The battle on the Montreal Canadiens blue line is starting to heat up as training camp rolls into the final stretch. In this episode, Coach examines why the Canadiens defense is heating up and which players are fighting for those last roster spots heading into the NHL pre-season. From young prospects making a strong push to veterans trying to lock in their place, the Habs defense is one of the most competitive storylines at camp.
We’ll look at the performances of names like Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble 7 David Reinbacher, and discuss how they’re stacking up in the Canadiens’ system. Who is showing the poise, physicality, and consistency needed to impress Martin St-Louis and the coaching staff? Which defenders could surprise and earn a role on opening night, and who might be pushed out or sent down to Laval Rocket?
For Montreal Canadiens fans, NHL fans, and hockey fans, this video gives you all the insight and analysis you need on the Habs defense competition. With the regular season around the corner, every shift and every play matters. Don’t miss this breakdown of the Canadiens’ defensive depth chart and the battles that could shape the team’s future.
#GoHabsGo #Canadiens #MontrealCanadiens #HabsDefense #HabsNation #NHLPreseason #HabsTrainingCamp
0:00 Show Start
0:31 Kirby Dach scrimmaged yesterday…and looked good doing it!
1:33 The Ducks – MacTavish situation is getting uglier by the minute.
2:58 Struble Sounds Like He’s Confident He’ll Make The Habs
4:55 What Struble Think It Takes To Play Defense In The NHL
6:42 Struble Thinks The PH Is His Key To Making The Cut
9:30 How Arber Xhekaj Improved His Game Over The Summer
11:21 How Arber Needs To Adapt His Game
13:13 St Louis Notice Improvement In Xhekaj Immediately
15:13 Helping Dach Get Back To Form
16:04 Who Do You Think Makes The Cut?
In every episode, Kosta Papoulias takes a deep dive into the latest Montreal Canadiens news involving Ivan Demidov, Patrik Laine, Juraj Slafkovsky, Josh Anderson, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Owen Beck, Sean Farrell, Filip Mesar, Habs Defencemen, Arber Xhekaj, Kaiden Guhle, Sam Montembeault, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher, Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, Kent Hughes, Martin St Louis.
Dans chaque épisode, Kosta Papoulias analyse en profondeur les dernières nouvelles des Canadiens de Montréal concernant Ivan Demidov, Patrik Laine, Juraj Slafkovsky, Josh Anderson, Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Owen Beck, Sean Farrell, Filip Mesar, les défenseurs des Canadiens, Arber Xhekaj, Kaiden Guhle, Sam Montembeault, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, Adam Engstrom, David Reinbacher, Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler, Kent Hughes et Martin St Louis.
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14 Comments
So why did you do a show today? I don't see Struble staying in Montreal for long
I believe that the battle on the defence, will set up a trade sometime in early season play… of course this is all depending on how Reinbacher, Engstrom play in the exhibition games, but they will be sent back down to Laval to begin the season before Hughes makes a move
Without the questions being asked for context it seems hard to interpret what Stuble is/or might be suggesting. Patience Grasshopper. For both these young guys. At least one, likely two are going to be moved.
Was that a dig at Bergevin? "Sometimes a thousand." Very easy to see things that aren't there.
How is that a pot shot at Arber? Hes talking about himself lol
I like both players. Push comes to shove? Let's see Xhekaj 15 games in. Patience with Reinbacher.
Please include Struble in a package in the next trade. Xhekaj should get an interview to say how the guy who wants to play a tough strong game was doing nothing in the playoffs last year. This guy is toxic to this locker room. Xhekaj went beast mode this summer. Struble showed up throwing shade. Nice knowin' ya Struble.
Ya – I see what you’re saying coach BUT I give the kid the benefit of a doubt… I’m pulling for all of them but X is my fav player…
Love the show Coach
I, without a doubt it would be Xhekaj
I would take Xhekaj because he seems to be more coachable looking at how he turned up at camp this year. We already know what he has that it needed and what he did in one offseason. Very impressed. Whereas Struble lacks the one thing that Arber has. I also wasn't impressed the way he replied in the interview repeating everything he heard about Arber. I honestly think that he would be more valuable to the Habs as a trade piece.
both can play but one is a must against dirty teams that like to abuse the talented habs players and the sheriff is the man.
I really like your podcast! One of my favorites👌🏾
Both players are good.
However
1-Xhekaj has a role
2-Xhekaj gives motivation
3- he will be a third competitive inexpensive third pairing for his career,
4- Xhekaj knows what he is.
Strudel is nice and will have a nice career. He will end up a 3-4 defenceman like carrier. But he will never be a difference maker, just a quality filler.
This is not a slight on struble, he will have a nice career!
Struble and a 2nd to Boston for Zacha.