The Montreal Canadiens signed Michael McNiven to an entry-level contract on the eve of the 2015-16 season. McNiven was just 18 at the time and had been passed over at the 2016 NHL Draft. He attended the Habs rookie camp that summer and attended their main training camp before signing a contract.
McNiven went back to Junior for two more seasons after signing with the Canadiens organization. He played well both seasons for the Owen Sound Attack and then was promoted to the Laval Rocket for the 2017-18 campaign. He had an okay rookie season, but was solid last year for the Rocket.