Jayden Struble: A Habs’ Unexpected Rise

At 23 years old, standing at 6’0″ and weighing 207 lbs, Jayden Struble was not the name many expected to see making a significant impact on the Montreal Canadiens’ blue line this season. While he had always shown promise as a physical, defensive defenseman, Struble was often overlooked in discussions about Montreal’s defensive future. However, circumstances have a way of creating opportunities, and with Kaiden Guhle sidelined due to injury, Struble has stepped up in a big way.

Rising to the Occasion

When Guhle suffered a fluke injury on January 28, it left a sizeable hole in Montreal’s defensive corps. Many expected veterans like David Savard or promising young stars like Lane Hutson to shoulder the load, but instead, Struble has quietly become one of the most reliable blueliners on the team. His performances since the 4-Nations’ break have been nothing short of impressive, demonstrating both his ability to contribute offensively and his steady defensive presence.

By the Numbers: Struble’s Impact Since February 22

• Time on Ice per Game (TOI/GP): 16:57 (4th among defensemen)
• Points: 6 (2nd only to Lane Hutson)
• Plus/Minus: +10 (1st on the team)
• Penalty Minutes (PIM): 11 (2nd to Arber Xhekaj)
• Hits: 38 (1st on the team)
• Takeaways per 60 minutes (TkA/60): 1.90 (1st on the team)
• Shot Attempt Percentage (SAT%): 51.6% (2nd to Hutson)
• Unblocked Shot Attempt Percentage (USAT%): 52.8% (2nd to Hutson)

These stats highlight Struble’s growing confidence and ability to make an impact at both ends of the ice. Leading the team in plus/minus and takeaways per 60 minutes speaks volumes about his defensive awareness, while his physical presence, evident in his team-leading 38 hits, has made him an intimidating presence for opposing forwards.

The Strengths of Struble’s Game

Struble has always been known as a player who thrives in high-pressure situations. His physical play and ability to separate opponents from the puck have made him an asset in the defensive zone. His skating ability, often an underrated aspect of his game, allows him to transition the puck efficiently and contribute offensively when needed.

His six points since February 22 showcase that he’s not just a stay-at-home defender but someone who can generate offense when given the chance. The fact that he ranks second only to Lane Hutson in this category is a testament to his growing confidence with the puck.

Additionally, his defensive instincts have improved significantly. His 1.90 takeaways per 60 minutes lead the team, showing his ability to disrupt plays and create turnovers.

Areas for Improvement

Despite his strong play, Struble still has areas where he can refine his game.

• Special Teams: One notable aspect of his game that remains underdeveloped is his usage on special teams. Unlike some of his fellow defensemen, Struble has not been utilized on the power play or penalty kill, limiting his overall ice time and role within the team. If he can develop into a reliable penalty killer, it would increase his value to the coaching staff.
• Turnover Rate: While he has excelled in takeaways, Struble also has the highest giveaway rate on the team, averaging 3.81 giveaways per 60 minutes. This suggests that while he’s aggressive with the puck, he still needs to work on his decision-making under pressure. Reducing turnovers will be key if he wants to solidify his role in the lineup long-term.

The Kaiden Guhle Dilemma: Who Sits?

Kaiden Guhle’s return to action is approaching, as he has resumed skating and practicing with his teammates. His return will undoubtedly provide a boost to the Canadiens, but it also raises an important question: who comes out of the lineup?

With Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson, and Alexandre Carrier all firmly in place, that leaves Struble, Arber Xhekaj, and David Savard as the likely candidates. Each brings something different to the table:

• Arber Xhekaj is a fan favourite and provides a unique blend of size, toughness, and physicality that few in the NHL can match. We saw him fight Keaton Middleton, coming to Josh Anderson’s rescue a few days ago.
• David Savard is a veteran presence, a shot-blocking expert, a key penalty killer and one of the few right-shot defensemen on the roster, making him a valuable asset despite his declining offensive contributions.
• Jayden Struble, though the least experienced of the three, has played well enough to make a case for staying in the lineup.