Learning and standing out

BROSSARD - Some are taking part in their inaugural camp with the Canadiens, others their last. Some are first rounders, others are in town on a tryout basis. But every player on hand at the Canadiens' development camp has the same goal in mind: to turn some heads and learn as much as possible in their four days on the ice.

That's certainly the case for Noah Juulsen, who recently completed his time in the Junior ranks and is ready to make the jump to the pros.
"It's all about experience, you just want to be a sponge. You just want to learn from the feedback the coaches and staff are giving you. That's the most important thing," said the young blue-liner who isn't looking to cut any corners.
"I want to be here, then rookie camp, and hopefully I can make the big camp and do the best I can and hope for the best," added the 2015 first round draft pick.
One of the veterans of the group, Nikita Scherbak has already had a taste of NHL action, but he knows he still has plenty to prove.
"It's the same thing every year, whether it's your first [camp] or your 10th. You come here and it's another step, especially with the new coach [Claude Julien]. It's a big challenge," explained the rookie forward, who notched his first career NHL goal in his first game after being called up by the Habs this season.
The 2014 first rounder knows that expectations are elevated for him heading into this season, having just finishing his second AHL campaign.
"I've already played two seasons in the pros so people expect more, for sure. I just have to work hard to make it happen," admitted the Russian sniper, who is spending his summer in Montreal training with Canadiens strength and conditioning coach, Pierre Allard.
"I'm doing everything I can to get better over the offseason. Every day I feel like I'm in control. We work hard with Pierre. He's a really good trainer. Even last year I got bigger and stronger and I felt that over the course of the season," he continued.

While Juulsen and Scherbak have their short-term status all but confirmed, that's not the case for Quebec-born winger Maxime Fortier. The undrafted 19-year-old is taking part in his second development camp in Brossard. He doesn't need to look far for inspiration when it comes to realizing his dream. During the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, Fortier watched as fellow Quebec native Frederick Gaudreau, who also went undrafted, made his mark as a 24-year-old in his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators after working his way up through the minors.
"There are examples like that everywhere in the League, and that's my goal. I want to play in the National Hockey League and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. It was hard for a half an hour after the Draft finished, but after the initial disappointment I got the call from the Canadiens," recounted Fortier.
"My goal is to give everything I have this week to show them what I'm capable of. I can go back to Junior, but I won't hide that my goal is to play in the American Hockey League next year," added the LaSalle native.
The camp will continue at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard through Wednesday.