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Habs Happenings: Rookie Camp Details & Invitees Announced |
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The Montreal Canadiens announced the details and list of invitees to their Rookie Camp that will begin September 15th:
Of note, 2013 second round draft pick Artturi Lehkonen will be participating for the first time. Lehkonen was outstanding in the SHL playoffs this past Spring with Frolunda and shortly thereafter the Canadiens signed him to a three year deal. They are hopeful that he is ready to make the jump to the NHL this season and he will have to battle hard and prove himself in the Rookie Camp and Training Camp to earn a spot in the top 9. He is not coming over to play less than 10 minutes a game on the fourth line. The Canadiens would not have offered him a contract if they did not think that he had the potential to play in the NHL this season. However if he does not make the team come October, Lehkonen will return back to Frolunda for the season rather than go down to St. John’s in the AHL.
This will likely be the last Rookie Camp for Lehkonen’s fellow 2013 draftees, 1st rounder Michael McCarron, Zach Fucale and Martin Reway. McCarron will be looked at to provide leadership at the camp as he is the elder statesman with the most NHL experience. Fucale will be in a battle with goalie Charlie Lindgren who was signed out of St. Cloud State University towards the end of last season. It will also be the first time since 2013 that Reway will be in attendance. He is also in a battle for a top 9 spot with the Canadiens but will likely start the season in the AHL while he re-adapts to North America.
All eyes will once again be on 2016 first round pick Mikhail Sergachev. Some are expecting him to push for a roster spot or at least a 9 game stint with the Canadiens before being sent back to Windsor in the OHL. At the Development Camp in July stamina was a bit of an issue but after a Summer of training I would expect him to be close to game shape. Unfortunately fans will not get to see Sergachev go head to head against Auston Matthews as he will be participating on Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey.
The other name on the list of invitees that stands out is 2016 7th round draft pick Arvid Henrikson from Sweden. It is a little unusual that European prospects come back to North America for a Rookie Camp as they are normally already playing with their club teams. Henrikson was not taken at the CHL import draft and so I am curious if there is another reason why he is taking part in the Rookie Camp.
There will also be 6 players who were invited on try-outs. Markus Eisenschmid earned an AHL contract last year and he will be looking to get another one for this season. College players are not eligible to attend.
On September 15th the players will have their physicals and then a quick practice before heading to London, ON to participate in the four team rookie tournament with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. After the three day tournament they will return to Montreal for further practices ending September 21st. From there we will see which prospects will earn an invitation to the Canadiens main camp. As some players will be at the World Cup, expect a few more prospects than normal to get the call.
Cheers & follow along!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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