3 Defensemen to Watch at Montreal Canadiens Training Camp

The Montreal Canadiens' defense roster for training camp is a star-studded group. The Canadiens have unlimited depth on the blueline, and it isn't more clear than when you look at the list of guys who will be in camp. There are upwards of ten defensemen who could earn a spot on the opening night roster out of camp, but three defensemen stand out for their future role (or non-role) with the big club.

Lane Hutson

Lane Hutson was the best player on the ice at the rookie camp games against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was always a player who had a chance to crack the opening night roster after his performance in two games last season. However, most people erred cautiously and said he'd be better off spending some time in Laval. Hutson proved in those rookie games that he is a step above the prospects and ready to earn a full-time spot in the lineup.

It's a numbers game for Hutson like the rest of the defense, so the question is who he will replace in the lineup. Kaiden Guhle and Mike Matheson are locked on the left side, which means Arber Xhekaj is the likely victim unless they move Guhle to the right side. Can Hutson outperform Xhekaj in training camp? All signs point to yes.

Justin Barron

Justin Barron is in danger of falling by the wayside after watching some of the defensemen in camp. Barron was already a fringe player on the blue line, and it could be an issue for the Maritimer if Hutson, David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, and Adam Engstrom pass him off in training camp. The Canadiens are ready to start moving forward, and they won't hesitate to replace Barron with these players if they think those guys will offer them a better chance of competing in the future. Martin St. Louis and the front office need to give the higher-ranked prospects a chance if they earn it and Barron doesn't stand out alongside them.