The Montreal Canadiens have something that so many teams in the NHL wish they had. And no I'm not talking about Calder trophy winner Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, or the ever deadly Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovský line. I'm talking about options, specifically on defence. Here is where Adam Engstrom enters the conversation.
The 2022 third-round pick already had pro experience before he ever played pro for the Rocket, spending time in the Swedish SHL - putting up 22 points in 51 games for Rögle BK in the 23-24 season. Once he laced up in Laval, he kept the ball rolling - 5 goals and 22 assists in 66 games - putting him ninth in scoring amongst rookie defenders. 12 of these points were garnered on the man advantage. He also gathered 5 assists in 13 games during the Rocket's playoff run.
If you need someone who is going to backcheck with authority, he's your guy. Once he's done snuffing out the play, you can almost guarantee he will make a decisive breakout pass to generate offence the other way, he might even catch up and join the rush. Both those qualities are something the Canadiens could definitely use. Engstrom also possesses what one might consider an underrated shot, corralling the biscuit quickly and gathering significant power behind a low release point. Engstrom is also very confident with the puck, he rarely panics while under pressure and is able to create opportunities with his decision-making. Aside from his high I.Q. and puck-moving ability, he is one of the strongest skaters in the Habs prospect crop, moving around the ice at will - and making it look easy.
With these qualities in mind, where might the young Swede fit in on the Canadiens' current roster? Well, a third pairing spot was well in rotation last season with the likes of Justin Barron, Jayden Struble, and Arber Xhekaj seeing time in and out of that part of the lineup. If Engstrom makes the team out of camp, he would most likely slot in there. I wouldn't group Alexandre Carrier in with this group, even though he spent lots of time on the third pairing last season, as he was one of the most consistent d-men on the team. Engstrom also won't just be battling against guys that have spent time in the show, but fellow prospects, most notably Rocket teammate David Reinbacher, who, despite limited play, has huge potential upside, and being a first-rounder, probably has the inside edge.
Make no mistake, Engstrom will have to fight tooth and nail to start the season with the big club out of training camp, but the opportunity is there. With a nearly complete defensive core, there may be only that one spot available, and with talent and consistency like this prospect has, I'll be watching him closely come September.