The fact that Joel Teasdale is practicing is good news for the Montreal Canadiens as he continues to be a prospect who flies under the radar.
Every organization has a prospect who is greatly underrated. That’s where you have moments where a player comes out of nowhere at training camp and impresses the coaching staff as well as the fans wondering who this person is. The Montreal Canadiens have their youth who draw a lot of attention, such as Alexander Romanov and Cole Caufield, but Joel Teasdale is a player who isn’t talked about enough. And perhaps his time with the team is on its way.
Injuries haven’t helped Teasdale generate buzz within the organization. After coming off a dominating year in the QMJHL and the Memorial Cup. He was a top producer on both the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies while also winning the Stafford Smyth Trophy for being the Memorial Cup MVP.
The Habs have had their eye on Teasdale due to their tie with the Armada organization having invited him to development camp. They liked what they saw in him, and Joel Bouchard, current Laval Rocket head coach, likely had some input on what he could bring as a player.
Unfortunately, an ACL and MCL injury ended his season before it even started with a seven-month recovery period. Of all the first time Laval players, I personally had my eye on Teasdale.
His approach to the game allows for his skill to transfer to higher levels, and we’ve seen how what that drive can do in high-pressure situations. Additionally, making the jump to professional hockey with a familiar face behind the bench is a plus.