Carbonneau facing some tough decision

Said O'Byrne: "I know that if I stay, there's a chance I won't be playing every night. The question is whether I'd be better off playing 20 minutes every game in Hamilton or playing 10-12 minutes in Montreal and maybe not playing every night. I played in Hamilton last year and I made progress there, and I think I'd be better off here. It's the coach's decision, but this is where I want to be."

But Gorges has impressed Carbonneau with his steady play in camp.

"I knew I had to work hard and be in good shape for training camp," Gorges said. "I saw that they signed some guys in the off-season with NHL experience, but that just made me more determined to work hard."

The one disadvantage for O'Byrne is that he is on a two-way contract and would not have to clear waivers if he is sent to Hamilton. Gorges would need to clear waivers before being sent to the Bulldogs.