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In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, especially in a market as passionate and intense as **Montreal**, players often face a tremendous amount of external pressure. The fans, media, and expectations can sometimes overshadow the players’ personal goals and growth. For young prospects trying to make their mark in the NHL, the noise surrounding them can be overwhelming. This has been particularly true for **Jayden Struble**, a promising defenceman for the **Montreal Canadiens**, who is doing his best to ignore the distractions and focus on his development.

Struble, who was drafted by the Canadiens in the **second round** of the **2019 NHL Draft**, has always been known for his raw talent and physical style of play. However, like many young players, he has had to navigate the expectations that come with being a highly regarded prospect. Despite being a part of an organization steeped in history, Struble has opted to tune out the noise and focus on what matters most: improving his game and earning a permanent spot on the Canadiens’ roster.

### The Strain of External Expectations

Being part of a storied franchise like the Montreal Canadiens comes with its perks, but it also places a unique amount of pressure on young players. Montreal is home to one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports, and the media scrutiny is unmatched. For players like Struble, this can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it means playing for a team with an incredibly rich history and a global following, but on the other, it means constantly being under the microscope.

From the moment he was drafted, Struble’s journey has been closely followed. As a defenceman with a lot of upside, many have expected him to rise quickly through the ranks of the Canadiens’ system. He has always had a reputation for his physicality, his hard-nosed play, and his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice. Yet, with those high expectations comes the weight of performance pressure, something that Struble has had to learn to deal with.

As he transitioned from **NCAA hockey** at **Boston University** to the professional ranks, the criticism and praise became more frequent, and the outside noise became louder. Struble admits that in the early stages of his career, he found it difficult to drown out the opinions of fans, media, and analysts who constantly judged his every move.

“When you’re starting out in a market like Montreal, everything you do is scrutinized,” Struble said in a recent interview. “At first, it was tough. But over time, you learn that you have to just focus on what you can control. The external stuff doesn’t help you get better. You just have to block it out and trust your process.”

### Struble’s Focus on Personal Growth

One of the most admirable qualities about Struble is his ability to maintain a level-headed approach despite the external pressures. Rather than becoming consumed by the noise around him, he has worked hard to focus on his development as a player.

“I’ve really been concentrating on my game,” Struble explained. “I’m not thinking about what others are saying or expecting me to do. I’m focused on my improvement. Whether it’s my positioning, my puck movement, or my decision-making, I know that if I keep working on those areas, everything else will fall into place.”

Struble’s approach is grounded in self-awareness and determination. He recognizes the areas of his game that need work, particularly his decision-making and defensive zone coverage. As a defenceman in the NHL, being able to make quick, confident decisions under pressure is crucial. Struble has spent countless hours refining these skills in practice, and it’s evident in his growing ability to be an effective two-way player.

During his time in the **AHL** with the **Laval Rocket**, Struble has had the opportunity to focus on these aspects of his game, playing in situations that require constant growth. He has made significant strides in his ability to make smarter, quicker plays with the puck and has shown improvements in his gap control and defensive zone positioning.

One area of Struble’s game that stands out is his physicality. The defenceman is known for his aggressive, hard-hitting style, and he doesn’t shy away from using his body to protect the puck or defend against attackers. However, Struble has learned that there’s a fine line between being aggressive and being reckless, and finding that balance has been one of his key goals as he works to refine his game.

“I’m a physical player by nature, but I’ve learned that it’s important to pick and choose the right times to engage physically,” Struble said. “You can’t just throw your body around without thinking about it. You need to play smart, and that’s something I’ve really focused on.”

### The Mental Side of the Game

While physical development and on-ice skills are obviously crucial to Struble’s growth as a player, he also acknowledges the mental aspect of the game is just as important. Adjusting to the pressures of the NHL means maintaining mental toughness, and for Struble, this has been one of the most significant adjustments of his career.

“The mental side of the game is something I’ve been working on a lot,” Struble explained. “In the NHL, it’s not just about being the strongest or fastest. It’s about being able to handle the ups and downs, stay confident in your game, and not get distracted by what’s happening around you. I’ve learned to block out all the noise and focus on being the best version of myself.”

Struble’s ability to block out distractions has been crucial in his development. The hockey world is full of highs and lows, and players need to be able to stay level-headed in the face of both success and failure. This is something Struble is continuing to learn, and he’s already shown a remarkable ability to stay focused in the face of adversity.

### A Bright Future with the Canadiens

As Struble continues to work on his game and maintain his focus on self-improvement, his future with the Montreal Canadiens looks increasingly promising. The team’s defensive core is young and full of potential, and Struble is poised to be a key piece of that future.

While he may not be a star yet, Struble’s commitment to his growth as a player and his ability to tune out the distractions will undoubtedly serve him well in the long run. The Canadiens are in a rebuilding phase, and they’re looking for young players who can step up and become cornerstones of the team. Struble has the tools to be one of those players, and his mental approach will only make him more valuable as he matures.

Head coach **Martin St. Louis** has spoken highly of Struble’s potential and his work ethic, noting that the defenceman’s desire to learn and improve has been a standout trait. St. Louis has already shown a willingness to give younger players a chance, and Struble’s focus on development may make him an ideal candidate for a bigger role in the coming seasons.

### Conclusion: Ignoring the Noise and Focusing on the Future

For Jayden Struble, ignoring the outside noise has become an essential part of his journey to the NHL. The expectations that come with being a Montreal Canadiens prospect are immense, but Struble has remained steadfast in his commitment to becoming the best player he can be. Through hard work, dedication, and mental resilience, he is continuing to grow and refine his game, and as he continues to focus on his development, the sky’s the limit for this young defenceman.

With his ability to block out distractions and his focus on improvement, Struble is poised to make a significant impact for the Canadiens in the years to come. As long as he stays true to his process and keeps ignoring the noise, there’s no doubt that he’ll continue to rise as one of the most promising young defencemen in the NHL.