By Paulo Cerqueira, Staff Writer,  All Habs Hockey Magazine

MONTREAL, QC. — Here we are, entering week two of the Montreal Canadiens training camp. What was supposed to be a quiet camp with no surprises has quickly become the “What’s Wrong with Louis Leblanc” sideshow. A sideshow that allows reporters, pundits and fans to put their Dr Phil-like psych degree to good use in trying to figure out what exactly has happened to the Pointe-Claire native.

Everyone remembers the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Heading into that draft, the Habs were still reeling from a four-game elimination to the hands of the hated and rival Boston Bruins. It was a very bitter pill to swallow, especially during the year of their Centennial. It was a year where pre-game ceremonies about the great history of the team were the norm.

Images and exploits of the Richard brothers, Beliveau, Geoffrion, Lemaire, Cournoyer, Lafleur were a constant reminder for a part of the Habs fanbase about what many of them considered to be the most glaring problem with the team: a lack of French-Canadian players. But not just any player.  More importantly, a French-Canadian star.

When were they finally going to have the elusive jewel? Cue the 2009 draft.

To complete the Centennial festivities, it was only appropriate that the draft be held in Montreal. So with thousands of fans in the building waiting with anticipation, could this be where their wishes came true? The Canadiens held the 18^th pick that year. There was a prospect slated to go somewhere between 15 and 20, who up until that day, was probably unknown to the majority of people sitting in the arena. His name was Louis Leblanc.

– Louis who?

– Leblanc?

– He must be from Quebec right?

– He’s from Pointe-Claire!

– Wow! The Habs have to pick him. It’s a perfect fit!

That was pretty much the conversation in many living rooms in Quebec that late June afternoon. No one knew who we was, but everyone knew Louis was going to be the next great local superstar. The Habs had to pick him!

The buzz began to build in the building as picks 15, 16 and 17 were being made. Louis was still on the board. As soon as Gary Bettman announced that the Montreal Canadiens had the next selection, the chants began. “Louis, Louis, Louis” could be heard throughout the Bell Centre. By the time the Habs brass made their way up the stairs, the whole building was calling his name.

Trevor Timmins wasn’t even finished saying his team affiliation when the place was erupting. Leblanc and his family stood up to enjoy what was their happiest moment in Louis’ career. There he was. He was going to save this franchise. He was going to give the team what it needed and was without since the departure of Patrick Roy. Not many fans knew who he was but they all knew he was the “one.” No pressure at all, kid!

Fast forward to earlier this week, with the announcement that Leblanc had been cut from training camp. Everyone agrees that No. 71 was most likely not starting the season in Montreal. But to be sent down just five days into camp was not expected. Speculation is that team management intended to to send the 22-year-old a message. Work hard in Hamilton, dominate the AHL and prove you have what it takes to be in Montreal.

The debate will rage on whether the right decision was made. Will this make Leblanc a better player, or will it run him out of Montreal? Or perhaps the decision to send him down this early is not what will have the most impact on his career. The most important day of Louis Leblanc’s with the Canadiens was June 26^th, 2009. The day Trevor Timmins called his name from the stage of a packed Bell Centre. Trying to live up to the expectations of the Montreal fan base yearning for their new hero, was going to be downright near impossible.

Leblanc might go on to one day have a good career with the Habs or somewhere else in the NHL. But for the fans it won’t be enough. It won’t be a great career. Leblanc might score 30 goals in the NHL one day. But for the fans, it won’t be enough. It won’t be 40 goals. Leblanc might win the Hart Memorial trophy one day. But for the fans, it won’t be enough. It won’t be the Conn Smythe or the Stanley Cup.

That is not Louis’ fault. It’s not even the fault of the team for drafting him. They chose a player pretty much in the range he was expected to be picked. The expectations placed on him by a city who lives and breathes hockey may be the real guilty party here. But how can you blame the fans for just wanting someone to root for and idolize? Especially when it’s one of their own? Sometimes you just have to come to the realization that no matter how hard to try to analyse a situation, there was no way to change the outcome.

The Canadiens had to draft Louis Leblanc that day. The fans had to cheer like it was the 7^th game of the Stanley Cup final as Leblanc walked onto the stage. But as he stood there for the customary picture, you just knew that the rest of his career with the team would never live up to that moment.

For his own good and for the good of his hockey career, Louis Leblanc should move on from the Habs. As the songs goes, “Louie, Louie, oh no. You gotta go!”

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