As head coach Martin St. Louis is busy at work setting up the Montreal Canadiens remaining roster forward of the upcoming NHL season, a number of key gamers have been reassigned to the AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. These strikes point out that whereas the Canadiens’ Opening Night time roster is taking form, there’s nonetheless loads of room for changes, and a few of these gamers could very nicely return to the NHL all through the season.
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Gamers Despatched Down by the Canadiens
Right here’s a breakdown of the current roster adjustments:
Joshua Roy: Despatched All the way down to AHL Laval
Joshua Roy, who made 23 appearances for the Canadiens final season, has been reassigned to Laval. Final yr, Roy scored 4 targets and registered 9 factors, averaging simply over 12 minutes of ice time per recreation. Regardless of a robust exhibiting within the AHL final yr with 13 targets and 42 factors in 41 video games, Roy was left off the Opening Night time roster. He’ll possible begin in Laval however may see a call-up if he begins the season robust.
Jakub Dobes: Reassigned to AHL
Goaltender Jakub Dobes has additionally been despatched all the way down to Laval. Dobes had a stable preseason efficiency, notably in opposition to Toronto, the place he stopped 32 of 34 pictures. Nevertheless, with a number of goalies forward of him on the depth chart, Dobes is anticipated to spend the majority of the 2024-25 season within the AHL. Within the preseason, he appeared like a keeper (no pun supposed).
Logan Mailloux: Beginning within the AHL
Defenseman Logan Mailloux will start the season in Laval as nicely. Mailloux performed one NHL recreation final season, by which he recorded an help. The 21-year-old will possible develop additional within the AHL however might be known as up if the Canadiens want reinforcements on protection.
Adam Engstrom: Simply Missed the Reduce
Adam Engstrom was reassigned to Laval after making it to the ultimate day of coaching camp. The 20-year-old defenseman has but to make his NHL debut however was near breaking into the Canadiens’ roster. Engstrom is prone to see NHL motion this season if accidents or different circumstances come up.
William Trudeau: Again to Laval
William Trudeau was one other younger defenseman reassigned to the AHL. Trudeau, 21, had a robust season in Laval final yr, posting eight targets and 16 assists throughout 70 video games. Though he hasn’t made his NHL debut but, Trudeau stays a participant to observe as he continues to develop.
Brandon Gignac: Heading to the AHL
Brandon Gignac was known as up by the Canadiens for his or her preseason finale however has been despatched again to Laval. Gignac, who spent final season within the AHL, is anticipated to proceed as a dependable ahead for Laval however shall be on the Canadiens’ radar for potential call-ups all year long.
Lucas Condotta: Returned to Laval
Lucas Condotta, who performed in 4 NHL video games during the last two seasons, was reassigned to the AHL. Condotta registered eight targets and 19 factors in Laval final yr. Whereas not anticipated to be a daily contributor on the NHL degree, Condotta may present depth if the Canadiens want further forwards.
The Backside Line: Are Extra Strikes to Come?
Whereas these reassignments assist make clear the Canadiens’ Opening Night time roster, are extra adjustments are on the horizon? A few of these gamers may return to the NHL because the season progresses, and the staff continues to judge its wants and make changes. Keep watch over these prospects in Laval—they might be known as upon to make an affect for the Canadiens at any level throughout the season.
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