The Montreal Canadiens will have a lot of familiar faces in the lineup, but there are a few guys that might elbow their way in and change the complexion of the group a bit.
Alex Barre Boulet is a good example - who could capitalize on the struggles of guys like Jesse Ylonen and Rafael Harvey Pinard. There is also Emil Heineman, who brings a heavy shot and physical game, in comparison to RHP and Ylonen. Training camp is sure to be full of different storylines, and this one could be a fun one to watch.
Barre Boulet, a veteran of 68 NHL games is hoping to carve out a bottom-six role with the Canadiens. And with a few guys struggling to secure a spot over the last couple of seasons, the internal competition could be enough to see them slip out of the picture. Barre Boulet could be poised to explode offensively, he has a high engine and is looking to secure his place, and he could be a nice piece, who is just a bit older than the core.
After being claimed off of waivers by the #SeaKraken, former @TheAHL Rookie of Year Alex Barré-Boulet shares what the past 24 hours were like and how his first practice with his new squad went.
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 13, 2021
Watch his full media availability → https://t.co/wOKyirz6VO pic.twitter.com/1H4nuFwuqf
A former AHL rookie of the year, Barre Boulet has plenty of talent to go around. In the right situation, he could add some great scoring depth to the Canadiens lineup. With an 84-point season in 2022-23, followed by a near-point-per-game season last year, he has to be champing at the bit to play in Montreal.
As for Heineman, he has the big shot that the Canadiens could use in their bottom six. Coming off his second season with the Laval Rocket, the 22-year-old Swede could pose a real threat at Habs training camp. He has had a cup of coffee with Montreal (four games) but his strong play in Laval is indicative of something big on the horizon.
New faces, more goals
RHP and Ylonen have had their chance, multiple for that matter. It wouldn't be all that surprising if Heineman and Barre Boulet earned their roles and never looked back. Ylonen grew his defensive game quite a bit and RHP's dogged style is what made him successful, much like Brendan Gallagher. But if they aren't going to put the puck in the net, then the new guy and the Swede could take their seat.
The Canadiens simply lack goalscoring and if they can change that, their playoff hopes could come to fruition. Losing one goal games has plagued the team and been the difference between scratching and biting at a wildcard spot. For a team hungry to take that next step, having guys in the lineup who aren't hesitant to shoot the puck is exactly what the team needs.