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Montreal Canadiens: AHL Tryouts who deserve a contract for 2018/19

By Omar L

LAVAL, QC - APRIL 06: Laval Rocket defenceman Trevor Owens (20) gains control of the puck behind the net during the Springfield Thunderbirds versus the Laval Rocket game on April 6, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - APRIL 06: Laval Rocket defenceman Trevor Owens (20) gains control of the puck behind the net during the Springfield Thunderbirds versus the Laval Rocket game on April 6, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Montreal Canadiens
LAVAL, QC – Montreal Canadiens (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Montreal Canadiens were handing out auditions through the Laval Rocket this season, and there are a few who should be given a contract for next year.

One of the themes this season for the Montreal Canadiens AHL affiliate was turnover. From callups to trades and a steady number of injuries, the Laval Rocket had 51 players wear the uniform for a game this year. After the NHL Trade Deadline, there was a shift to find young talent wherever possible thus starting the Tryout Era for Laval.

It saw seven players get a sniff at the professional level after finishing their respective junior and college seasons. Adding talent so late into the season isn’t that surprising, especially when you consider how poor the Laval Rocket were, but they left no stone untouched. Not every trout made it to the end though. Bailey Webster, who was signed out of the QMJHL from the Saint John Sea Dogs was released after only playing one game.

The Laval seemed to be making it clear that they weren’t just looking for anyone, but for those who had the talent and drive to push for a spot. Now that the regular season is over, decisions will have to be made as to who stays and who goes.

Seeing as how Laval doesn’t have a head coach after relieving Sylvain Lefebvre of his duties, those choices may not be made until a new person is hired. Whoever gets the job will most likely have a say in who, if any, receive a contract for the following season. That decision may take more time even though there are a set of names connected to the job.

Either way, there are some tryouts who, based on their play in the remaining games with the Laval Rocket, should get a contract.

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