Surprise for the Canadiens: The organization adds two goaltenders, one well known to the fans, as well as a forward and a defenseman to its roster for the training camp
The past few days have been very eventful for the Tricolore, as General Manager Kent Hughes finally completed a trade involving goalie Casey DeSmith, acquiring Tanner Pearson and a third-round pick in return.
Additionally, the Montreal Canadiens have also unveiled the list of 72 players, comprising 39 forwards, 23 defensemen, and 10 goalies, who will participate in the team's training camp. Among these names, we of course find all the CH players, many prospects of the organization, as well as some players from the Laval Rocket.
However, we note that two goalies, one of whom is well known to Montreal fans, as well as a forward and a defenseman, have also been invited to the training camp.
Indeed, he is the Tricolore's 7th round pick in 2021, Joe Vrbetic, who is still without a contract for the upcoming season. The 6'6" goalie spent most of last season with the Trois-Rivières Lions in the ECHL, also playing four games in the American league.
In 28 games, the 20-year-old recorded 14 wins and 12 losses, all while maintaining a save percentage of 0.896 and a goals-against average of 3.30. Joe Vrbetic will try to impress the CH's top brass in hopes of landing a new deal with the Laval Rocket for the 2023-2024 season.
The second invited goaltender is none other than Jan Spunar, who performed very well in the 2-1 win against the Senators' rookies on Monday afternoon. He therefore succeeded to earn a spot in the team's main camp. 19 years old, the Czech played with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL last season, ending the year with a record of 17 wins, 7 losses, and 3 overtime losses.
The same goes for Quebecois forward, Isaac Dufort, and American defenseman, Stanislav Demin, who, after participating in the rookie tournament, will have the chance to potentially secure a contract with the Tricolore's farm team.
One thing's for sure, we are eagerly looking forward to the start of the preseason games!
| POLL | ||
Which player do you think will land a contract with the Laval Rocket or the Trois-Rivières Lions? | ||
| Joe Vrbetic | 30 | 44.1 % |
| Isaac Dufort | 7 | 10.3 % |
| Jan Spunar | 21 | 30.9 % |
| Stanislav Demin | 10 | 14.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
