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Laval Rocket: The impact of the NHL Trade Deadline

By Omar L

LAVAL, QC - FEBRUARY 14: Laval Rocket right wing Michael Mccarron (25) and Laval Rocket stand side by side waiting for face off during the Belleville Senators versus the Laval Rocket game on February 14, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - FEBRUARY 14: Laval Rocket right wing Michael Mccarron (25) and Laval Rocket stand side by side waiting for face off during the Belleville Senators versus the Laval Rocket game on February 14, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Laval Rocket had a successful weekend with two wins, but the pull of the NHL Trade Deadline may have further impacts on the rest of their season.

After starting the month February off with a 7-1 loss to the Toronto Marlies, the Laval Rocket chose to end things on a more positive note. Their two wins against the Utica Comets and Belleville Senators may not do anything for them when it comes to the standings, but it’s nice to add that kind of atmosphere to the dressing room. Additionally, those looking to catch the attention of the Montreal Canadiens are doing so.

Daniel Audette has continued to stay hot having scored his 16th goal against the Senators while Jordan Boucher had four points over both games. Michael McCarron has also stabilized his game as Laval’s second line centre while Markus Einsenshcmid and Jèrèmy Grègoire are contributing on both ends of the ice. The Rocket’s goaltending hasn’t taken a step back either as both Zachary Fucale and Michael McNiven had good performances.

Laval has already lost players via call-ups, and after Monday’s NHL Trade Deadline, their roster may be impacted even further. Noah Juulsen is defining his role on the Habs even further after his game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Claude Julien gave the 20-year-old the keys to car playing him over 20 minutes and giving him time killing a five-on-three power play. It’s safe to say that he’s not going anywhere.

At the same time, you have to think that the Habs are going to find a way to get Nikita Scherbak back in the NHL. He and Alex Galchneyuk looked great playing together, and that’s a pair the coaching staff would want to reunite post-deadline.

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NHL teams are allowed up to four emergency call-ups, and Scherbak will definitely be one of them. It’s possible McCarron, Grègoire, or Einsenshcmid get looks as well if there’s room.

There’s also a chance of additions to the Laval roster via trades. The general belief is that Tomas Plekanec will draw a draft pick from another team to acquire his services, but perhaps the Habs take back a contract. The same thing can be said if a deal for Max Pacioretty falls through. Montreal may get young players that they would rather have in the AHL for the remainder of the season.

It’s a lot of what-ifs, but that’s the beauty of the Trade Deadline. Adding players to Laval’s roster should be just as important if management wants them to improve. Who knows what either team, both in the NHL and AHL, will look like after that 3:00 PM timestamp.

Next: Pacioretty and the Kings

Who do you think is called up after the Deadline? Will the Laval Rocket get a few additions as well? Let us know in the comments below.

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