As the Montreal Canadiens main training camp is just about ready to open, here are 5 storylines to watch through camp:

1) There is seemingly one open spot in the top six and that is for the second line left wing. Presumably, Tomas Plekanec and Alexander Radulov will occupy the other spots on that line. There are a number of candidates who will be fighting for spot. Daniel Carr, Artturi Lehkonen, Charles Hudon and Andrew Shaw. Chances are that Lehkonen will get the first opportunity as he has the most riding on the line. Either he makes the team, likely in at the least a top 9 role or he heads back to Frolunda in the SHL. If he is not ready, the others will be doing their best to prove that they are.

2) Al Montoya vs. Mike Condon for the honour of being Carey Price’s backup goaltender. At last year’s training camp, Condon stole the show and the backup position from Dustin Tokarski. Unfortunately we all know how his season turned out but I am not ready to write him off. He was asked to step above and beyond last season and it was simply too much to ask of the inexperienced goaltender. Condon will be looking to prove that he does indeed have what it takes and that he can handle playing in the NHL. On the other hand, Montoya was brought in to provide leadership and stability, something that was missing last season when Carey Price was injured. Management will be paying close attention to these two during training camp….

3) How will 2016 first round draft pick Mikhail Sergachev handle playing against NHL players? He has already won the award as the OHL’s best defenceman and displayed his dominance at the Canadiens development and rookie camps this Summer. With Shea Weber, Andrei Markov and Alexei Emelin at the World Cup, he should have an even greater opportunity to display his talents during training camp. Will he do enough to earn a 9 game regular season tryout?

4) Can Michael McCarron steal the 3rd line center role right out of training camp? He was a beast during the rookie tournament and the fact that he worked so hard on his fitness and nutrition in the off-season is quite encouraging. Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin has repeatedly said that he will make room for the youngsters if they so well that they force his hand. If McCarron does win that 3rd line center role, does Bergevin trade Desharnais (if possible) or does the veteran shift to the wing?

5) Who will play with Shea Weber on the Canadiens first defensive unit? Will they go with the veteran Andrei Markov or give a chance to Nathan Beaulieu? My gut is that Markov will get the job to start the year. However, it will only be a matter of time before Beaulieu will be ready. One thing is certain, Markov will not be starting the season on the 3rd defensive pairing. He is either playing with Weber or Jeff Petry. I expect that Alexei Emelin will be given a chance to play with his past defence partner Jeff Petry. That leaves Beaulieu to start the season playing with one of Greg Pateryn, Mark Barberio or Zach Redmond.

What are you watching for this training camp?

Cheers & follow along!
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