Player Discussion Jayden Struble Part 2

[Rapala]

That’s what seems to be lost on many, after Matheson’s silkiness, Struble is probably the most mobile Dman of the group…

And he’s got a chip on his shoulder providing elite hunger & motivation - was picked on incessantly as the only non-homogenous player growing up in Rhode Island.

Mobility is not an issue with our back end we are super mobile.
It's one of the reasons I think a next progression has to be about finding ways to put an end to those long assed shifts spent in our own zone.
There could possibly be a time in the not too distant future where Lane Hutson becomes our least mobile defender.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Mobility is not an issue with our back end we are super mobile.
It's one of the reasons I think a next progression has to be about finding ways to put an end to those long assed shifts spent in our own zone.
There could possibly be a time in the not too distant future where Lane Hutson becomes our least mobile defender.

This is more than a possibility. With Kovacevic gone and Savard being a likely trade asset, Hutson, who is not a strong skater, would along with Xhekaj, become our least mobile defencemen.

 

[Miller Time]

This is more than a possibility. With Kovacevic gone and Savard being a likely trade asset, Hutson, who is not a strong skater, would along with Xhekaj, become our least mobile defencemen.

That's an interesting assessment of Hutson.

I can't say that I share it at all... At least not insofar as "mobility" applies to a defenseman in the sport of hockey.

The movement ability can't be separated from the decision making and spatial awareness of the mover in relation to the other moving pieces... Hutson's ability to move in relation to the other player's on the ice is perhaps his greatest asset. Him and Xhekaj couldn't be more different in that regard.

How either of them do in a cone drill is perhaps a different story, but of little importance imo

That’s what seems to be lost on many, after Matheson’s silkiness, Struble is probably the most mobile Dman of the group…

And he’s got a chip on his shoulder providing elite hunger & motivation - was picked on incessantly as the only non-homogenous player growing up in Rhode Island… that’s the type of scenario which usually lends itself to overachievers

What is "non-homogenous" in this specific context?

 

[salbutera]

That's an interesting assessment of Hutson.

I can't say that I share it at all... At least not insofar as "mobility" applies to a defenseman in the sport of hockey.

The movement ability can't be separated from the decision making and spatial awareness of the mover in relation to the other moving pieces... Hutson's ability to move in relation to the other player's on the ice is perhaps his greatest asset. Him and Xhekaj couldn't be more different in that regard.

How either of them do in a cone drill is perhaps a different story, but of little importance imo


What is "non-homogenous" in this specific context?

Struble was the only non-white kid in his town outside Providence - he’s mentioned it many times when interviewed including an excellent piece by Arpon Basu last year. Talking about the racist comments he put up with from coaches & parents alike throughout youth hockey

From what I’ve witnessed, New England youth hockey parents can be pretty vicious towards minority kids especially away from Boston / Southern CT / NY in Maine , RI, NH etc.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

That's an interesting assessment of Hutson.

I can't say that I share it at all... At least not insofar as "mobility" applies to a defenseman in the sport of hockey.

The movement ability can't be separated from the decision making and spatial awareness of the mover in relation to the other moving pieces... Hutson's ability to move in relation to the other player's on the ice is perhaps his greatest asset. Him and Xhekaj couldn't be more different in that regard.

How either of them do in a cone drill is perhaps a different story, but of little importance imo


What is "non-homogenous" in this specific context?

My post was in support of the proposition that in the near future Hutson may well be the least mobile of our defencemen.

In agreeing with that proposition I opined that after eliminating Kovacevic and Savard from the equation our remaining top prospective defencemen (other than Xhekaj): Matheson, Guhle, Harris, Struble and Reinbacher were clearly more mobile than Hutson . This conclusion, if correct, clearly confirms that the mobility of our defence is, and will remain, a strength of our team.

As for Xhekaj, his skating ability is underrated. While not quick, once he gets moving he displays surprising straight forward speed.

Hutson brings a lot of talent and upside to his game. But he is no Quinn Hughes. He’s a shifty, darting ( and somewhat awkward) skater who relies more on deception, unreal hand skills and feints to create time and space to make the plays that should wow the fan base for a decade.

 

[BLONG7]

For those who think Matheson is a defensive liability, Mailloux makes Matheson look like Scott Stevens in the defensive zone. As some know, I have been a huge Mailloux supporter since he was a surprise first round choice in 2021 and have followed his development path closely since. While possessing great offensive skills (shot, first pass, offensive vision and creativity) he remains challenged defensively. I will watch him with interest this year, but the with wave of young talent already on the roster (Guhle, Xhekaj, Harris, Struble) and on the horizon (Hutson, Reinbacher, Engstrom, Konyushkov) it wouldn't surprise me if it is Mailloux who is moved before some of the other usual suspects that are often identified here.

