Jarred Tinordi

Tinordi made the Habs’ opening night roster last season and played 22 games at the NHL level in 2013-14. He's inching toward a full-time role that may happen this season. Some changes to the defensive corps and an organizational turn to the younger talent in the system sets the stage for Tinordi. He's more of a shut-down type than Nathan Beaulieu, the other young defenseman who will battle for a roster spot, and his 6-foot-6 frame may be more desirable than Beaulieu's offense.

Tinordi made his NHL debut for Montreal during the 2012-13 season, finishing off the regular season and playing in all five of the team's playoff games against Ottawa. He held his own at the NHL level and gave us a glimpse into Montreal's blueline for years to come. He's never been a big offensive star on defense, so temper any expectations of that. At 6-7, he overpowers opponents and protects the area around the net and in the corners. Alexei Emelin's knee injury will keep him off the opening night roster, so there's a spot for Tinordi when the Habs kick off the season. He'll likely split time as a sixth or seventh defenseman.

Tinordi, the Canadiens' first-round draft pick in the 2010 draft, made the jump from the United States U-18 team to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, after turning down a scholarship to Notre Dame. The 19-year-old is an imposing figure on the blue line, standing 6-6 and overpowering forwards, though he could stand to add some bulk. He's still learning the offensive side of the position -- Tinordi will play on the power play for London this year -- but he's all business on the defensive side.