Canadiens Have Promising Young Defense in NHL and in Pipeline

Over the past few seasons, the Montreal Canadiens have been trying to find their identity. Montreal has missed the playoffs and has had subpar regular seasons. However, there is one bright spot. That bright spot is the defense. While young, the Canadiens have talented young defensemen who are either on the current roster or are coming in the next couple of seasons. Let us take a look at six defensemen who could ultimately make up the Montreal defense sooner than later.

The Canadiens blessed with young defensemen

Arber Xhekaj

From Costco worker to NHL defenseman, Arber Xhekaj (23) has proved to be a success story in his short NHL career. The 6-foot-4 and 238-pound Xhekaj has put fear into the opposition every time on the ice. Signed as an unrestricted free agent in October 2021, he has been a bright spot on the Canadiens blueline. A tough, physical player, he is defense-first, but can provide offense from time-to-time. Last season, he scored three goals and seven assists for 10 points and 81 penalty minutes in 44 games. For his career, he has eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points, 182 penalty minutes, 284 hits, and 95 blocked shots in 95 games.

Jordan Harris

Defenseman Jordan Harris (24) is a solid, young player who is proving he belongs in the league. Drafted 71st by Montreal in 2018, the 5-foot-11 and 185-pound Harris has a good transition game and is small, but physical. Harris scored three goals and 11 assists for 14 points, along with 22 penalty minutes in 56 games. In 131 games, he has eight goals and 24 assists for 32 points, 56 penalty minutes, 195 blocked shots, and 89 hits.

Jayden Struble

At 6-foot-0 and 202 pounds, Jayden Struble (22) is a physical defenseman who clears the crease and does the dirty work, winning battles along the boards. Drafted by Montreal 46th overall in 2019, Struble has had a sound start to his NHL career. Last season, he recorded three goals and seven assists for 10 points, 57 penalty minutes, 121 hits, and 53 blocked shots in 56 games. He is a good second-pairing defenseman who can play in all situations.

Justin Barron

Defenseman Justin Barron (22) is an underrated player on the Montreal bluleline. At 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, he brings size to the defense. Drafted 25th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 NHL Draft, he has been a reliable player wherever he has played. He was acquired from Colorado by the Canadiens on March 21, 2022 for Arturri Lehkonen. Barron has good leadership qualities and can play in all situations. Last season, he scored seven goals and six assists for 13 points adn 16 penalty minutes in 46 games. In his career, he has 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points, 36 penalty minutes, 102 blocked shots, and 115 hits in 94 games.

David Reinbacher

Prospect defenseman David Reinbacher (19) is an up-and-coming player who could be a big part of the Canadien's future success. At 6-foot-2 and 187 pounds, he brings size and more youth to the defense position. Drafted fifth overall by Montreal in 2023, he comes with high expectations for the team and himself. A good, solid prospect with a high ceiling, he moves the puck well in all situations, closes gaps quickly, and reads the opposition when they reach the blueline. Last season, he made his pro debut for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he produced five points (2 goals and three assists) and four penalty minutes in 11 games.

Bogdan Konyushkov

Bogdan Konyushkov (21) is a defenseman that Montreal fans may not know, but should get familiar with. At 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, he is not an imposing figure, but is a scary player with his skill set. Drafted by Montreal 110th overall in 2023, he is a star in the making with his dynamic two-way play. A future top-four defenseman, Konyushkov is the total package as he is undersized, but plays a physical game. He is offensively talented and is a prospect to watch, something one doesn't see in a player drafted in the fourth round. Last season, he played for Nizhny Novgorad Torpedo of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), posting six goals and 22 assists for 28 points and 40 penalty minutes in 65 games. For his KHL career, he has eight goals and 45 assists for 53 points and 88 penalty minutes in 129 games.