Canadiens Cedrick Guidon On His Offensive Explosion In The OHL

Montreal Canadiens prospect Cedrick Guindon was a 4th round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, and also sits fourth in scoring in the OHL.

When Cedrick Guindon was selected in the 4th round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the belief was that the Montreal Canadiens had just selected a good character player with a penchant for scoring goals.

During Canadiens Rookie Camp and Training Camp, Guindon played a feisty game, focused on a strong forecheck and intelligent play in the high-danger area.

Guindon used his time with the Canadiens’ best players to learn as much as he could from them in order to go into this as prepared as he could to make an impact.

“It gives you confidence because you’re able to see where they’re at in their game compared to yours,” said Guindon of his experience around Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield at the Montreal Canadiens’ various camps. “I obviously have a lot of improvement to do on my part, but it’s just really cool to see guys that were in my shoes a couple of years ago and see the road they took to get there.”

Since being returned to the Owen Sound Attack, Guindon has used what he’s learned over the last six months to become one of the most productive players in the entire OHL.

The 18-year-old pivot feels the experience he’s gained over the last year has prepared him to take on a more direct offensive role for his team.

Guindon points out that the little details he’s been able to pick up along the way have made a world of a difference in his game, and that goes back to Canadiens Development Camp this summer.

“I wouldn’t say I’m doing that much different, I’m still playing the same game I’ve always played,” said Guindon about the sudden change in offensive output this season. “I’m just more comfortable and more confident compared to last year; and that’s something Montreal helped me with a lot. Going to Dev camp and tuning in on all the details; all the things that pros do that Major Junior players don’t necessarily do.”

Moving away from being a shoot-first kind of player for the Attack, Guindon has put his playmaking ability on full display, notching 23 assists, along with nine goals, for 32 points in just 23 games.

He is currently ranked fourth in the OHL for points this season in terms of points, and second when it comes to the amount of apples he’s collected.

On top of his offensive outburst, his defensive game remains stellar, as he’s tasked with the most difficult defensive situations, and continues to play brilliant hockey next to 2023 NHL Draft eligible Colby Barlow.

“When I was young, I was a playmaking, pass-first kind of guy. Then, when I started playing junior, I realized the game is played much faster, so you have way less time to make plays. That’s what I noticed last year, it was harder to make plays,” explained Guindon one why he’s settled into more of a playmaking role this season. “This year, that’s the biggest difference I noticed; that I have much more time on the ice. That came from the camps in the summer with Montreal. I feel like now I have more time with the puck on the ice and I’m able to make those plays and trust my offensive instincts a little more.”

Guindon continues to use what he’s learned in Montreal to his advantage so far this season and has looked like one of the more complete players in the OHL this season.

He’s not too worried about his own personal results though, as he remains focused on helping his team win and get as far as they can in the OHL Playoffs.

To learn more about Cedrick Guindon, see the interview (fully bilingual) below: