Habs Development Camp

Summary – Tuesday, July 5th

The day began with a light practice, as the players were put through multiple skill building exercises to evaluate their technique. The majority of on-ice camp time is spent doing this. The purpose of the repetition is to get the prospects working on specific things over the course of the season; especially areas where the organization feels these players can improve.

Hudon’s Experience Pays Off

As suspected, Charles Hudon shone bright. The two-year pro is a very technically advanced player for his age, hence his 200-foot effectiveness and ability to control the game even though he isn’t the biggest of competitors. He shines in drills as well as game situations. Hudon possesses a nice blend of natural talent and hard earned skills.

The one they call “Kid Hud” was on another level in the second scrimmage of the afternoon. He scored at least a goal and a couple of assists, including a beautiful end-to-end rush where he undressed everybody on the ice before finishing with a little shake-and-bake on Charlie Lindgren. Hudon was a one-man wrecking crew as he lead his team to victory over a stacked Team D (4-1).

McCarron Improved

Camp veteran Mike McCarron had his moments, as the big man looked fluid through skating and stick-handling drills. He buried a quick, hard snapper that gave his team a late lead during his team’s scrimmage.

McCarron moving swiftly through the drills. Much improved footwork since his first camp here #Habs pic.twitter.com/jvsXMzHIex — Mike Barrett (@MikeBarrett_) 5 July 2016

Sergachev Stars

I couldn’t possibly write any more without mentioning the man-child himself, Mikhail Sergachev. The day belonged to the franchise’s most recent first round pick. He brought the crowd to it’s feet every time he was on the ice. The hulking defenseman showed off his goal-scoring prowess by dangling would-be defenders (and goaltenders) inside-out, while powering his way to the goal en route to finding twine. Over, and over, and over again. Unfortunately, even his hat-trick couldn’t overcome a 4-3 loss for his squad during the three-on-three portion of scrimmage.

Sergachev AGAIN with the skills! #HabsDevelopmentCamp #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/lDln13mcMR

— Mike Barrett (@MikeBarrett_) 5 July 2016

When he wasn’t scoring, he playing good D and using his size and strength, or setting up teammates with deft passing.

Mikhail Sergachev looking like a beast #GoHabsGo #Habs Development Camp pic.twitter.com/FFsGBlJPip — Mike Barrett (@MikeBarrett_) 5 July 2016

Sergachev not just a beast physically… #HabsDevelopmentCamppic.twitter.com/lci81EDSQ6 — Mike Barrett (@MikeBarrett_) 5 July 2016

At one point during the four-on-four period, Sergachev corralled the puck in the defensive zone, burst up-ice and found Lukas Vejdemo on a break. Vejdemo ended up getting hooked on the play, but still cashed in on his chance with a backhand-forehand penalty shot conversion.

Vejdemo reminds me a bit of a younger Lars Eller physically, but definitely not mentally as they are two very different kinds of players. Vejdemo is patient with the puck, as he waits to find the open man for a scoring chance across the blueline. He has the size, and awareness you look for in a young centerman, but he certainly needs to get stronger and improve his stride.

Reway’s Skills

Martin Reway was also a major reason Vejdemo looked good, hitting him in stride off the breakout numerous times after recovering the puck defensively. Every time the trio of Reway, Sergachev and Vejdemo were on the ice it looked like a powerplay. Reway’s vision and poise also make him dangerous every time he has the puck on his stick.

Notes:

Nikita Scherbak was dipsy-doodling and making nice passes, but spends far too much time on the perimeter and plays with little urgency despite throwing his shoulder around a few times. He was clearly fatigued by the end. A little Sergachev in him would go a long way.

Noah Juulsen was another skater who flashed some puck skills today. Last year’s first rounder carried the disc deep a couple of times, protecting the puck well on his strong-side amid pressure.

Jake Evans is no joke on the forecheck. He scored a goal off a turnover directly into the slot, and caused a ton of havoc for opposing defenseman trying to setup the break-out behind their goal line.

Zach Fucale was probably the best goaltender on the day, though Lindgren made some “wow” worthy stops.

That sums up Tuesday’s session. I can’t wait to see what Wednesday has in store.

Check me out at @MikeBarrett_ if you enjoyed those clips and want to see more media. Follow for live updates through the last two days of Habs Development Camp.

Main Photo by Mike Barrett, all rights reserved.