Montreal Canadiens: Jayden Struble Could Throw A Change Up In Future Blueline Plans

The Montreal Canadiens have a wealth of defence prospects marinating in their system, and pushing for bigger roles.

Another one is emerging onto the NHL scene as a solid two-way defender, whose edges and powerful stride keep him on top of his assignments. He can skate and outmuscle guys at the NHL level, after leaving no doubt in Laval or during his NCAA career that he will handle himself just fine physically against the best of the best.

With some offense to give, Struble has the traits, and vision to make plays and help support his wingers in all three zones.

While he can sometimes go over the edge and be a little too rambunctious, you accept it, because he can do things like Arber Xhekaj can. He isn’t at that heavyweight level, but he plays physically and loves to demolish opponents with a big hit. Never shying away from opponents, and discouraging them from crossing the blueline on his side.

He has some offence somewhere in there, although he hasn’t shown a ton of it quite yet. I feel like he will benefit from playing with more skilled players, and smart defenders who have experience at the NHL level to share. Struble is still learning and growing, so finding some comfort with a steady partner who can mentor him and grow with him will be huge for the Canadiens.

Kent Hughes knows the team needs some more offensive firepower, that can help the team put more pucks in the net.

Struble’s Strong Play Could Spark Movement from Kent Hughes

Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach and Cole Caufield could use another pure goalscorer/offensive dynamo to help Caufield. And one way to acquire one is through trades, which is of particular interest to Hughes. The injuries to the blueline have proven that there are a lot of bodies once Jordan Harris and David Savard are healthy and ready to return.

It could be nearing the right time to put together a nice trade package, with some intriguing pieces. The three-goalie conundrum still hasn’t been solved, and one guy needs to be moved, it’s not fair to one getting fewer starts than the others. I would like to believe that Samuel Montembeault is the perfect age, he plays quite well and he has NHL experience.

Struble can slot into the bottom four comfortably right now but will be given more time to get comfortable. That leaves two vacant roles on the left side of the blue line, which Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson occupy. Unless Matheson is traded, it’s likely that Jordan Harris and our beloved Arber Xhekaj start to become guys who you could cash in on their value right now.

Xhekaj is a beauty, and Harris is stout defensively and a smart three-zone defenseman. Struble has the physical edge on Harris and he is the most powerful skater of the three. Striking while the pan is hot could be wise for Hughes to acquire draft capital or a top-six winger.

It wouldn’t be small, but maybe Montembeault, Xhekaj and a second or a prospect for a nice shiny winger who can put the puck in the net. Equally important is age, because you want the player to fit the rebuild. Maybe it’s through the draft, or maybe it’s getting a player now, and upgrading another position at the draft.

Regardless, the Habs will benefit from Struble making his way into the fold for the rebuilding Canadiens.