Ryan Poehling could get bumped by another player fighting for a spot
PUBLICATION
Jeff DrouinSeptember 27, 2021 (10:10)
Ryan Poehling has a position to lose, the Montreal Canadiens' 4th center. At that position, several players are working hard to get the job, including veterans Mathieu Perreault and Cedric Paquette, though Perreault seems destined to play on the wing, as well as Lukas Vejdemo.
Looking closely at the picture, we know there is a spot for a prospect as Paul Byron remains on the long term injured reserve... while Mike Hoffman will be out for four weeks, most likely. So with Byron and Hoffman removed, that leaves 12 forwards available to Dominique Ducharme, which means that Poehling and Vejdemo are in a battle to stay in Montreal.
As Grant McGagg pointed out, Vejdemo is cut out to play in the NHL. At 25 years old, the 2015 third-round pick is ripe for the next level. At 6-foot-2 and 196 pounds, he has what it takes to fill the role of a fourth pivot. He's full of energy, can even hold his own in the slot, while possessing the speed to play at that level.
Unless Ducharme turns to Jesse Ylonen, or even a guy like Rafael Harvey-Pinard. With a guy like RHP, you know exactly what to expect game after game and a coach has no problem with him because he ALWAYS plays with his foot down. A definite value!
