Recrutes

Recrutes: Hockey scouting from a professional perspective from Grant McCagg and Habs coverage from a 33 year veteran covering the NHL from Brian Wilde.

Habs Rumblings

September 29, 2017

By Brian Wilde

What a remarkable path Alex Galchenyuk continues to travel on with the Montreal Canadiens. The American first round draft choice earns a healthy contract and what looks like a second lease on life, but then he can’t even make it through camp without the on ice picture deteriorating.

Galchenyuk has had a terrible camp for the Habs playing along side Phillip Danault. The two of them have shown absolutely no chemistry together. Galchenyuk looks to have been demoted to the fourth line for the second last pre-season game against the Florida Panthers on Friday night at the Bell Centre.

Sorry, but you must be a subscriber to view this content. Click here to sign in

About Brian Wilde

Brian Wilde has worked in hockey since he was 20. He was the rink side host for the Edmonton Oilers at CTV and Ottawa Senators for Sportsnet. He was also lead reporter on the Montreal Canadiens for 17 years at CTV Montreal.

View all posts by Brian Wilde

  • David Auger says

    Great write up, I thought I was bonkers for thinking that Chucky was not doing well.

    And the lack of offense has been a reoccurring point with the Habs for a couple of seasons now, have to hope that the power play executes much better in order to help that out.

    • Steve B. says

      I was feeling the same way about Galchenyuk, especially recently. It’s a shame that he can’t get things together. Is it a maturity thing? For whatever reason, I look at him and think that he’s developed an ego – something, I cannot really put my finger on – and enjoyed the parties and fun lifestyle over the summer. I reallly could be wrong.

      It is quite depressing seeing him getting shuffled through the lineup up so frequently. He doesn’t look happy – is it that he knows he’s not playing to his level, or does he feel he’s not getting any respect for being a good player?

      • Brian Wilde says

        He’s still young. You can’t give up on people either at that age. They can turn it around and make you look like a fool with their big talent. Confidence is funny. When it goes, you think it’s gone forever. Suddenly, it comes back for some inexplicable reason and boom you’re your old self. We shall see. Hard times develop character. It may help him.

        • Steve B. says

          You’re right.

          Even Drouin had his issues – held out for the start of his first season with Halifax, and had his issued with the Lightning.

          Maybe this is just the catalyst he needs! I hope – the talent is there, but the confidence isn’t quite.

  • tprigi says

    Any option to trade Galchenyuk right now is out the window. His trade value is worth zilch right now. i cant wait to see where he he fits in the line up Oct 5th. a 4.9 mil 4th liner?

  • Terry Fisher says

    Probably be a few growing pains early on. But wouldn’t it be refreshing to finish the year as strongly as they usually start? Still think that cap room will be a huge roster bonus at some point this year.

    • Alex Pelletier says

      James Neal could be a real nice trade deadline addition, and not too many teams will be in a position to make that deal cap wise.

  • Scott Murray says

    I agree GCHuck has taken a big step back since the two knee injuries and it is such a shame. That the starting line-up remains so very incomplete so close to the end of Training Camp is frankly shocking. Get your ducks in a row, Claude.

  • Chris ODonnell says

    What about a package for Anderson out of CBJ?
    I like Chucky, but I’m afraid that he may not be the player the Habs need right now.