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In Hainsight: What to Expect from Kaiden Guhle |
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Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey
Just like Juraj Slafkovsky, Guhle’s rookie season has been cut short by injuries. The 21-year-old blueliner suffered multiple injuries throughout the year, dealing with both a knee and an ankle ailment. In his young career, Guhle has already suffered injuries to both knees and before he went down with a high ankle sprain last March, he was playing with a brace on each knee.
Hopefully, the young man was given a solid musculation training program this summer to strengthen the muscles around his knees to improve their stability. The possibility or recuring knee injuries is my one concern with the promising defenseman. From what we saw last season, Guhle is an imposing player who plays a physical game and can be a real minute-muncher for the Canadiens. Even as a rookie, he seemed totally unphased by his heavy workload.
While there is such a thing as a sophomore jinx, it’s hard to imagine Guhle being a victim of the phenomenon. Calm and collected, he takes everything in his stride, and he appears unshakable. Whenever he made a mistake last year, he would simply shake it off and keep going. He’s not the type who gets into his own head and over analyzes every little play.
Last season, in 44 games, he collected four goals and 14 assists for 18 points, which is a more than respectable output for a two-way defenseman. This year, taking for granted that he’ll manage to stay healthy, his production should see a healthy jump, 30 points seems like a realistic target.
As things stand, the Canadiens have got eight defensemen signed to NHL contracts and only six spots to give. Veterans Mike Matheson and David Savard are guaranteed a spot in the line-up, leaving six defenders vying for four spots: Guhle, Harris, Xhekaj, Kovacevic, Barron and Wideman. Although he’s far from being a vet, logic dictates that Guhle’s spot in the line-up is also guaranteed. There may also be other young blue liners impressing at camp and trying to get into the line-up like Logan Mailloux for instance, but even if he did manage to cause a surprise and earn a chance in the NHL, it wouldn’t be at Guhle’s expense.
In other words, if Guhle can put injuries behind him, he should be able to build on a great rookie season. At times, when I watch him play, he reminds me of a young Shea Weber. Hopefully, as he matures and develops further, this will happen more often. For those still upset at Reinbacher’s selection at fifth overall, watching Guhle play should help you come to terms with the selection, he really highlights how important solid defensive play can be.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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