Hockey

Alexandre Carrier thinks Kaiden Guhle is almost as good as Jaccob Slavin
Jonathan Di Gregorio
Alexandre Carrier thinks Kaiden Guhle is almost as good as Jaccob Slavin
Credit: Getty Images

The Canadiens organization focused on improving its defensive brigade over the summer, and the departure of David Savard from the team was offset by the arrival of Noah Dobson, a more talented player who should play a lot of minutes for the Habs next season.

However, in addition to improving individual talent, Dobson should stabilize the Habs' defense as a whole, allowing all of the team's backs to play their ideal positions in the lineup. While many fans are eager to see the Habs' “new” defense brigade in action, Alexandre Carrier is also particularly enthusiastic about what he's seen.

Although the Québécois may have a less important role next season, he is encouraged by the presence of several talented mobile defensemen with the team. In fact, as we learn in an article by Nicolas Cloutier published on TVA Sports, Carrier particularly praises teammate Kaiden Guhle, whom he sees as a player almost on the level of Jaccob Slavin.

The Hurricanes defenseman is still considered one of the NHL's best defensive players.

Carrier had a front-row seat to observe Guhle as the two played several games together on the Habs blue line last season. According to the Québécois defenseman, speaking of his former defensive partner: “He plays like he's been in the League for 10 years. He's really mature and confident. He makes solid plays and is good defensively. It's true that even though he's less in the spotlight than Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson, Guhle is doing a great job as a stay-at-home defenseman and has become an important part of the Habs' success.

I expect to see his playing time increase next season (he played an average of 21:10 minutes per game in the regular season last year) and if he can continue his progression (he's only 23), he could indeed be one of the League's good defensive defensemen possibly as early as next season.Let's just say that an “almost” Jaccob Slavin, I'll take one or even two on my team any day.

'En

– A lot of talent in front of the net.

– Can he make it?

– Any changes to the current format?

– His first preseason game.

– The 49ers win a close game.

– Ouch!

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