Without Weber and Price, who will lead the Canadiens?

Goaltender Jake Allen admits the absence of the captain and the face of the franchise created a void in the locker room last season.

Even though CH officially cut ties with Weber by trading his contract to the Vegas Golden Knights last week and Price’s future is uncertain, Allen isn’t worried about history repeating itself next season. Rather, he believes that everything is in place for the Habs to develop a culture of winners.

I only played one season with Shea, but you could tell immediately that he was the alpha male. He is exactly what everyone imagines: a real leader. It’s part of his nature. Everyone follows himtold the goaltender to The Canadian Press earlier this week, after his participation in a conference as part of the Memorial Cup.

The season has been difficult in his absence. You could see that we needed his leadership at times, he added. Other players have filled the void. I was really impressed, especially by guys like Gally (Brendan Gallagher), Suzy (Nick Suzuki) and (Jeff) Petry.

Price also missed most of the campaign. He made a return to play only in mid-April and was content with five games. Even though he was able to spend more time in the team entourage during his rehabilitation, his absence from games obviously caused a void.

” He doesn’t have the “C” on his jersey, but when you think of the Montreal Canadiens, you think of Carey Price. He has that poise that you can’t teach or inculcate. He is a leader, a very good person and a very good teammate. “

Again, it was tough without him last season. He’s someone you’ll turn to to steady the shiphe said.

Hughes has said many times since he was hired that he would like to appoint a new captain before the start of the next season.

The names of Suzuki, Gallagher and Joel Edmundson are those that come up most often in discussions on the public forums.

I think a lot of people learned from Shea. Obviously, Nick is one of those people, but he’s still young and it will depend on the direction he (Hughes) wants to take the club, Allen said. We have a lot of good leaders. Really!

Allen pointed out that several players spoke up during the tough times last winter, so there are plenty of candidates for the role of captain.

I believe it will be important to have someone to steer the ship now that Shea is officially gone.he insisted.

Allen believes the new leadership trio of Hughes, vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and head coach Martin St-Louis have brought a breath of fresh air to the organization.

He noted St. Louis’ contagious positive energy and how quickly the Hall of Famer earned the trust of players. Allen also talked about little things management did that were appreciated by the band.

They’ve made some resources more accessible and they’re open to our ideas, Allen said. They are not afraid to ask us what we think, what we need, what could be done better.

I think it’s a sign that we’re headed in the right directionhe continued.

no label

Allen was asked to comment on comments made by Hughes on 91.9 FM on May 4. He said then that if Price was not back next season, we don’t have anyone yet among our goalkeepers who has demonstrated year after year that they are a No. 1.

The 31-year-old New Brunswick goaltender had yet to catch wind of the remarks, but didn’t seem shaken.

You know what, I don’t even put a label on goaltenders these days because there are so many great goalies in the league,” Allen said. In nine seasons in the league, I’ve learned that you just have to work and be ready to play.

He wants Price back in good health and said he’s ready to be back in the auxiliary chair, if that’s what is asked of him.

I’m really looking forward to next season because of our second half of the campaign. I think it energized everyone. If I have to play a lot, I will play a lot. If I have to play little, I will play little. But I think my game is on point. I’m happy with my last season, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue to build on it.he concluded.