Beck/Kapanen or Veleno/Blais: two big, distinct battles

I really believe that it’s the practice camp that will dictate Martin St-Louis’ final decisions for his October 8 line-up, regardless of who’s eligible for the waivers. It’s the preparatory games that will influence St-Louis, whether he opts for youth or experience.

Personally, the way I see it, there are two distinct battles, and both will result in a position with the Habs to fill the 12th forward position, and the 13th forward position. Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen will fight to stay in Montreal, and the same goes for Joe Veleno and Samuel Blais.

I sincerely believe that the Habs will decide to keep one youngster and one “veteran” in Montreal, in order to balance things out and also to give Beck or Kapanen a chance to really establish themselves in the NHL.

Obviously, things could really change, but that’s really the impression I get, especially after seeing Beck play alongside Alex Newhook and Zachary Bolduc in the last few days. For me, the winner of the fight between Beck and Kapanen will be prioritized, but he won’t have that much rope before being replaced by the winner of the fight between Veleno and Blais.

In short, we can’t be sure of such an outcome, because if the two veterans perform better than the two prospects, they’ll be prioritized, but well, that remains to be seen. What’s clear is that I can’t see the Habs keeping Beck AND Kapanen in Montreal, because having a youngster in the stands wouldn’t be ideal.

’En

– Of note from the Ducks.

– To read.

– Question mark for the Wild.