The Montreal Canadiens made some cuts on Monday morning, which left them with 23 players on the roster and a glimpse into who will be there on opening night. There weren't many surprises, but the lineup does look different than what some pundits expected.
Forwards: Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, Joel Armia, Alex Barre-Boulet, Christian Dvorak, Josh Anderson, Emil Heineman, Jake Evans, Brendan Gallagher, Oliver Kapanen, Michael Pezzetta
Defense: Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, David Savard, Arber Xhekaj, Justin Barron, Jayden Struble
Goalies: Sam Montembeault, Cayden Primeau
1. Oliver Kapanen and Emil Heineman start the season in Montreal
Oliver Kapanen and Emily Heineman felt like they were competing for the same spot, even after Patrik Laine's injury. It would've made sense for Heineman to go to Laval, as Kapanen would've gone back to Europe instead of joining the AHL. However, it became increasingly clear that both players deserved to start the season with the Canadiens.
Credit the players for getting the job done, or credit some other players for blowing their chances at making the opening night roster. Regardless, it's something to be proud of for both individuals. If Kapanen stays, it'll be his first North American professional season. Meanwhile, Heineman played four games with the Canadiens last season and 48 in Laval.
2. Joshua Roy doesn't claim second-line wing role
Joshua Roy seemed like the obvious pick to replace Laine on the second line. He spent extended time in Montreal last season and had glimpses of being a great offensive contributor. However, while he has plenty of talent, Roy's work ethic can be brought into question with some of his tendencies on the ice.
The concerns caused him to lose his spot on the Montreal roster to begin the season, and it could be difficult for him to get it back. Heineman and Kapanen have shown no reason why they'll relinquish their spots, and there'll be even more depth added when Laine returns from injury.
Roy must show the front office plenty more in Laval before they trust him to get the call-up.
3. Lane Hutson playing on second powerplay line
In a move that won't go over well with Canadiens supporters or fans of exciting offensive hockey, Martin St. Louis is sticking with Mike Matheson as the quarterback of the first powerplay. The writing was on the wall for this to happen, as they were practicing this way all training camp. The lines St. Louis used in the practice before the Laine injury was he and Hutson on the second unit, which gave the Canadiens some scoring depth.
St. Louis owed it to Matheson to give him a chance to keep the spot, but don't be surprised if Hutson steals it sooner rather than later.