Every September, NHL training camps open with familiar platitudes about fresh starts and open competition. More often than not, it’s just talk. The real roster spots are mostly decided, and camp is for getting the veterans’ legs back. But in Brossard this fall, something feels different. Head coach Martin St. Louis has cranked the intensity dial to eleven, making it clear that ice time will be earned, not given. The result? A youth movement that is not just knocking on the door but trying to kick it off its hinges.
Through the first week of scrimmages and two pre-season contests, the story of the Montreal Canadiens has been written by its prospects. They aren’t just keeping up; in many cases, they’re leading the way. Early on-ice sessions saw players like Owen Beck, Vinzenz Rohrer, and newcomer Zachary Bolduc set a blistering pace. Even camp invitee Mark Estapa turned heads by simply outworking everyone in his vicinity. This high-tempo, high-effort environment has become the new standard, and it’s the kids who seem most comfortable in the chaos, turning a standard pre-season into a compelling showcase of the organization’s future.
Also on the EDGE – Brossard Battleground: Key Questions Facing the Canadiens at Training Camp
Stealing the Show in Steel City
The Canadiens’ pre-season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins was supposed to be a low-stakes affair. Instead, it became a coming-out party for the next wave in a 2-1 shootout win that was almost entirely engineered by rookies.
The undisputed star of the night was goaltender Jacob Fowler. When the 2023 third-round pick replaced starter Sam Montembeault halfway through the game, he was nothing short of spectacular. The Boston College product, fresh off an NCAA championship, played with a poise that defied his age, stopping all 13 shots he faced in regulation and overtime. He then slammed the door in the shootout, turning away four of five Penguins shooters to single-handedly secure the victory. It was a performance that instantly vaulted his name into conversations about the team’s future in the crease.
Of course, Fowler’s heroics wouldn’t have mattered without a late-game goal from Owen Beck. The cerebral centreman, known for his responsible, two-way game, showed his offensive flair by potting the game-tying goal in the third period just after a power play expired. It was a clutch goal that underscored his readiness to take another step in his professional journey. The win was sealed in the shootout by goals from Oliver Kapanen and Sean Farrell, capping off a night where the kids were more than alright—they were the entire story. Other prospects like Filip Mesar and Jared Davidson also stood out with their relentless energy, with Davidson adding a “spirited fight” to his resume, checking off a crucial box for any young player trying to prove he belongs.
The Xhekaj Factor and Lessons on the Blue Line
If the Pittsburgh game was about finesse and goaltending, the follow-up against the Philadelphia Flyers was about making a statement. In a 4-2 victory, the prospects once again played pivotal roles, led by a familiar name with a reputation for toughness.
Florian Xhekaj, younger brother of fan-favourite Arber, demonstrated that the family blend of skill and sandpaper runs deep. First, he showed the scoring touch that saw him net a Laval Rocket rookie-record 24 goals last season, finding the back of the net for Montreal’s second goal. The goal was a product of fantastic work by his massive linemate, Tyler Thorpe, whose 6-foot-5 frame and surprising puck protection skills were on full display. Later, Xhekaj cemented his impression by dropping the gloves with one of the league’s toughest customers, Nicolas Deslauriers. It was a bold move that announced his fearlessness to the entire league. The brief glimpse of a potential future line featuring Xhekaj, Thorpe, and Luke Tuch gave fans a reason to dream of a truly formidable trio.
While the forwards were imposing their will, the game provided a valuable developmental snapshot on the back end. Lane Hutson, the dynamic defenseman from Boston University, needed less than a minute to make his mark, picking up an assist on a Cole Caufield goal. It was the exact kind of effortless offensive contribution fans have come to expect.
Also on the EDGE – The Canadiens’ Xhekaj Brothers Have an Unforgettable Night at the Bell Centre
In contrast, 2023 5th overall pick David Reinbacher had a more educational evening. He showed his promise by starting the play on the Xhekaj goal with a sharp zone exit but was also caught on a misread that led to a goal against. It was a mixed performance that highlights the steep learning curve for young defensemen. His night served as a perfect illustration of why patience is key and why another full season in the AHL is not just likely, but necessary for his long-term development.
A Good Problem to Have
Let’s be clear: it’s only the pre-season. The results don’t count in the standings. But the impressions are indelible. The Canadiens’ front office has spent the last few years stockpiling draft picks and prospects, and now, the fruits of that labour are beginning to ripen. This isn’t just about moral victories or “good efforts” anymore. The youth movement is producing tangible results—game-tying goals, game-winning saves, and a level of internal competition that will only make the entire organization better. The toughest decisions for Kent Hughes and Martin St. Louis in the coming weeks won’t be about finding players who are ready, but rather finding enough roster spots for them. And for a rebuilding team, that’s the best problem you can possibly have.
Created with the aid of Gemini AI