A well-known defender might leave the organization soon

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Julien Trekker
September 10, 2023 (9:22)

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The 2023-2024 season looks to be very significant for many young players in the organization who will attempt to continue their development. While it would be rather surprising to see prospects start the season in Montreal, some players like Kirby Dach, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, Arber Xhekaj, and Justin Barron might step up their game, allowing the Canadiens to have a better season than last year.

While the group of forwards seems already set for the first game against the Maple Leafs, we could witness a very interesting battle among the Canadiens' defensemen. Indeed, apart from Mike Matheson, David Savard, and Kaiden Guhle, the other players who will fill out the three defensive pairs seem uncertain. A race involving six defensemen might shape up among Jordan Harris, Arber Xhekaj, Justin Barron, Jonathan Kovacevic, Gustav Lindstrom, and Chris Wideman.

We also shouldn't forget David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux who might potentially force the management's hand during training camp and thereby carve out a spot in Martin St-Louis's lineup. However, considering the existing logjam on the Canadiens' blue line, it's far more likely that Mailloux begins the season with the Laval Rocket, while Reinbacher goes back to play in Switzerland with HC Kloten.

Moreover, with the exception of Jordan Harris, Arber Xhekaj, and Justin Barron - who can be sent to the American League without going through waivers - no defenseman could join the Rocket without the risk of being claimed by one of the NHL's 31 teams. However, the challenge for the Canadiens' management is that these three young defensemen clearly outperformed Kovacevic, Lindstrom, and Wideman in 2022-2023.

For his part, Jonathan Kovacevic turned out to be an excellent depth addition, capable of serving as the 6th or 7th defenseman in the Montreal lineup. As for Gustav Lindstrom, Kent Hughes seemed very enthusiastic about his acquisition, repeatedly noting that the Swede hasn't yet reached his full potential. So, it would be normal to see him start the season with the Canadiens, and he might even be in the lineup on October 11th.

If Martin St-Louis wishes to keep eight defensemen in his squad, he will inevitably have to let go of one. According to several experts, the choice is clear, and it's indeed Chris Wideman who might be the odd man out. The 33-year-old defenseman has had a dismal +/- rating of -31 since joining the Canadiens and is clearly no longer in the organization's plans. Will Kent Hughes put him on waivers with the intention of terminating his contract? It's a possibility that makes a lot of sense.

This will be a situation to watch over the next few weeks!

Credit: Habs et LNH