Aside from Carey Price, Shea Weber, and Max Pacioretty we haven’t heard much from any Canadiens over the course of the off-season.
Recently, there’s been a couple of exceptions.
Habs Alex Galchenyuk Leading the Way
First, Alex Galchenyuk made headlines as one of the first respondents to the P.K. Subban trade. His sentiments were definitely felt across the city.
Here you go, quick and dirty cause I need to sleep. I only cut out the intro- that’s the whole interview. pic.twitter.com/GxcBmZk5oA
— LJ (@splendourella) July 1, 2016
Then first-round pick Mikhail Sergachev was so dynamic at development camp, he had people penciling him in the starting six. Some of those people were a part of the Canadiens management team.
Now, how much will Galchenyuk’s comments, and a rookie camp performance really affect the team’s performance this NHL season?
Realistically? Probably not at all.
Off-Seaon Training
But..(!) Montreal’s first-line center gave Hab fans another reason to be optimistic nearly four weeks back, when he posted this photo of himself and Alexei Emelin preparing for the 2016-17 season.
Celebrating 4th of July with the tank @emelin74 #monday❤️ #dab
A photo posted by Alex Galchenyuk (@agally94) on
Then came the real fun stuff…
Old school work with @galchenyuksr #Minsk #?? #gottadowhatyougottado #itiswhatitis
A video posted by Alex Galchenyuk (@agally94) on
Look at that footwork, body control and weight transfer. Now picture him slinging a six ounce rubber disc instead of a tire. #Beauty
A video posted by Alex Galchenyuk (@agally94) on
This type of “hands-on” training is what you love to see from your players. It’s much easier to remain in your comfort zone as opposed to this rugged, Rocky-esque regime. It exemplifies the type of mindset necessary to succeed.
Not only does it bode well for his own on-ice performance, but sets the bar for his teammates. Galchenyuk is slowly becoming a young leader, a valuable trait that will affect the whole organization.
Exhibit A: Mikhail Sergachev posted his own training video on Friday.
Make no mistake; the 9th overall pick made it a point to express that he will not be out-worked, by anyone. If Galchenyuk deems this kind of training necessary to compete in the NHL, how could a fresh-faced 18-year-old like Mikhail Sergachev feel differently?
Of course, “Chucky” first made headlines at the NHL combine for blowing up the VO2 test and was noted for his weight room dedication. Last summer his work-outs went viral, and his improved physique was evident on the ice as he was unquestionably more explosive and immensely stronger on the puck.
With 22-year-old’s and rookies leading the way with such work ethic, you have to think the trickle down affect can only encourage player development. The same thing applied at the opposite end of the spectrum. If you are David Desharnais and you see this, are you making sure you match that intensity? I would hope so.
Looking for More
The former third-overall pick is looking to shatter last seasons’s career highs; and with more depth and stability up front, it’s looking more and more plausible.
The Canadiens next true superstar may be just beyond the horizon.
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