During the Canadiens’ initial practice sessions, noticeable lineup shifts occurred, with Chris Kreider starting on the first line and Oliver Kapanen returning to the second—yet beneath these changes lies significant uncertainty for Team B’s roster. Coach Martin St-Louis could have opted for an all-veteran lineup, but instead, he chose to give an opportunity to younger players, perhaps signaling his intent to evaluate emerging talent more closely.
St-Louis seems to be keen on testing Florian Xhekaj, who is now skating alongside established players Josh Anderson and Phillip Danault, both of whom are assured spots for the season opener. Players like Jake Evans and Alex Newhook are also well-positioned to make the team, but Brett Berard appears to be a bubble player at this point, likely seen as a temporary placeholder.
The coach may also be sending a message to players fighting for their roster spots. For example, Zach Bolduc’s recent signing of a four-year deal indicates he’s secure, unlike Alexandre Texier and Kirby Dach, who are on shorter contracts and face the harsh reality of earning their place. Dach, who faced criticism after a costly mistake last playoffs, was supported by St-Louis but has yet to prove his worth consistently, leaving his position precarious. The Canadiens likely tried to trade Dach this summer but found no takers, and if he doesn’t step up, he might be sent to Laval, as happened previously with Joel Armia, though Dach’s youth and draft position (third overall in 2019) might offer him some safety.
Texier, acquired without a fee and after ending his stint with the Blues, has made a promising start with Montreal but struggles to fit into the team’s structure, as he lacks the grit and energy typical of bottom-six players and doesn’t play center—a gap in the team’s needs. The team’s top six appears solid, with the only potential opening being at second-line center if a better candidate surfaces, which complicates Texier’s role.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens could stick with their current lineup of 13 forwards, but their younger players, like Xhekaj, may force tough decisions if they demonstrate they’re ready to contribute more physically—a trait much needed after last season’s playoff shortcomings.
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Fan Take: This development matters because it highlights how Montreal is balancing veteran experience with youth development, shaping the team’s future. For fans, it’s an exciting glimpse into the team’s evolving identity and how strategic decisions could influence their chances this season.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
