The Montreal Canadiens 2016 third round draft pick (70th overall) Will Bitten has refused to report to the Flint Firebirds training camp, demanding a trade from the team.
Camp des #firebirds de Flint. Le Franco-Ontarien et espoir du #CH William Bitten ne se rapportera pas aujourd'hui. Veut transaction #ledroit
— jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) August 29, 2016
The decision by Bitten not to report is far from a surprise. To say that the Firebirds had a tumultuous 2015-2016 season would be quite the understatement. From firing their coach, players protesting, rehiring the coach only to fire him one again, the players were in a an unfortunate situation and toxic environment. That Bitten was able to still put up 65 points and score 30 goals in constant instability is a testament to his skill and dedication. Foreshadowing this moment, earlier in the year Bitten’s father had said that his son would not be back in Flint. Bitten truly needs a better support cast from coaches to teammates in order to further his development.
Agent de Will Bitten: «Il n'a pas goà»té aux séries en 2 ans. Flint est encore en reconstruction. Pour son dév, doit jouer ailleurs» #ledroit
— jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) August 29, 2016
Ideally, Bitten would like to be traded to the Ottawa 67’s so that he can be close to home and pursue his education in French as he is a Franco-Ontarian. His younger brother is also at the 67’s training camp.
Le clan Bitten ne veut pas de surenchère pour ses services dans la #OHL. Il veut rentrer à OTT, chez lui. Son frère est aussi au camp #67s.
— jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) August 29, 2016
Bitten a vécu l'enfer à Flint l'an dernier. Il veut aussi poursuivre ses études post secondaire en français. Aimerait aboutir #67s. #ledroit
— jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) August 29, 2016
For their part, the 67s are quite interested in acquiring Bitten although the asking price is apparently high. Their GM and Head Coach Jeff Brown commented that his team would be crazy not to be interested, that Bitten is a formidable player. He even likened him to the Philadelphia Flyers 2015 first round pick and former 67’s player Travis Konecny.
Jeff Brown #67s sur le souhait de Will Bitten de jouer à OTT. «Nous serions fous de ne pas le vouloir. C’est un joueur formidable.» 1/4
— jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) August 30, 2016
... et le prix est considérable. J’ai reçu beaucoup pour Travis Konecny l’an dernier. Bitten est aussi bon que lui. Nous avons mis...» 3/4
— jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) August 30, 2016
While the Canadiens would never publicly interfere in this affair, they obviously would like what is best for their prospect and for Bitten that is to play in a healthy and competitive environment, be it in Ottawa or elsewhere. For now, Bitten will continue to train and get ready to attend the Canadiens Rookie Camp in September.
In other news, Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec was named the captain of Team Czech Republic for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey.
Tomas Plekanec named captain of Team Czech Republic for the World Cup of Hockey. https://t.co/mYxjxdgIWI pic.twitter.com/cPl4E2SRei
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 29, 2016
This will be the 4th time that Plekanec will be captaining his team for an international tournament as he donned the ‘C’ for the Czechs at the 2014 Olympics as well as the 2012 and 2016 World Championship teams. Plekanec has been a consistent two way forward for the Canadiens throughout his career although fans wish that he could step up his game in the playoffs. He is well respected by all and is the type to lead by example, not with his voice. It says quite a bit about his character that the Czech’s management believe that he is still the best leader for their team, despite their recent lack of success at tournaments…
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