Thinking fans want Mailloux on the Habs this year but if his D needs work no harm in staying in the AHL
This ensures a slow development and time to work on his game especially in his own end

Loved the Scott Stevens quip!

 

[Tyson]

Thinking fans want Mailloux on the Habs this year but if his D needs work no harm in staying in the AHL
This ensures a slow development and time to work on his game especially in his own end

Loved the Scott Stevens quip!

I watched every Laval game this past season and yes Mailloux had some D zone challenges at times but what I did notice throughout the year though is his defensive zone improvements. It would not hurt to have him play another half season in Laval but his upside is legtimate.

 

[Miller Time]

My post was in support of the proposition that in the near future Hutson may well be the least mobile of our defencemen.

In agreeing with that proposition I opined that after eliminating Kovacevic and Savard from the equation our remaining top prospective defencemen (other than Xhekaj): Matheson, Guhle, Harris, Struble and Reinbacher were clearly more mobile than Hutson . This conclusion, if correct, clearly confirms that the mobility of our defence is, and will remain, a strength of our team.

As for Xhekaj, his skating ability is underrated. While not quick, once he gets moving he displays surprising straight forward speed.

Hutson brings a lot of talent and upside to his game. But he is no Quinn Hughes. He’s a shifty, darting ( and somewhat awkward) skater who relies more on deception, unreal hand skills and feints to create time and space to make the plays that should wow the fan base for a decade.

Full agreement here

 

[VirginiaMtlExpat]

This is more than a possibility. With Kovacevic gone and Savard being a likely trade asset, Hutson, who is not a strong skater, would along with Xhekaj, become our least mobile defencemen.

For now. He strikes me as very coachable, and as a result of his IQ, he must have a keen understanding of what he needs to improve to thrive in the NHL. He will put on muscle, and a good chunk of it will go towards better mobility. It could go from a vulnerability to a strength in 2-3 years, with the right outlook and training.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

For now. He strikes me as very coachable, and as a result of his IQ, he must have a keen understanding of what he needs to improve to thrive in the NHL. He will put on muscle, and a good chunk of it will go towards better mobility. It could go from a vulnerability to a strength in 2-3 years, with the right outlook and training.

That assumes that our other prospective defencemen remain static in their own development.

Being the slowest member of the Olympic 4x100 meters relay gold medal champions doesn’t mean you’re slow. By saying that Hutson may end up being the least mobile is more a compliment as to the overall mobility of our projected defence corps than a criticism of Hutson’s individual skating ability.

He’ll do just fine.

 

[jrom]

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Just be thankful we have the intuitive Hughes at the helm of this storied franchise and not the inept Bergevin guiding the team’s fortunes. I shudder thinking about the damage that the Idiot Savant would have wrought in these circumstances if given the opportunity.

we're lucky that he lottery-protected our 2022 1st rd pick he sent to Arizona for Dvorak, would have reached Ottawa level of mismanagement...

 

[Tyson]

Evidently Jayden is thicker stronger than last season. I feel like he doesn't get the respect that he should on this board. This guy has decent upside and can handle the physical stuff very well.

 

[26Mats]

Evidently Jayden is thicker stronger than last season. I feel like he doesn't get the respect that he should on this board. This guy has decent upside and can handle the physical stuff very well.

I think he impressed with his early play.

It's just who is he going to overtake on the left side?

Guhle
Matheson
Hutson
Xhekaj

 

[Tyson]

I think he impressed with his early play.

It's just who is he going to overtake on the left side?

Guhle
Matheson
Hutson
Xhekaj

It's up to him to force management's hand. Eventually he won't be waiver exempt.

 

[26Mats]

It's up to him to force management's hand. Eventually he won't be waiver exempt.

Marinaro and Engles said on his podcast last night that they talked to Struble yesterday, as it seems the media were at player workouts. Struble said he loves Montreal and never wants to get traded. Said that's the hard part of the buisiness, was hard to see Harris and Kovacevic traded. Said all the good young D coming into the organization motivates him more to make his place.

 

[Benstheman]

We will need good defensive Dmen down the road. He will probably split the time with Xhekaj on the left side of 3rd pair.

