Mattias Norlinder
Mattias Norlinder was a third round pick of the Habs in the 2019 NHL Draft. A skilled, smooth skating defenseman with plenty of offensive upside, Norlinder came highly regarded and appeared to have a combination of skills that would make him a valuable defender in today’s National Hockey League.
It has not really worked out that way yet, and Norlinder has had his ups and downs as a Canadiens prospect. He spent last season with the Laval Rocket, scoring 19 points in 67 games, but did not earn a promotion to the NHL club even with dozens of injuries throughout the season.
That isn’t to suggest he is done as a prospect, but he is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and we could see him jump back across the ocean to play in the Swedish Hockey League if things don’t work out this season.
The Canadiens have an embarassment of riches blossoming on the blue line and Norlinder is just one piece of a lengthy defense pipeline. Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris and Arber Xhekaj are three young left shooting defensemen who are already playing at the NHL level and Lane Hutson and Adam Engstrom could be signing with the Canadiens in the near future. Add in Jayden Struble and William Trudeau and things are crowded on the left side of the blue line.
Norlinder is going to have to take a big step forward this season, or he will be lost in the blue line shuffle when Hutson turns pro and Engstrom comes to North America. Otherwide, Norlinder could be playing in Frolunda in 2024-25.
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