Martin St-Louis makes a first major lineup decision involving three players

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Elias Adaime
September 19, 2024 (9:49)

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The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, has just made an interesting first decision regarding his lineup.

As the 2024 regular training camp officially begins, we already know the identity of the first line that will kick off the new season.

In an interview with the excellent Marc Denis (RDS), Martin St-Louis was willing to reveal a little about the composition of his new lines. While he didn't want to get too far ahead with his second line, he confirmed that the first line will consist of Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield, a line that is likely to remain intact for a while.

Nick Suzuki will play with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky: Kirby Dach with Patrik Laine?

Here are the exact words of the coach.

«I think with their performances from last year, especially during the second half of the season, I'd be very surprised if this line [Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield] doesn't start the season together (unless there's an injury). However, I'll definitely have more options at my disposal this season.»

- Martin St-Louis

It's not surprising, but still interesting to note. The three had such great chemistry last year, and they've been training together for several weeks in preparation for the new campaign.

Now, we're eager to see what the other three lines will look like, especially the second, which is likely to be centered by Kirby Dach, who is finally back to 100%.

Personally, I'd place Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine with the big number 77. That would make for a pretty complete line, one that could pleasantly surprise us.

It starts today!

«The first on-ice sessions of the Habs training camp begin at 10 a.m. this morning in Brossard, followed by a game at 11:15 a.m.»

- Priyanta Emrith

So we'll quickly get some preliminary answers to our questions.