HabsWorld.net -- 

On Monday, the Habs made their first of what will be many cuts at training camp as they sent four players back to their respective junior teams, bringing the number of players at camp down to 71.  The list of players cut and where they were sent is as follows:

F Jared Davidson (to Seattle, WHL)
F Cedrick Guindon (to Owen Sound, OHL)
D Daniil Sobolev (to Windsor, OHL)
G Antoine Coulombe (to Shawinigan, QMJHL)

There are certainly no surprises from this group and there will be other junior-bound players being sent away in the coming days.  However, it’s worth noting that Davidson was eligible to play in the AHL this season and the fact he was sent back to the Thunderbirds without even attending camp with the Rocket is a little intriguing.

Among the others, Coulombe was the only one in camp on a tryout.  He was also eligible to play in the minors this season but with Trois-Rivieres already having two goalies signed, there wasn’t really a spot for him to push for.

Sobolev was a late arrival to camp due to visa reasons and his stay winds up being quite short.  Montreal has until June 1st to sign him or lose his rights and while he’s a stable defensive defenceman, he’ll need a big year to secure an entry-level deal.  Guindon, meanwhile, was drafted back in July and will go back to the Attack where he should be in line for a big year.