It’s that time of the year again. After two rookie showdown games at the Bell Centre, the big guns are all at the Montreal Canadiens’ golf tournament which always signals the start of a new season.
The theme this season, the third full season under Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, is one of optimism and that is indicated by the quotes from the team’s leadership as the media availabilities got underway, starting with owner Geoff Molson.
The team commented on the addition of coaching consultant Roger Grillo as well.
“We have a group of players who are positive and believe in themselves,” says general manager Kent Hughes.
“For us to move forward, the players need to get experience in games that matter and that are more important” – Hughes
“We want to be hard to play against,” says head coach Martin St-Louis.
St-Louis says that while there may not be a lot of spots that seem available at camp, there’s always places that are available, even when you don’t think there are. You need to force our hand and steal a chair.
Patrik Laine was the first player to speak to the media.
Cole Caufield says the goal is to play meaningful games as long as possible into the season.
What does Juraj Slafkovský expect to see this season? More goals and more wins. He adds it’s also nice to see Kirby Dach healthy and the addition of Patrik Laine.
Nick Suzuki says he believes the team will surprise a lot of people this year.
Nick Suzuki says Lane Hutson reminds him of another player in the NHL when it comes to his skating: Quinn Hughes. “It’s impressive,” he says.
Kirby Dach is excited. He says he’s had a good summer and is impatient to jump on the ice for the season.
“Our goal is to climb the mountain. The young players are ready to put in the work so that we continue to improve,” says David Savard.
David Savard says it’s going to good to have Dach back in the lineup and says that when he was injured, they spent many nights together watching the games.
With Alex Burrows leaving the Canadiens’ bench, Martin St-Louis confirms he will take over coaching the power play.
