HabsWorld.net --
The Habs made a trio of roster cuts on Sunday as they work their way towards finalizing their season-opening roster. Charlie Lindgren was assigned to Laval while Michael Chaput and Kenny Agostino are on waivers.
Lindgren’s removal was widely expected. Not only is he waiver-exempt for one more year but Antti Niemi had a solid showing at camp as well so he will remain as Carey Price’s backup to start the season. Lindgren posted a 1.35 GAA and a .905 SV% in his limited preseason action.
Chaput was signed to a two-year, two-way deal at the outset of free agency and played well in a bottom-six role in the preseason. He picked up a goal and two assists in five exhibition contests but has been more of a checker at the NHL level. If he clears, he should be a top liner in Laval.
Agostino was also brought in at the beginning of free agency and has been viewed as Chris Terry’s replacement with the Rocket. He got into four preseason games with Montreal, picking up an assist while not looking out of place when he was on the power play. He’ll also be earmarked for a top line spot in Laval if he clears waivers.
The Canadiens are down to 31 players on their roster but seven of them are injured (noted with an asterisk).
Goalies: Antti Niemi, Carey Price
Defence: Karl Alzner, Jordie Benn, Simon Despres, Noah Juulsen, Victor Mete, Xavier Ouellet, Jeff Petry, Mike Reilly, David Schlemko*, Matt Taormina*, Jarret Tyszka*, Shea Weber*
Forwards: Joel Armia, Paul Byron, Phillip Danault, Jacob de la Rose, Nicolas Deslauriers*, Max Domi, Jonathan Drouin, Brendan Gallagher, Charles Hudon, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Artturi Lehkonen, Matthew Peca, Tomas Plekanec, Nikita Scherbak, Andrew Shaw*, Tomas Tatar, Hayden Verbeek*
Assuming that Taormina (who will require waivers), Tyszka, and Verbeek are cut and the four regulars start the season on injured reserve as expected, Montreal is now down to just 24 players on the roster. That means one more final cut needs to be made before the opening rosters are submitted on Tuesday.