Practice: New groupings that speak volumes about the Canadiens’ intentions

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Practice: New groupings that speak volumes about the Canadiens’ intentions
Credit: The Canadiens shuffled their groups this morning. Basically, Group A has 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. Kaiden Guhle (injured) and Ivan Demidov (absent from today’s practice) are not in the mix. But all the other “regulars” are in Group A. Canadiens now have two groups instead of three at training camp #Habs pic.twitter.com/HgKdBZXTtd […]

The Canadiens shuffled their groups this morning.

Basically, Group A has 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. Kaiden Guhle (injured) and Ivan Demidov (absent from today's practice) are not in the mix.

But all the other “regulars” are in Group A.

While the Canadiens haven't officially announced any cuts, those in Group B currently have little chance of making the team.

The young players in Group A are Jacob Fowler and the Black Aces from the last playoff run: David Reinbacher, Adam Engstrom, Owen Beck, and Florian Xhekaj.

If we include Ivan Demidov—who is only absent this morning unless otherwise noted—there are 26 players in Group A. The maximum roster size to start the season, which begins next week, is 23.

At least one player per position will have to be cut.

Among the goalies, it's still unclear whether Samuel Montembeault or Jacob Fowler will be the backup. A trade involving Monty could open the door for Fowler, but will that actually happen?

Are the Flyers looking for a new goaltender?

On defense, if Alexandre Carrier is healthy, I expect Adam Engstrom to be cut. That would leave the Canadiens with seven defensemen.

On offense, there's the easiest—and (probably) the hardest—decision: cutting Owen Beck and… and who?

If the Canadiens keep only two goaltenders and seven defensemen, they could go with 14 forwards. But I don't see Martin St-Louis wanting to go with 14 players. It's a strategy he doesn't like.

Of course, an injury could change the situation and open up a spot. But if everyone is healthy, the GM doesn't make a trade, and doesn't want to let a player go via waivers, sending Florian Xhekaj down would be the logical way to get to 13 forwards.

We'll see in due time what happens. There's still time to see if the decision will be forced upon them (due to an injury, for example) or if Kent Hughes will have to make the call.

Stay tuned.


In a Nutshell

– Note.

– When will a contract be signed?

– He's back.

– Nice.

– Must-read.

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