Noah Juulsen on the road to healing

It was because of vision problems and severe migraines that Noah Juulsen suddenly had to leave the Canadian training camp in September to seek a second medical opinion about his condition.

Posted on October 10, 2019 at 7:00 am

Richard Labbé
The Press

That's what could learn Press from a source familiar with the file.

For the 22-year-old defender, the last few months have been a long succession of ups and downs. He was able to train during the summer without having to deal with health problems, and it was with enthusiasm and optimism that he showed up at the Canadian's training camp in September.

But just arrived at the training center of Brossard, the troubles of Juulsen have resurfaced, and he had to deal with migraines and vision problems again. Later, he chose to travel to Michigan to be evaluated by specialists in a concussion clinic.

The good news is that the Canadiens first pick in the 2015 draft was given a reassuring diagnosis during this visit. His entourage believes that he should now be able to return to the game in the near future, since his health problems have finally disappeared.

"He started skating alone in Laval a few days ago, and we expect him to be able to play this season," said his agent Craig Oster in a telephone interview.

According to what has been learned, Juulsen, until recently, was still recovering from the damage suffered during the bad evening of 19 November 2018 at the Bell Center, when he received two pucks in the face when a meeting with the Washington Capitals.

This bad luck led to a broken face, a concussion and a serious injury to his left eye. The defenseman then attempted a brief four-game return in December with the Canadiens, before returning with the Rocket to Laval and having to end his season at the end of the month.

It remains to be seen where the defenseman from British Columbia is in the Canadian chart. In his absence, another young man, Cale Fleury, took the opportunity to make a place for himself in the Montreal squad, along with reservists Mike Reilly and Christian Folin.

Note that Juulsen will not have to go to the ballot when he is ready to return to the game.

"No one can tell if Noah would have had a place on the team if he stayed healthy," said Oster. The competition was expected to be fierce at camp among the defenders. But I know he's finally healthy and he's also very excited about what's going on. This is what is most important in his case. "