(Quebec) At the end of a season for the Canadiens whose central theme was injuries, the approach to training camp after a long restorative summer is inevitably marked by a series of medical updates.
In defense, the battered squad finally healed its wounds. Thus, David Savard, Kaiden Guhle and Jordan Harris, who were forced to miss the last games of the season, all say they are attacking for the camp. The three were also on the ice, Thursday evening, as part of ProAm Gagné-Bergeron, a charity event held at the Videotron Center in Quebec.
Savard (knee) skipped the last seven games, while Guhle (ankle) forfeited 16 games before the finish line. The exact nature of the “lower body” injury Harris suffered has never been known, but it has cost him the last five games of the schedule, and 13 of the last 18.
After long weeks of treatment, the 23-year-old American started skating again “two months ago”, probably in June. “I don’t feel any pain at all anymore,” he said. It is a very good feeling to finally feel like yourself. »
Even if we must consider with caution a performance in a game without contested stake for a good cause, we note that his skating did not yet seem as fluid as usual, he of which it is nevertheless one forces.
David Savard also seemed relieved to finally be healed. “My knee is fine, I feel better and better on the ice,” he said. It took a little longer to start skating again than in other summers. It’s always flat, ending up with an injury. »
Discreet as usual, Kaiden Guhle nevertheless said he was “excited” to soon return to action, he who was limited to only 44 outings last year.
As for whether he’s “100%”, “we’ll see at camp”, he said, although he claims to have regained all his strength. We understand from his answer that high-intensity exercises will allow him to take stock of his execution.
The last confirmation that remains to be done concerns Arber Xhekaj. He underwent surgery on March 1 after sustaining a right shoulder injury during a fight. He was then expected to be ready for training camp, but the club have not provided any updates since. His rehabilitation forced him to miss 29 games.
Few Canadian players had so far spoken about the departure of Joel Edmundson. The 30-year-old veteran was traded to the Washington Capitals on July 1, and his departure creates a double effect within the club’s defense.
As general manager Kent Hughes has already confirmed, more playing minutes will become available to young players playing on the left flank – Guhle and Harris, of course, but also Xhekaj. However, Edmundson leaves behind him an obvious void to be filled in terms of leadership. The big guy was constantly cited as an example among his colleagues, especially the younger ones.
“It will be a big loss, on the ice, because he played big minutes, but also outside of it, abounded Jordan Harris. We will have to find a new guy to take care of the music. »
Because yes, Edmundson was the resident DJ at the Canadian. The one who dictated the musical listening in the locker room, especially before the meetings.
Who, then, will be able to perform this vital task?
“Nick Suzuki did it when Eddy had to miss games,” Harris said. Maybe it will be him. »
We will try to ensure a close follow-up on this hot issue from the start of the season.
