The Montreal Canadiens have played 5 preseason games, and so far, two prospects have really stood out and are challenging for a spot on the big club.
Michael Bournival: Michael is the only forward who is a real threat to steal a job from a veteran this season. So far in the preseason, Bournival has been dominant and chipping in offensively, while showing a lot of tenacity on the forecheck as well as strong, heady play in his own zone. In most cases, defensive play holds back young promising forward prospects, but in Michael’s case, it is one of his strengths and could very well be the deciding factor on whether or not he makes the team. At this point in time, the Habs’ top 9 is pretty much set with David Desharnais, Max Pacioretty, Daniel Briere, Alexander Galchenyuk, Tomas Plekanec, Lars Eller, Brendan Gallagher, Rene Bourque and Brian Gionta . Unless a trade occurs, there really is no room up on those lines. This leaves only the 4th line as a potential spot for Bournival to grab, which is why his abilities in his own zone are particularly crucial to his hopes of making the team. In his last preseason game, Michael was used in such a role, lining up with the likes of Travis Moen and Ryan White, all while getting some time on the penalty kill. This is evidently the management’s attempt to test him in the role he would be required to fill should he make the roster this year. Personally, I would not be surprised to see him sent back to Hamilton, despite his great play in the preseason. The reasoning is that, frankly, he has more potential than simply being a fourth liner. Getting top line minutes in the AHL might be more beneficial for developing his offensive skills, as well as for giving him more time to develop and round out his game as a whole. There is no need to rush a prospect and all signs point to Bergevin wanting to be as patient as possible in regards to bringing in prospects to the NHL.
Jarred Tinordi: If any prospect is going to make the roster on the backend, it will be Jarred Tinordi. Last season, Jarred made his NHL debut and was quite successful at first, but his play dipped towards the end of the season. In the pre-season so far, Tinordi has been very impressive to say the least. He has easily been one of the better defensemen on the team, his play vastly surpassing that of some veterans. Adding to this, as a big physical defensive defenseman, Jarred brings a style of play that is sorely lacking on the roster. The signing of Douglas Murray, as well as the presence of depth defensemen such as Francis Bouillon and Davis Drewisky, allow Montreal the ability to not have to rush Jarred in. But with his play this pre-season, all indications show that he is ready to make the leap to the NHL and that the Canadiens will give it to him, based on the amount of games they have given him this pre-season. The biggest question isn’t whether or not Tinordi should make the big club, but rather what will Marc Bergevin do to make room for him? The injury to Drewisky is opportunistic, since it opens up a roster spot, number wise, but what about when Davis returns? More importantly, what will happen when Emelin returns from injury? These are questions that Marc Bergevin will have to answer, but one thing is for sure, this is a good problem to have.
-Icecoldbeard
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