A Winning Habit
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Montreal Canadiens: 4 Laval Rocket Players to Keep an Eye On

By Sebastian High

LAVAL, QC - DECEMBER 28: Josh Brook and Cayden Primeau (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - DECEMBER 28: Josh Brook and Cayden Primeau (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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BOISBRIAND, QC – OCTOBER 22: Joel Teasdale #24 of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada skates against the Quebec Remparts during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 22, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Quebec Remparts defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
BOISBRIAND, QC – OCTOBER 22: Joel Teasdale #24 of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada skates against the Quebec Remparts during the QMJHL game at Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 22, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Quebec Remparts defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Joel Teasdale

During the 2019 offseason, Joel Teasdale found his name in many top 10 lists of Habs prospects, following a great QMJHL season as a 19/20 year old that saw the undrafted Quebecois put up 80 points in 66 games. However, 24 of his goals and 42 of his points were notched in the 29 games he played with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies following his trade from Blainville-Boisbriand. He also scored 14 goals and 34 points in 20 postseason games en route to a Memorial Cup championship. Now, however, he has fallen in most if not all rankings, coming in at #18 on A Winning Habit’s November consensus ranking.

This is a result of the injury he picked up prior to the start of the 2019-20 AHL season that saw him sit out the entire year. Only this spring, a year and a half later than expected, will he make his debut in Laval. The 6’0, 203 lbs left-winger is an interesting prospect, he holds third-line potential and is still just 21; a strong AHL showing could see him rocket up the depth chart and not only be a top-line contributor in Laval this season, but even be among the first call ups if the Habs are severely hit by injuries and/or illness, given his mature style of play.

In Teasdale’s final year of Junior, he racked up a total of 61 goals in the regular season, playoffs and Memorial Cup combined, and scored most of those in close proximity to the opposing goal, constantly pestering defenders and goaltenders. His large frame is accompanied by quite a bit of strength as well. Teasdale is a player who plays very well at both ends of the ice, which would also facilitate a surprise call-up to the Canadiens.  Look out for Teasdale to play an overall solid game while also contributing with a fair few goals this season in Laval; hopefully, he can stay healthy.

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