Hockey

Grant McCagg: “Kaiden Guhle is no better than Jayden Struble”
Vincent Larue
Grant McCagg: “Kaiden Guhle is no better than Jayden Struble”
Credit: Getty Images

Jayden Struble continues to surprise. In a recent episode of the HabsCast podcast, Grant McCagg took the time to praise the Canadiens' young defenseman, going so far as to put him above Kaiden Guhle. You can listen to the video here. https://youtu.be/l0CeoxGc-GE?si=cmPxwkjJejTxHD9d&t=598

“Kaiden Guhle is no better than Jayden Struble” – Grant McCagg

A bold statement that highlights his potential and training camp performances rather than questioning Kaiden Guhle's talent. Over the past two seasons, an internal competition has developed between several defensemen for the position of 6th defenseman in Montreal, but more particularly between Struble and Arber Xhekaj. According to McCagg, this battle is no longer really a draw, as Struble has taken the lead. For him, it's unthinkable that the Canadiens' No. 47 will be left out of the lineup this season, given the stability and well-structured play he brings. Grant McCagg didn't stop there. McCagg went so far as to say that Jayden Struble is by far the most underrated player on the team right now. In his eyes, his all-around game, mobility and toughness make him a more reliable defenseman than many believe. McCagg even praised the defender's work on X when he came to Lane Hutson's defense after a Max Domi hit in last Saturday's warm-up game.

One important point that came up in the podcast was the fact that he's only 24. While many young defensemen take time to establish themselves, the Habs' #47 proved skeptics wrong by demonstrating a consistency that appeals to coaches. In McCagg's words, it's no longer a question of “whether he'll play regularly”, but of recognizing that he already deserves a regular spot this season. For the former scout, it's even preferable to put Jayden Struble in the line-up ahead of defenseman Alexandre Carrier. In Grant McCagg's eyes, Jayden Struble is not only a depth defenseman, but also an element that could prove crucial to the future of the Habs' brigade. If his progress continues, he could quickly go from being an underrated player to an essential part of the Canadiens' defensive brigade. spacer title='Overtime'] – The Blue Jays are division champions, and

– The Habs' final line-up according to Anthony Martineau.

– Frank Nazar celebrates his goal with the 67.

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