Montreal is still very much in the playoff hunt right now. They could also see a mountain of new prospects arriving at the pro level as their teams are eliminated from post-season play in the CHL and NCAA. However, there are also some talented players in the system currently playing for the Laval Rocket of the AHL, most notably Cale Fleury on defence and Jake Evans at centre.
Earlier this year I touched on possibly giving Fleury’s defensive partner, Xavier Ouellet, a second crack at the NHL, and for good reason.
Together the duo leads a defensive group that has allowed the fewest shots against in the entire AHL; no small feat given how much turnover the roster has had since opening night.