The Habs will only play two preparatory games in the second week of training camp and the team has made decisions accordingly.
Thirty players were cut on Saturday afternoon, two hours before the duel against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For four of them, the decision had already been announced. These are forwards Lucas Condotta and Mitchell Stephens, as well as defensemen Nicolas Beaudin and Brady Keeper, who were placed on waivers. If they are not claimed, they will report to the Laval Rocket camp, which begins Monday.
The other 26 players cut include 15 forwards. In alphabetical order, they are: Gabriel Bourque, Jared Davidson, Isaac Dufort, Brandon Gignac, Nathan Légaré, Riley McKay, Filip Mesar, Jan Mysak, Jakov Novak, John Parker-Jones, Joshua Roy, Xavier Simoneau, Ty Smilanic, Alex- Olivier Voyer and Nolan Yaremko.
Seven defenders suffered the ax: Tobie Bisson, Stanislav Demin, Olivier Galipeau, Noah Laaouan, Christopher Ortiz, Jayden Struble and Miguël Tourigny. Struble also suffers from a lower body injury, Martin St-Louis said at a press briefing on Saturday morning. It is evaluated on a daily basis.
Finally, goalkeepers Zachary Émond, Strauss Mann and Joe Vrbetic were also cut. None of the three goalkeepers and seven defensemen played any preparatory games.
All of these players relate to the Rocket camp.
The smartest will note that one name is missing to reach 30 players. The 30th is in fact Owen Beck, who will rather relate to the Peterborough Petes, since he is still of junior age. Beck was allowed two matches, after playing four last year.
There are now 38 players left in camp, but everything suggests that names will be added to the list of players cut after Saturday’s game.
