Jacob de la Rose's mid-season debut with the Habs was something of a baptism by fire, which the 19-year-old 2013 second-round pick passed, surprisingly unscathed.
Spending most of his time on — and under — the wing of Lars Eller, de la Rose proved his worth in a tough position that had seen seasoned NHLer Rene Bourque flounder at the beginning of the season. In a surprisingly short time, he earned the respect of his teammates and the trust of his coach, thanks to his defensive prowess, poise, and maturity.
However, having proven that he has what it takes to play in the NHL might not be enough for de la Rose to secure a spot on the Habs' crowded roster.