Two Max factors for Senators to figure out
Max Lajoie accomplished one major feat on Saturday, playing on the big stage at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Then came the welcome silence of Sunday, when he avoided the axe that sent 15 others to Belleville of the American Hockey League.
“It was a little crazy on the weekend,” said Lajoie, 20, who has been the most pleasant surprise for the Senators during training camp. “I was really happy to play in Montreal. That was a really good feeling for me, kind of a dream growing up. And I feel pretty good to still be here.”
Against the odds, Lajoie has played himself into consideration for an opening day spot. Nine defencemen remain and the Senators have yet to decide whether they will keep seven or eight.
What also plays into the decision is the fact that Christian Jaros has also impressed during camp and is also pushing hard for a spot. Further complicating Lajoie’s battle is that Ben Harpur, who has struggled through camp, owns a guaranteed NHL contract, meaning he will be paid $650,000 regardless of where he plays.
“The staff knows … we had some hard discussions on how players have shown themselves,” said coach Guy Boucher. “But one thing is for sure. I don’t want anyone to be judged because he has a contract or because of his age. We’re looking at which players have done well and we try to make room for them. That’s why a guy like Lajoie is there.”
Boucher says Lajoie will play in Thursday’s exhibition game in Chicago. If he fares well again, who knows?
“The reality is right now, he has been terrific at all the camps he has been at,” said Boucher. “Even last year, I would have liked to have kept him longer, but we had too many numbers, but he deserved to stay a little longer. This guy displays extreme discipline in his game and is extremely smart with the puck. Very poised, always in the right places.”
FROM ONE MAX TO ANOTHER: Max McCormick, meanwhile, is in a different boat altogether as he prepares to play in his first pre-season game in Chicago.
McCormick, who finally returned to practice Monday after dealing with a groin injury he suffered before camp started, owns a guaranteed NHL salary of $650,000 — unlike younger forward prospects Colin White and Filip Chlapik. (Alex Formenton, on the other hand, must be sent back to London of the OHL if he doesn’t crack the NHL lineup).
“It gives you some confidence, knowing that they see you fitting in there,” McCormick said of his contract status. “It makes you a little more comfortable, but at the same time, there are always guys trying to take jobs and you’ve got to earn your role every day in this league.”
Like Lajoie, McCormick will be in the lineup Thursday against Chicago. After making it through Monday’s tough skate, he’s more than ready to prove himself.
“I’ve been staying in shape off the ice, keeping my conditioning up and I feel I’m right there,” said McCormick. “Of course, I want to get in and play, get my feet under me.”
PLAYING WITH AN EDGE: It didn’t take long for McCormick’s presence to be felt at practice. After an exchange of sticks and shoves during a battle along boards, Chlapik was barking loudly at McCormick’s antics as the two skated away.
“I’m a competitive guy,” McCormick said. “I play the same way all the time.”
INSIDE THE ROOM: Considering Mark Stone has acted as a mentor for Brady Tkachuk throughout training camp, it should come as no surprise that Tkachuk appears to have won himself a permanent spot in the stall immediately to Stone’s left. He has dressed in the spot throughout camp, but a “Tkachuk” name plate was added over the weekend … While the 19-year-old opened the scoring in Saturday ’s loss to Montreal, he was downplaying the accomplishment of beating Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. “It’s pretty cool, but it’s pre-season,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get a couple more during the year.” … The GoFundMe account set up by the Ottawa Senators Foundation to help tornado victims continues to grow. As of Monday afternoon, more than $60,000 had been raised. With the Foundation matching donations, the account has topped $120,000 … It figures to be a long year for the Senators, but they already have one sure victory over the Philadelphia Flyers: Spartacat takes the cake over Gritty, the what-thehell-is-that? mascot unveiled by the Flyers on Monday.