After splitting time between the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs/St Johns Ice Caps, Jacob de La Rose made the team for the 2017-18 season. However, the competition wasn’t as tough then as the only player in his way was Torrey Mitchell. Michael McCarron could’ve been a rival for that fourth line spot as well, but a disappearing act during the preseason significantly hurt his chances.
The 23-year-old’s position in the lineup wasn’t secure though. There were many times throughout the season where he was made a healthy scratch in favour of Byron Froese.