Engstrom or Reinbacher: The CH’s New Dilemma After Struble vs. Xhekaj

Mathis Therrien
Engstrom or Reinbacher: The CH’s New Dilemma After Struble vs. Xhekaj
Credit: Matt Garies/NHLI via Getty Images

Jayden Struble's departure puts an end to a dilemma for the Montreal Canadiens that lasted two full seasons and the start of this season.

That dilemma was the choice between Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, as everyone knew that one day, the Habs would have to decide which of the two to keep.

Kent Hughes made his choice yesterday when he traded Jayden Struble to the Nashville Predators.

The problem now is that the end of this defensive dilemma brings another one—or rather, brings another one to the forefront—as the Habs will have to choose between Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher.

Indeed, this is yet another decision the Habs will have to make: deciding which of these two young defensemen they want to keep and develop to his full potential.

Both defensemen are knocking hard on the National Hockey League's door and seem ready to make the full leap, as Engstrom demonstrated on Thursday against the Predators.

However, there aren't currently two open spots on the Habs' defensive corps, which obviously poses an even bigger and more crucial dilemma than the Xhekaj/Struble situation.

With Struble's departure, Adam Engstrom could get a longer shot as a starting defenseman, especially after his strong performance on Thursday.

He'll need to seize this opportunity before Kaiden Guhle is ready—as Guhle is getting significantly closer to returning to action—or before the Habs recall David Reinbacher.

Reinbacher's advantage is that he's right-handed—a rarity in the NHL and a greater need for the Habs—while Engstrom is left-handed and has a style somewhat similar to that of Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson.

Engstrom will therefore have to be really good—and even better—to earn his spot, while Reinbacher, who also has the advantage of being the fifth overall pick, has a spot waiting for him on the right side.

The Habs have thus resolved one dilemma only to face another, even more important and crucial one.

This will definitely be one to watch in the coming days and weeks.


In a Nutshell

– Indeed.

– Cool.

– Don't miss it today.

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