Jayden Struble has clearly fallen out of favor with the Canadiens as Xhekaj moves ahead
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The worst-case scenario has been confirmed for young defenseman Jayden Struble of the Montreal Canadiens.
He is no longer a regular player with the Canadiens, and his future with the team is now seriously being called into question.
Jayden Struble continues to slip out of the lineup, and it's starting to make noise.
Over the past few games, we've seen less of him, and the idea of seeing him back in the stands tomorrow no longer surprises many people.
In recent Canadiens decisions, we've already seen Struble pulled from the lineup, with Adam Engstrom inserted instead.
There's also a timing factor that isn't helping.
The Canadiens have only eight games left before the Olympic break, and the schedule doesn't leave much room for decisions.
This week, Montreal hosts the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday and the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, before heading to Boston for a game on Saturday.
Jayden Struble no longer has a role with the Montreal Canadiens and has clearly lost his spot to Arber Xhekaj
When a defenseman frequently sits out, the numbers become a harsh reminder.
This season, Struble still hasn't scored, but he has six assists for six points, along with a minus-two rating and 36 penalty minutes.
After games against Vegas on January 27 and the Colorado Avalanche on January 29, the Canadiens finish this stretch with three road games, in Buffalo, Minnesota, and Winnipeg, before the break.
If Struble wants to reclaim his spot, the window is short and every game carries more weight.
The Canadiens will be calling an announcement and a Martin St-Louis press conference as early as tomorrow to confirm everything, but all signs point to Struble once again being sent to the press box.
"Jayden Struble has played only one of the Canadiens' last five games"
- DLC
- DLC
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
27-year-old forward in Canadiens organization announces sudden retirement
27-year-old forward in Canadiens organization announces sudden retirement
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 19|1434 ANSWERS Jayden Struble has clearly fallen out of favor with the Canadiens as Xhekaj moves ahead Should Jayden Struble return to the Canadiens' lineup quickly? | ||
| Yes | 415 | 28.9 % |
| No | 1019 | 71.1 % |
| List of polls | ||