decisions to make. Having considered that, I believe that a player or two could move around, but the Canadiens’ depth will serve them well. Struble can slot in alongside Logan Mailloux in the future forming a physical do-it-all pair, who project to be physical defenders, who have offensive touch, moreso Mailloux, but Struble has taken strides.
Pairing two appears to be one of the interesting ones with such talented players yet to arrive. But the Canadiens have a young pair developing together with some previous familiarity playing together. Justin Barron and Kaiden Guhle look primed to become a smart, quick and all-around solid defence pairing that could be the number pair or slot in behind the next duo that will be discussed.
David Reinbacher can slot into the number one right defence role, using his vision and smart defensive play to serve him well against the opponent’s best players every night. He can skate very well, and he has some room to beef up which will help him handle big, physical forwards who skate like the wind. Reinbacher should develop into the perfect defence partner to complement the Habs’ best prospect and most intriguing defender in the system.
Lane Hutson projects to be the top pairing, minute-munching defenseman who will run the top powerplay. But his effectiveness will go beyond special teams, because he creates something out of nothing, with his quick cuts and changes of pace. Much like Quinn Hughes, Hutson can just skate out of danger, and he processes the next pass before he evades a defender, which makes him a threat to produce offensive chances at any moment.
Struble finds himself amongst a group of great young defensemen, who will look to anchor the backend and support both the forwards and the goalie. The group will play an important role in the ascension of the Canadiens to Stanley Cup contenders. Physical, quick, talented and young will best describe the blue line, and that is why guys like Mike Matheson, David Savard, Gustav Lindstrom and Chris Wideman will be moved.
Pretty good first period here in Anaheim, particularly for Jayden Struble, who's playing his first NHL game. Doesn't appear out of place at all.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) November 23, 2023
The youth are the future of this team, and there will continue to be young players being pumped into the Laval Rocket system. Hughes and Jeff Gorton have gone to work adding talents to build up their American league system. With more to come, through the draft and up through the ranks, the older guys will be moved out methodically as the young defenders mature and gain experience.
Next. Predicting Habs Future Defense Pairings. dark
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