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Montreal Canadiens: A Youth Movement For The Laval Rocket In 2023

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

LAVAL, QC - MAY 12: Head coach of the Laval Rocket, Jean-François Houle, reacts during the third period against the Syracuse Crunch in Game Three of the North Division Semifinals at Place Bell on May 12, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Syracuse Crunch 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - MAY 12: Head coach of the Laval Rocket, Jean-François Houle, reacts during the third period against the Syracuse Crunch in Game Three of the North Division Semifinals at Place Bell on May 12, 2022 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Syracuse Crunch 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Montreal Canadians draft pick David Reinbacher. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Montreal Canadians draft pick David Reinbacher. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Defenseman

The Canadiens blue line prospect pipeline has a bit of everything, from physicality to offence, to offensive skill and intrigue. Lane Hutson is committed to playing in the NCAA for another season, but come season’s end, should he opt to sign his ELC he would certainly be a welcomed addition to a playoff run. Not much can be said about him that hasn’t already, but let’s talk about guys that will be available for head coach JF Houle.

Logan Mailloux is perhaps the most intriguing, and despite not playing a pro game yet, he tops the list. His skating, offensive IQ and ability to control breakouts are all attributes that will endear him to his forwards. Mailloux is also physical when need be.

David Reinbacher spoke about going back to Switzerland to finish his education and play another season with HC Kloten, but he did sign his ELC before heading back. Should he come over to North America, he will likely be on the top pair in Laval or potentially get some sheltered minutes with the Habs to adapt. He is brilliant defensively, skates beautifully and has some offensive touch that is still marinating.

Jayden Struble makes up for any lack of physicality amongst the blue line, as he is a specimen, and he loves to throw his weight around, especially at his own blue line. Struble is a smooth skater, and I think he has some more offence in him. He will be a nice shutdown piece, with the skating and smarts to carry the puck up the ice in transition.

Adam Engstrom is likely to play in Sweden this year, but his skating and ability to shut down plays are focal points of his game. He is very smart, and his vision allows him to spring tape-to-tape passes to his forwards with ease.  For a 19-year-old, his patience with the puck is impressive, he knows how to use time and space efficiently, which allows him to avoid trouble.

Goalies

The Canadiens stocked their goaltending cupboard at the 2023 NHL Draft, and with the selections being a few seasons away from turning pro, there’s just one name that will provide Primeau with competition for goaltending duties in Laval.

Jakub Dobes signed his ELC at the duration of his sophomore season with Ohio State University. The 6-foot-4 native of Ostrava, Czechia, is a huge presence in the net, but his athleticism is certainly his calling card as he is able to make difficult saves look routine. He finished his NCAA career with a 42-28-5 record, to go along with six shutouts. Dobes is primed to wrestle the starting role away from Primeau.

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