Montreal Canadiens’ GM Marc Bergevin has always said that it was up to the young guys to force his hand in making some room for them in the line-up. Several players have taken him up to task and he’s always delivered to his promise.
At this year’s camp, there are a couple of prospects who are opening everyone’s eyes. One is Kaiden Guhle, who should be send back to the Prince-Albert Raiders of the WHL regardless of performances. He’s only 19 years old and is the leading candidate to captain Team Canada junior at the World Junior Championships this year.
A 23 year-old winger is coming out of nowhere and he’s not going unnoticed either. Michael Pezzetta has had a two-goal night against the Toronto Maple Leafs while being a physical forces all pre-season. He went to Jonathan Drouin’s defense in one game, and dropped the gloves with Ottawa Senators’ Parker Kelly, who had just hit him from behind.
Standing at 6-foot one-inch and 216 pounds, the rugged winger can skate and isn’t too shabby on the defensive side of the puck. Pezzetta is not without reminding Habs’ fans of a certain Ryan White, but bigger. Yes, he can be a bit undisciplined at times but that’s what you get when you have players playing with an edge. He does however fills a role as the Canadiens don’t have many guys who play like him. He has obviously progressed a lot last season under Joel Bouchard.
If Pezzetta can continues to impress, Bergevin will have to make room for him and knowing how the Canadiens’ GM loves the rough stuff, don’t be surprised if he hasn’t already started thinking about it. He could be a good weapon to help protect young Cole Caufield and other young stars on the Canadiens…
