Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Getting Reinforcements For Road Trip

The Montreal Canadiens had to dip into the Laval Rocket roster for a forward earlier today as they called up Mitchell Stephens before facing the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow night.

Fortunately for the Rocket, they will be getting some reinforcements of their own to replace Stephens. The Rocket have been dealing with a handful of injuries up front, but are getting three players back in time for tonight’s game against the Abbotsford Canucks.

The Rocket announced this evening they will get winger Emil Heineman, captain Gabriel Bourque and center Philippe Maillet back from injury.

Not only were these three forwards out of the lineup, but Lias Andersson is out long term after starting the year with nine points in ten games and Sean Farrell was just listed as out indefinitely after suffering an injury in their most recent game. With Stephens also being called up, and Joel Armia recalled recently as well, the Rocket were in desperate need of adding some healthy bodies and will do so with some of their top forwards.

Heineman had a terrific training camp with the Canadiens and nearly made the NHL team. The 22 year old winger from Sweden had one assist to begin the season with the Rocket but was injured in the team’s second game and has not played since. He should be an impact winger when he gets his legs back under him and he’s into game shape.

Maillet had eight points in 14 games to begin the season with the Rocket before his injury. He is back now and should take on a top six role at center with Stephens gone.

Bourque is a depth winger and the team’s captain who brings physicality and defensive awareness to the lineup. He was also injured after playing in just two games and will add some depth to the lineup. The 33 year old is a veteran of over 400 NHL games and plays a strong two-way game at the AHL level so he is another welcome addition.

With so many injuries and recalls going on, thankfully the Rocket are getting a few forwards back. As they sit in the basement of the North Division, they certainly need all the help they can get.

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