When Noah Juulsen made his professional debut for the St. John’s IceCaps in the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs, head coach Sylvain Lefebvre praised his composure and talent, making it clear he would be a major piece of the team in Laval the following year. Through rookie camp and into the pre-season, there was plenty to like about Juulsen’s game. He was steady and composed — everything a coach could want in a young player.
Then in his first pre-season game with the Montreal Canadiens, he fractured his foot and spent six weeks on the sideline while the Rocket began their inaugural season.