For the Laval Rocket, the NHL trade deadline benefited them greatly, giving them a fresh pair of players in a lineup desperately in need of some help. Kerby Rychel and Rinat Valiev stepped into top-line and top-pairing roles almost immediately as the Rocket were set to face the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Syracuse Crunch, and Rochester Americans on three consecutive days.
Friday: Rocket vs. Bridgeport, 4-2 L
It was a home debut for both Valiev and Rychel as the Habs’ and New York Islanders’ affiliates met on the same night as their parent clubs played in Brooklyn.