Naturally, a stronger development system introduces its own challenges. At a certain point, AHL time is no longer sufficient for a prospect’s continued growth. NHL experience becomes necessary. This raises a critical question: how does management create roster space for these players?
There is always a player occupying the role a young player is projected to fill. In many cases, that incumbent is performing at a level the young player cannot realistically reach without NHL experience. Promoting youth in these situations may result in a short-term dip in competitiveness, but it can produce significant long-term benefits.
Conversely, leaving a young player in the minors for too long simply because no NHL roster spot is available risks stalling their development altogether. Given the substantial time, resources, and financial investment required to develop prospects, this is a scenario management is eager to avoid.
The Canadiens Currently Face Both Problems. How Did They Get Here?
Early-season injuries to Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, Kaiden Guhle, and Kirby Dach forced management to recall several players from the Laval Rocket to fill holes in the roster. Arguably, some of those players were not yet NHL-ready. To stabilize the lineup, management later added veterans Sammy Blais (via waivers), Alexandre Texier (free agency), and Phillip Danault (via trade). These moves allowed the younger call-ups to be returned to Laval, where they could continue their development in the AHL.
However, the situation has since shifted. The injured players are now returning to the lineup.
How Does Management Fit Injured Players Back Into the Roster?
The first move has already been made. Sammy Blais was placed on waivers for the third time this season and, after clearing, was assigned to the Laval Rocket.
If Newhook and Laine return to the active roster after the Olympic break, the Canadiens would be carrying 24 players:
Anderson, Bolduc, Caufield, Dach, Danault, Demidov, Evans, Gallagher, Kapanen, Laine, Newhook, Slafkovsky, Suzuki, Texier, Veleno, Carrier, Dobson, Guhle, Hutson, Matheson, Struble, Xhekaj, Dobes, and Montembeault.
Only Demidov, Kapanen, Hutson, and Dobes are waiver-exempt – and none of them are realistic candidates to be sent to Laval.
One player has to go. It appears universally accepted that Laine will be traded. It is speculated that the trade has been finalized and will be announced after the Olympic freeze is lifted.
Time will tell.
How Does Management Fit NHL-Ready Players into the Roster?
The list of players who could soon be ready for a permanent move to the NHL is a long one. It includes Owen Beck, Florian Xhekaj, Adam Engström, David Reinbacher, Jacob Fowler, Michael Hage, and Alexander Zharovsky.