The Montreal Canadiens have a defensive gem in their organization: Kaiden Guhle.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
The young Edmonton native was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, a fairly talented crop.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
In front of him, some key choices were made. Alexis Lafreniere was selected at the very top of the line.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
We also have to talk about Tim Stützle, who is dominant with the Ottawa Senators.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Several other players in the 2020 draft are already well established in the NHL: Lucas Raymond (Detroit), Jamie Drysdale (Anaheim), Anton Lundell (Florida) and Seth Jarvis (Carolina).
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Then comes the name Kaiden Guhle, selected 16th overall. You can't call the selection a "steal", but you can certainly call it a very skilled one!
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Because you see, even if Guhle doesn't have the experience of the other players mentioned above, it seems clear to all observers that the young man is destined for a bright future.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Many believe that he will be the Montreal Canadiens' quarterback for the next 10 to 15 years!
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
With excellent vision, Guhle has great control of the pace when in possession of the puck.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Talented, he can also hit, with a 6-foot-2, 200-plus pound frame.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the CH's defensive future
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Last year, in his final junior campaign, Kaiden Guhle played for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
In 25 games, he has as many points, including 5 goals.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
He also posted an excellent +22 rating.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
After that, the CHL went on to win the Canada West title. During that stretch, Guhle had 16 points, including 8 goals, in 19 games!
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
This outstanding season, coupled with a very good training camp this year, has convinced the Montreal Canadiens to trust him in 2022-23.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Few 20-year-old defensemen in this league have any hang-ups, and even fewer have no hang-ups at all about the other guys.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Since the start of the campaign, Kaiden Guhle has been playing big minutes on defense for a very young club that makes its share of mistakes.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Sometimes he makes mistakes. But not very often!
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Kaiden Guhle plays with the confidence of an NHL veteran. Of course, he still has games to play before he becomes the quarterback everyone expects...
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
But already, the signs are pointing to the fact that the Habs didn't make a mistake in selecting him.
A look at Kaiden Guhle, the future of CH defense
Credit: USA Today/IMAGN
Kaiden Guhle will be the identity of the Montreal Canadiens, along with the other dominant young players around him, for years to come!