Montreal Canadiens: Martin Reway will be the feel-good story of the year
After health complications halted his season in 2016, now, Martin Reway is looking to make an impression on the Montreal Canadiens this year.
If you’re looking for a player in the Montreal Canadiens organization to really get behind this season, make it Martin Reway.
The 22-year-old Czech born forward was a highly regarded player in the team’s prospect pool ever since he was taken in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Draft. After playing two seasons in the CHL, Reway spent the previous two seasons in the Czech Republic. Last year, it looked as though Reway was finally ready to make the jump over to North America. But troubling news came for the forward just before training camp last year.
Reway was hospitalized after dealing with heart inflammation. As the news broke, this was considered quite serious and possibly “career threatening” according to Slovakian outlet CAS.sk.
“Suddenly I thought about things I would do if I could not play hockey. And those things are not too much, I did the school hockey. But I’m glad I hope it somehow overcame it and that I can come back, ” Reway said to David Jahoda of Hockej.cz
In the same article, Reway talks about how the Canadiens organization kept tabs on him through the entire process.
We talked together. They asked me how well I was and if everything was planned. They also supported me a lot. Certainly I could break the contract or something similar, but they held me and believe the team can give me something. I look forward to the new season and to the fact that I can trust everyone, “he said.
The skilled forward missed the entire 2016-17 season while fighting back from his ailment. From all reports, however, it appears as though Reway is ready to make the jump to the AHL and the Laval Rocket this season.
This provides the first-year minor league squad with an uber-talented forward who can both bury the puck and dish it off to teammates.
Many believe that Reway fell so far in the draft because of his size. He stands at 5’8″, but the Habs looked past that and saw the ability in the prospect.
Just looking at his highlights from both the World Juniors and the 2015-16 season, you can tell that he is a special talent.
It is completely possible for Reway to be close to a point per game player in the AHL next season, he’s that good.
We wish him the best over the next year and hope to see him in a Canadiens jersey sooner than later. Reway is someone to keep your eyes on as he looks to make up for a lost season a year ago.
Next: Montreal Canadiens: One More Season For Tomas Plekanec