3 Forwards to watch at Montreal Canadiens Training Camp
There are some intriguing forward storylines to monitor at Habs Training Camp.
Patrik Laine
Patrik Laine is the most obvious name you'll see on this list. One of the biggest off-season moves in the league will officially get to wear the bleu, blanc, et rouge after looking good in the informal skates leading up to training camp. Everyone is excited about possible Laine linemates and whether or not he will be on the first powerplay, which we'll get a better idea of once Martin St. Louis gets the team systems portion of training camp going.
However, lost in all the excitement is that Laine played only 18 games last season after fracturing his clavicle and entering the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program. He had only nine points in 18 games before his season ended, and it'll be intriguing to see if he can bounce back from the issues last season and resurrect his career.
Canadiens fans are understandably excited about adding Laine, but it'll be integral to temper expectations until we see how he looks leading up to the regular season.
Juraj Slafkovsky
Juraj Slafkovsky is another player who has been saying all the right things leading up to training camp. He signed a massive eight-year extension with the Canadiens on free agency's first day, which will surely increase the expectations on him around the fan base. If there is one player who won't care about those increased expectations, it's Slafkovsky.
Reporter: “This is your first year with the new contract, does that change anything for you & your mindset coming in?”
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 16, 2024
Juraj Slafkovsky: “I think I’m still on my old contract, no?” pic.twitter.com/dUP5BC25Rf
Slafkovsky's improved physique was first brought to light by Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. The rumor is that he is down to 220 pounds, the leanest of his career. A faster, more dynamic Slafkovsky could mean a career year is on the horizon for the 2022 first-overall draft pick.
Kirby Dach
Kirby Dach made a bold statement at the Golf Tournament when he said that he was fully healthy and could've returned late last season if he needed to. It isn't easy to return from a major knee surgery, so it'll be intriguing to see how he looks early in training camp. If he looks no worse for the wear and there are no concerns about his health going forward, it'll mean the world for the Canadiens' chances of competing now and in the future.
“I’m excited, it’s been a long time. It’s been a long time since I’ve played a meaningful game. It’s nice to be back here & be around the guys & the camaraderie, hanging out away from the rink…it’s exciting to be back. I’m just kinda itching for camp to start.”
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 16, 2024
- Kirby Dach… pic.twitter.com/eksniURvXt
Who will be the third linemate on Dach and Laine's second line? Will it be the expected Alex Newhook? Or will Joshua Roy make an impact and steal the role?
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