Defensively, the Canadiens have utilized only six players this season.
The team’s top four defenders are Mike Matheson, David Savard, Kaiden Guhle, and Lane Hutson. Despite some inconsistencies (with the exception of Guhle, who has remained steady over four games), these players are expected to stay in the lineup.
It would be quite surprising if any of them were sidelined for Thursday’s game against the Kings unless an injury occurs. However, it’s clear that improvements are needed on the defensive front, which may lead to lineup changes for the upcoming game.
Assuming the top four remains unchanged, there are two potential adjustments:
1. Swap Arber Xhekaj with Jayden Struble
2. Swap Justin Barron with Jayden Struble
Recently, Struble has been practicing with the team, and according to Anthony Marcotte on BPM Sports this morning, he seems to be nearing a return.
Given his importance, the fact that he’s close to being ready, and the team’s desire to mix things up, his inclusion in the lineup appears increasingly likely. The question is who would be taken out? All signs point to Xhekaj.
Justin Barron is one of the two right-handed defensemen on the team and performed well yesterday, contributing offensively and complementing the strengths of both Struble and Xhekaj.
Conversely, Xhekaj tends to be more defensive, providing protection against opposing forwards but has less versatility. He is also not as defensively sound compared to Struble, who shares a physical style of play.
Therefore, I believe there’s a strong chance the Sheriff will be watching from the stands on Thursday night. This seems to be the “easier” choice for Martin St-Louis if he decides to make a change.
