William Trudeau emerged from the Canadiens’ camp as a candidate to keep an eye on in 2023, but he’s getting a bit lost in the pool of defensemen this year.
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Because a lot changes over the course of a year. This year it’s all about Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher and even Adam Engstrom.
And yet, in Tuesday’s game against the Devils, Trudeau found a way to stand out from the pack, finishing with two assists and the second star despite being one of the two defensemen Martin St-Louis used the least, yet still giving him more than three minutes of shorthanded time.
The 22-year-old defender was drafted at 4e Tour in 2021 rightly believes that he did what was necessary at this meeting.
“I’m happy with my performance. You have to stand out, but don’t try to do too much. I have to keep it simple and don’t want to start tricking everyone. I play small games and build on them.”
Not in competition
Lane Hutson’s place seems to be virtually secured for the Canadian. However, Trudeau knows that he does not have to fight for a position with the young American sensation.
“Lane and I are not the same type of player. When Lane has the puck, something always happens, be it a scoring opportunity or something else.
“I, if I start trying that, it’s not going to be the same result. I know what I can do and what my strengths are, and I try to take advantage of those.”
Mesar has made progress
First round pick (26e) in 2022, Slovakian Filip Mesar also showed a more than decent game, even if his first third was not particularly convincing.
Still, he finished the game with five shots on goal and three more shots, including one that hit the post. Martin St-Louis highlighted the performance of the man who will begin his first professional season this year, probably in Laval.
“He’s another player who’s showing maturity, he needs to continue to work on where he goes with the puck, but he’s made great strides, he’s got more confidence and you see his talent when he has the puck.”
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