New 23-year-old forward lands in Montreal after Canadiens-Rangers trade
Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brett Berard has arrived early in Montreal, giving Martin St. Louis his first look at the new winger in Canadiens colours.
The 23-year-old stepped onto the ice Tuesday during an informal summer workout at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard.
Only six players participated in the session, far fewer than in recent weeks. That made Berard’s first appearance stand out even more.
Berard moved through the drills in Canadiens gear, getting his first repetitions beside established NHL players in his new surroundings.
Brett Berard gets a head start in Canadiens roster battle
These summer skates aren’t part of training camp, and no lineup decisions are being made in July. But arriving early gives Berard extra time to adjust before the competition becomes serious.
He’s coming to Montreal with 48 NHL games on his résumé, recording 6 goals and 4 assists over that stretch. Last season, he was held scoreless in 13 appearances.
Those numbers don’t guarantee him a place in the opening-night lineup. They do explain why training camp will carry real weight for the 5-foot-9 winger.
Berard will need to show pace, pressure on the forecheck and enough offensive output to separate himself from Montreal’s other bottom-six options. His path could also depend on special-teams value.
Skating alongside Evans and Carrier won’t decide anything, but it gives Berard an early look at the habits and tempo expected from Canadiens regulars.
The real evaluation begins when St. Louis has a full roster on the ice and preseason games force harder decisions. Berard’s early arrival simply gives him a head start.
Montreal didn’t acquire him to fill out a summer workout. He’ll enter camp trying to turn a quiet July appearance into a legitimate push for an NHL job.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
JUILLET 28|565 ANSWERS
New 23-year-old forward lands in Montreal after Canadiens-Rangers trade
Can Brett Berard earn a spot in the Canadiens’ lineup this season?