Montreal Canadiens prospect Joel Teasdale has dealt with far more than his fair share of injuries already in his young career.
The 22 year old injured his knee preparing for the 2019-20 season and it resulted in him missing what would have been his first pro season. He bounced back last year to have a great year with the Laval Rocket, but was once again injured late in the year.
It was a bit disappointing to see his name on the list of players that failed their medicals to begin training camp with the Canadiens. He looked to finally be off to a great start to his pro career after a terrific Junior career.
Teasdale played four seasons in the QMJHL, breaking out offensively in his third season to score 32 goals and 65 points in 65 games for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. He then signed with the Canadiens in the offseason before returning to Junior and scoring 80 points in 66 games and leading the QMJHL postseason in scoring with 34 points in 20 contests.
The Repentigny, Quebec native wrapped up his Junior career by leading his team to a Memorial Cup title and being named MVP of the tournament.
Suffice it all to say, there is a lot of potential in the 6’0″ and 203 pound left winger.
He scored 18 points in 26 games for the Laval Rocket last season, but started the year a little slow with just two points in his first eight. So, before being injured late in the season, Teasdale had scored 16 points in his last 18 games.
After he missed an entire season not long ago, when it was announced he was injured with another knee injury that caused him to miss the beginning of camp, you begin to worry it could be long term.
The team hasn’t announced much about his status, but the Laval Rocket sent out a tweet yesterday showing Teasdale riding an exercise bike.
Regardez qui est au camp des Canadiens! Teaser s’entraîne à Brossard avec le personnel des Canadiens!
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) September 28, 2021
Look who we found at Canadiens camp! Teaser is working out in Brossard with Canadiens staff!#GoRocket #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/12dOE2TxSB
It doesn’t mean Teasdale is going to step into the lineup for Game 1 of the AHL season which will take place on October 15th, but it is an encouraging sign to see he can test out the injured knee.
Hopefully Teasdale’s injuries are nearly in the past and he can have his first full pro season on the third try.