“We won’t send it to Laval!” -Michel Bergeron

Before the start of the season, few experts were betting on the Montreal Canadiens’ defensive brigade. However, the defenders are proving surprisingly effective.

Especially with injuries to Joel Edmondson and Mike Matheson, three rookies – Kaiden Guhle, Arber Shekaz, Jordan Harris – started the campaign on the Habs’ blue line and they earned the full confidence of their head coach.

On the other hand, after playing 10 games in 2022-2023, a turnaround for the start of the season.

Edmondson’s return to action means management will have to make a tough roster decision that will affect his defense.

If a journalist Montreal Journal Jean-Francois Chaumont believes Xhekaj is “an easy choice”, while Dave Morissette believes the Ontario back “is not who we want to get the drop”.

Michel Bergeron doesn’t believe Kent Hughes wants to officially cut the sturdy young athlete.

And will Matheson, halfway through his eight-week recovery, return from a muscle strain in his abdomen on Oct. 13, create a headache for CH’s GM? Many are positive about the experience he brings to the youngsters, while others want him to stay healthy above all else.

“You all see him playing in the first pair against the top strikers. He hasn’t played (a whole season) for two years. Let’s wait till tomorrow. On Friday, you’re going to call me and tell me, “You’re right, ‘Bergie’!”, he warned.

Above, watch the segment on the show L’Après-Game NHL.