 

[Benstheman]

I think he impressed with his early play.

It's just who is he going to overtake on the left side?

Guhle
Matheson
Hutson
Xhekaj

Matheson will be gone soon.

Guhle and Hutson 1-2 punch on the left side is settled.

Xhekaj and Struble will split the load on the 3rd pair. If one of the two take a step on the other, i don't have a problem with either being a 7th D.

 

[26Mats]

Matheson will be gone soon.

Guhle and Hutson 1-2 punch on the left side is settled.

Xhekaj and Struble will split the load on the 3rd pair. If one of the two take a step on the other, i don't have a problem with either being a 7th D.

I don't think Struble and Xhekaj will want to be 7th D long term.

Matheson still has 2 years on his deal. And what will probably have Matheson gone either this year or after his deal expires the following year will probably be more the cap than Struble beating him put.

Only way I see Struble having a spot long term is if he 0kays the right side. Other than that, Guhle would have to play the right side or there would have to be an injury.

 

[Tyson]

I don't think Struble and Xhekaj will want to be 7th D long term.

Matheson still has 2 years on his deal. And what will probably have Matheson gone either this year or after his deal expires the following year will probably be more the cap than Struble beating him put.

Only way I see Struble having a spot long term is if he 0kays the right side. Other than that, Guhle would have to play the right side or there would have to be an injury.

I agree that one of these LD will have to adjust to the right side.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Evidently Jayden is thicker stronger than last season. I feel like he doesn't get the respect that he should on this board. This guy has decent upside and can handle the physical stuff very well.

Agreed. I think he is going to be that type that is not flashy but gets the job done! You always need depth like this

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Matheson will be gone soon.

Guhle and Hutson 1-2 punch on the left side is settled.

Xhekaj and Struble will split the load on the 3rd pair. If one of the two take a step on the other, i don't have a problem with either being a 7th D.

What's your definition of soon?

I can't see Hughes trading a highly mobile, 60+ point defenceman who plays 26-28 minutes a game and who is being paid under 5M per season for the next two year ... soon. While anything is possible, I rather deal with what is probable.

If your definition of soon means after the lapse of his current contract, then you are talking about almost a lifetime in the current era of team building. So many factors will be in play over that time frame: injuries, cap fluctuations, players' abrupt emergence and decline, trades and free agent signings.

The rush or urge to trade this supremely mobile and cost effective defenceman by many here has always puzzled this writer. I am however, comforted by the fact that I don't believe Hughes or MSL are similarly affected by such rushes or urges. They wouldn't be playing Matheson for almost half of each game if they believed they had a better option.

 

[morhilane]

I agree that one of these LD will have to adjust to the right side.

The RD is going to be jam packet in 2-3 years too. People in here will need to get used to their favorite getting traded, it's going to happen.

 

[MasterD]

I think he impressed with his early play.

It's just who is he going to overtake on the left side?

Guhle
Matheson
Hutson
Xhekaj

If those guys all reach their potential (And Mailloux, and Barron, etc) we won't be able to pay them all the big bucks.

I could see a guy like Struble being a good option as a "cheap" 5th dman while Matheson and/or Guhle get traded at some point for cap management reasons.

Hutson and Xhekaj both have great potential, but both have to prove they can overcome their respective weaknesses. Xhekaj could probably play on the right side if he's kept for his physicality.

 

[MTL Dirty Birdy]

Mobility is not an issue with our back end we are super mobile.
It's one of the reasons I think a next progression has to be about finding ways to put an end to those long assed shifts spent in our own zone.
There could possibly be a time in the not too distant future where Lane Hutson becomes our least mobile defender.

I can’t say that Struble is a better skater/more mobile than Ghule. Kaiden is elite in that category

 

[Benstheman]

What's your definition of soon?

I can't see Hughes trading a highly mobile, 60+ point defenceman who plays 26-28 minutes a game and who is being paid under 5M per season for the next two year ... soon. While anything is possible, I rather deal with what is probable.

If your definition of soon means after the lapse of his current contract, then you are talking about almost a lifetime in the current era of team building. So many factors will be in play over that time frame: injuries, cap fluctuations, players' abrupt emergence and decline, trades and free agent signings.

The rush or urge to trade this supremely mobile and cost effective defenceman by many here has always puzzled this writer. I am however, comforted by the fact that I don't believe Hughes or MSL are similarly affected by such rushes or urges. They wouldn't be playing Matheson for almost half of each game if they believed they had a better option.

Next summer