Defensively, the Canadian has only used six players since the start of the season.
Mike Matheson, David Savard, Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson are the club’s top four defenders. Even though they have their ups and downs (except Guhle, who doesn’t seem to have any downs in four games), they should continue to play.
I would be really surprised to see one of the four in the stands on Thursday against the Kings. It would probably take an injury to leave one of those out.
But the fact remains that defensively, there are corrections to be made. And for that, changes in the squad could indeed occur for Thursday’s match.
Logically, if the top-4 will not change, there remain two possibilities.
- Replace Arber Xhekaj with Jayden Struble
- Replace Justin Barron with Jayden Struble
In fact, in the last days, Struble skated with the others. And listening to Anthony Marcotte this morning, on BPM Sports, Struble seems to be getting closer to a return.
And as he is useful, (visibly) closer than ever to a return and the CH could want to stir up its soup, seeing him return to the club’s lineup seems to be more and more likely.
But who would give up their place? Everything points to Xhekaj.
Justin Barron is one of two right-handers on the blue line. Justin Barron played well yesterday. Justin Barron brings offense and has complementary strengths to those of Struble and Xhekaj.
Arber Xhekaj is protected from big opposing trios defensively. Arber Xhekaj is a defender in the same mold as Struble. Arber Xhekaj has little room to maneuver. Arber Xhekaj is less reliable defensively than Struble, a defender who also likes physical play.
There is therefore a good chance of seeing the Sheriff take a walk in the stands on Thursday evening in my eyes. This is undoubtedly the “easy” decision to make if Martin St-Louis wants to move.
In burst
– 30 years already.
– Speaking of soccer.
– Please note.
– Boston adds another team.
– Interesting.
