Get the scoop on Lafreniere's explosive performance

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Kaiden Guhle is a very solid 22-year-old defenceman. He has the ability to establish himself as one of the NHL’s top four defensemen. However, on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Habs fans were reminded that he is already a vulnerable player.

After accepting a check from Nikita Kucherov, he did not rejoin the fight. He appeared frightened, and his case is examined on a daily basis.

In a column for BPM Sports, Bob Hartley described Guhle as a defenseman who frequently puts himself in a vulnerable position. The former NHL coach admitted that he takes that split-second too long to clear the puck.

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He commended Guhle’s courage but also suggesting that he strike a balance.

He congratulated Slafkovsky, who appears to have chosen the correct time to avoid hard checking. In the instance of the Habs defender, more work remains to be done.

Hartley has a point. Even if Guhle is better at getting out of tight situations than Slafkovsky, he is frequently hit late.

He is physically strong, but his injury history is becoming increasingly serious. He should be more careful.

If he wants to have a lengthy career, he will need to make changes. He didn’t finish last season, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he didn’t play again before the end of the regular calendar

Even so, it’s too early to be alarmed. He has played almost every game for his team without a hitch.

Alexis Lafreniere in his last 32 games:

— 16 goals
— 30 points (38th in NHL)
— 28 points at even strength (11th in NHL)
— +13
— 52.57 5v5 Corsi% (2nd on Rangers)

Laf is starting to hit his stride. pic.twitter.com/KMGRtGQ0A6

— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) April 8, 2024