For the start of the 2007-08 season, the Montreal Canadiens opted to pull out of the annual rookie tournament they have been taking part against teams such as the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, and decided to run more of a traditional instructional camp instead for their prospects.
The team felt that the prospects would receive a better foundation in a learning environment rather be thrown straight into a competitive one.
The tournament had appeared to have run its course in 2006. The Ottawa Senators pulled out at the last minute, to be replaced by the York University Lions, who were not at the level needed for the tournament.