A Winning Habit
Fansided

Montreal Canadiens: Three Prospects Entering “Prove-It” Seasons

By Ken MacMillan

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: Joel Teasdale. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 19: Joel Teasdale. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Nov 20, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens Mattias Norlinder. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens Mattias Norlinder. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

Mattias Norlinder

It may not be any of Mattias Norlinder’s fault, but the bouncing around he did last season was not the best thing for his development. The 22 year old Swedish defenceman played six games in the NHL, six games in the AHL and 21 games in Sweden’s top league, the SHL.

He shows off blazing speed and terrific edgework every time he touches the ice, but was unable to put up much offence anywhere last season. He had one NHL point, two AHL points and just two SHL points as well.

He did play well in the postseason in Sweden, scoring six points in nine games but then returned to Laval for the Rocket’s postseason run and was a healthy scratch for most games. The five games he actually played in he mostly served as the team’s 7th defenceman.

So, the upcoming season is a big one for Norlinder. Can he find a big role on the Rocket after being mostly cast aside last season? If so, there is still hope for him to become a trusted puck moving defender for the Canadiens in the future.

If not, he could be headed back to Sweden in the near future, and only heard from when his team takes on Canada at the annual Spengler Cup.

Home/Editorials