Canadiens: What to Expect From Kaiden Guhle

With a cupboard chock-a-bloc full of talented defensemen, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes decided to ink a first blueliner to a long-term extension and label him a member of his core this Summer. It wasn't Arber Xhekaj or Justin Barron who were both RFAs, it was Kaiden Guhle who still had a year to go on his entry-level deal.

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Hughes signed Guhle to a six-year deal with a $33.3M price tag, clearly indicating he sees him as part of the long-term future and wants him around when the Canadiens' window of opportunity finally opens.

Last Season

After a rookie seasons that included more injuries than anyone could have thought possible saw him play 44 games only, Guhle suited up in 70 matches this past season and looked comfortable playing on his off side, forming a pair with top defenseman Mike Matheson.

While his point-per-game production decreased compared to his rookie season going from 0.41 to 0.31, the youngster still progressed. He averaged 20 seconds more ice time than he did in his rookie season, blocked 178 shots (the most on the team) up from 77 a year before and saw his plus/minus rating go from -19 to -8.

Related: Canadiens: About the Guhle Contract...

What's admirable with Guhle is that no matter how in the deep end you throw him, he always swims never sinks. He takes everything in his stride and provides stable play, you know what you get when you put him on the ice.

What to Expect

Not every defenseman can be a huge offensive contributor and it's just fine that way, you actually need some d-men to defend. Alongside Mike Matheson, Guhle provided the support needed to allow the veteran to join in more attacks and produce a career-year points wise.

This season, expect to see Guhle remain by Matheson's side while rookie Lane Hutson watches and learn how to become a good offensive defenseman from the veteran. As things stand, there is no competition for that top spot, the right-shot defensemen are not yet ready or able to perform at the same level as Guhle is.

On an improved Canadiens' side which should be able to spend more time in the offensive zone, expect Guhle's stats to keep improving as he hones his skills in the final year of his ELC contract. It might not translate in points, but his ice time, blocks and plus/minus ratings should all carry on going in an upward trend.

In the long term, he's not guaranteed to stay on the top pairing, but while he is, he will keep learning from the veterans that have been guiding him since he graduated to the NHL. If David Savard is indeed moved at the trade deadline, Guhle's defensive role and impact could improve even more.

There may come a day when Justin Barron, Logan Mailloux or more likely David Reinbacher challenge him for ice time on the right side of defense, but that day hasn't come yet and until it does, Guhle will keep going on his merry way taking to every situation like a duck to water.

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