NHL Rumors: 2 Montreal Canadiens in Tough to Make 2022-23 Roster

NHL training camps open next week and in Montreal, the Canadiens have a new captain and a fresh outlook on the 2022-23 season. It was a struggle last season for the Habs and with the help of a new head coach, the second half of the season was much improved. There's going to be a number of battles for spots at camp, here's a couple of Canadiens who will be in tough to make the opening night roster:

Michael Pezzetta

Up front the Canadiens are basically set with their 12 skaters and Michael Pezzetta may be on the outside looking in. The good news for him is that not many on the team play harder and are willing to drop the gloves and stick up for his teammates. Pezzetta is a grinder and prototypical checking winger and last season in 51 NHL games turned some heads with his competitiveness. The 24-year-old former sixth-round pick will be hard pressed to make the team out of camp.

Corey Schueneman

Much like Pezzetta, Canadiens defenseman Corey Schueneman will have to turn some heads in training camp to make the team for opening night. As it stands right now, the undrafted 27-year-old is likely the 7th D, and will get into the lineup should an injury take place.

Last season the 6-foot-0 blueliner appeared in 24 games, recording six points. He's versatile enough to play either side, which should certainly help his case to get minutes once an injury occurs. Schueneman will battle it out with newcomer Justin Barron for the final spot on the team's defense.

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