Byron

BROSSARD - The Canadiens practiced at the Bell Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Following the on-ice session, forwards Josh Anderson and Paul Byron met the media.
They were followed by head coach Claude Julien.
Here are a few highlights from their Zoom-based Q&A:
While Anderson has played at the Bell Centre before as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, he's eagerly anticipating his home debut as a member of the CH:
It's going to be nice to be on the other side this time. Obviously with the circumstances, with no fans in the building, it's going to be a little bit different. That being said, I'm just going to treat it like just another game and go out there. When we skated at the Bell Centre yesterday, it was pretty exciting to see the whole arena and the locker room. Seeing the history in that room was pretty special, so I'm going to be pretty excited to play there tomorrow.

Anderson on his impressions of the Bell Centre

The 26-year-old Burlington, ON native subsequently reflected in more detail on his first visit inside the Canadiens' dressing room:
It was kind of hard to figure out the parking situation when I got in there because I had no idea where I was going, but other than that, once I got settled in, just walking around the dressing room and you kind of get lost in there a little bit. But other than that, it was pretty special. They've got everything you need. Looking back at all the history and all the players that have been here and all the Stanley Cups when you walk in, it kind of takes your breath away. I was kind of speechless for the first 10 minutes walking around the room just in awe. But I'm looking forward to going back there tomorrow and starting it out.
SHOP: Hockey Talks T-shirt 💬
Byron, meanwhile, insisted that the team must be eqaully strong at home this season as it was recently in opposition territory:
We have to play the same way we did on the road. Every game will probably be similar this year because there aren't any fans. We have to play the same way every game. We have to continue to be good on special teams. That's really important in our game. It's a new year and we have a chance to compile a better record at home.
The 11-year NHL veteran also praised the work of linematers Jake Evans and Artturi Lehkonen:
I've always played with good players on the fourth line. I remember when I was playing with Phillip Danault and Torrey Mitchell. That was a good line. I see things in Jake's game that remind me of Phil. He's a young player who can continue to develop. Artturi is a very good player. He's good at both ends of the ice. It's easy to play with them. I just do my best to complement them. We're a good line defensively and we can help the team on offense.

For his part, Julien expressed his satisfaction with the younger players on the roster so far this year:
They're good kids. They're excited to be here. They're well-surrounded by good veterans. But they also have time to have fun together. They like being on the ice and they aren't afraid to spend extra time out there. They keep on working after practice. I like that aspect of our youngsters. That really helps integrate them into the group.

Julien also shared his thoughts on two of his veteran defensemen:
Since I've been here, Jeff Petry has continued to improve every season. We know Weber well. He has a good reputation in the League. He's a reliable and solid defenseman. Both guys are important for us.