In a move that’s sure to spark heated debates across the hockey world, the Montreal Canadiens have made a decisive roster decision that could have significant implications for the team’s defensive core heading into the new season.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming training camp, all eyes are turning to the blue line, where a fierce competition is about to unfold—one that could shape the future of the Habs’ defense for years to come.

With a talented group of young defensemen vying for precious ice time and only a handful of spots up for grabs, the pressure is on for every player hoping to make their mark.

Among them stands a determined 23-year-old, eager to seize his opportunity and prove he belongs in the NHL full-time.

The organization’s latest contract move not only signals confidence in his potential but also sets the stage for an intriguing battle with one of his closest rivals.

As management continues to refine the roster and fans eagerly await the first puck drop, questions abound: Who will rise to the occasion?

Who will secure a coveted spot on the Canadiens’ blue line? One thing is certain—this is a storyline no Habs supporter will want to miss.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens organization has just announced the signing of 23-year-old defenseman Jayden Struble.

It’s a two-year contract worth just under $1.42 million per year.

This signing officially sets the stage for a good battle between Struble and Arber Xhekaj at the upcoming Canadiens training camp.

Assuming Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Alexandre Carrier, and Mike Matheson are locked into Martin St. Louis’s top-six on defense, that leaves just one spot available for players like Struble and Xhekaj.

Struble may have an advantage, however, as his immediate chemistry with Lane Hutson was a pleasant surprise, and we may see more of that duo this season.

Jayden Struble, age 23, is a left-handed defenseman standing 6 feet tall and weighing 207 pounds.

He was selected 46th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2019 NHL Draft (second round) and has recorded 23 points and 109 penalty minutes in 112 career NHL games.

Last season, he tallied 13 points in 56 games while maintaining a +2 plus-minus rating. He also played two games with the Laval Rocket.

Struble was the last remaining restricted free agent (RFA) to sign under Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. With Struble’s arbitration meeting set for next week, Kent Hughes and the Canadiens had to act fast.

This means all those files are now officially settled!

Whether Struble rises up and becomes a full-time NHL contributor or not, this is a savvy low-risk deal from Kent Hughes. The contract is almost fully buriable in the AHL if needed, and is more-than-reasonable for his play in the league thus far.

We will see if Struble can take the next step, or if one of his many competitors in the Habs organization passes him in the pipeline.