Montreal Canadiens Cut Key Prospects from Training Camp

The Montreal Canadiens announced a third round of cuts from their hefty 2023-24 training camp roster.

The first round of cuts took place on Monday, reducing the total number of players in camp from 72 all the way down to…68.

Among the cuts were forwards Florian Xhekaj (Brandfort Bulldogs) and Cedrick Guindon (Owen Sound Attack), who were returned to their respective OHL teams, whereas goaltenders Jan Spunar (Portland Winterhawks) and Quentin Miller (Quebec Remparts) were returned to the Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, respectively.

The Habs sharpened their knives on Saturday, making two rounds of cuts.

The first included 25 players who were sent to the Laval Rocket so they could prepare for the AHL’s training camp. Prospect Owen Beck was also included in that round of cuts. He will report to the Peterborough Petes of the OHL.

The second round of cuts took place shortly after Saturday’s 3-1 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It included goaltender Jakub Dobes, defenceman William Trudeau, as well as forwards Sean Farrel and Riley Kidney.

The Canadiens also loaned their 2023 first-round pick, David Reinbacher, to his NL club, EHC Kloten, which was to be expected given that the team indicated they are in no rush to see Reinbacher earn a job in the NHL.

Les Canadiens ont cédé J. Dobes, R. Kidney, S. Farrell et W. Trudeau au Rocket de Laval, alors que D. Reinbacher a été prêté au HC Kloten en Suisse.#GoHabsGo | @RBCfr

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 1, 2023

That leaves 33 players at camp, which is a much more reasonable number given that the start of the 2023-24 regular season is just around the corner.

The Canadiens have two preseason games left on the schedule, giving the remaining players an opportunity to show the management group what they can offer to the team this season.

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Monday once again facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, though this time the game will take place in Ontario. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.