The Montreal has made their final cuts last night…at least until players like Emelin, Drewiske, Parros and Murray come back from injury. The last two players who survived the cut were the two who were shining stars from day one at camp. These two players being added to the 23 player roster are defenceman Jarred Tinordi and forward Michaël Bournival.
Jarred Tinordi was drafted in 2010. Last season he played 8 games with the Canadiens when defence man Alexei Emelin got injured. In those eight games he recorded 2 assists. He also played 67 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs, and recorded 2 goals with 11 assists. Over the summer Tinordi worked on his speed and passing skills to get into top shape for Habs training camp.
Everyone thought it would be unlikely for Tinordi to make it though the Habs training camp and onto the opening roster, but with injuries to him and Nathan Beaulieu (one of his biggest competitors) he was given all the preseason games except the last one to make the impression. Apparently he did as he is now on the team’s opening roster.
Tinordi impressed me all summer long – watching him practice with several team mates and then coming out looking like a professional player during the habs training camp. He was trying to make the team along with 55 other players, some of whom had a secured spot and others who were in the same boat as he was. I cannot wait to see what he brings to the team and how he grows with other players interacting with them. Watch for his speed, passing skills and aggressiveness in his upcoming games. He is one the Canadiens should really hold on too when the time comes and other players are back.
Michaël Bournival was sent to the Habs from the Colorado Avalanche in 2010. Last season he played 69 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs but didn’t suit up for the Canadiens. In those 69 games he recorded 10 goals and twenty assists.
Bournival came to training camp ready to go like the rest. There was something about him that seemed special. Whether it was his height (taller then some regular players) or his maturity with the team, he played very well. He had to fight for the spot with many other players (18 who got sent back after several games). He was an unknown type player, played very quiet games causing no penalties or fights but he was scoring and assisting. He played most of the preseason games and never once disappointed the team. After his first game where he scored his first two goals for the team, it was almost certain the Habs would guarantee him a spot. After the rest of his preseason and training camp, the Habs did just that by allowing him on the opening night roster.
These two players from the beginning of camp were the ones who everyone had high hopes for and they didn’t disappoint. Whether Tinordi and Bournival start on opening night or not, they have made the team. I am excited to see what they will bring to the roster.
The members of the Canadiens now include; Michaël Bournival, Rene Bourque, Daniel Brière, David Desharnais, Lars Eller, Alex Galchenyuk, Brendan Gallagher, Brian Gionta, Travis Moen, Max Pacioretty, George Parros, Tomas Plekanec, Brandon Prust, Ryan White, Francis Bouillon, Raphael Diaz, Davis Drewiske, Alexei Emelin, Josh Georges, Andrei Markov, Douglas Murray, PK Subban, Jarred Tinordi, Peter Budaj and Carey Price.
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