Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Little by little, Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens announced an interesting signing.
With the excitement of the playoffs and the end of the season, it largely went unnoticed, but let’s revisit this intriguing contract.
Luke Mittelstadt is truly turning heads and could very well become the organization’s next great seventh-round steal.
For the Canadiens, one name has already beaten those odds.
Jake Evans, the 207th overall pick, became an indispensable player for the Canadiens.
Mittelstadt could follow a similar path.
“After Jake Evans, he may be the Canadiens’ next seventh-round steal”
– Nicolas Cloutier
The defenseman has climbed the ranks at a phenomenal pace since arriving in Laval.
His journey was far from an obvious one.
He was selected 197th overall by the Canadiens in 2023 at the age of 20.
That late-round status motivated him.
“It’s definitely something that lit a fire under me,” the player admitted.
Why is his rise so impressive?
Because it happened in record time.
Canadiens prospect Owen Mittelstadt impresses after rapid rise in Laval
Mittelstadt quickly earned his place in Laval.
In addition, he was also quarterbacking the first power-play unit.
A significant responsibility for a player who had arrived only in mid-March.
One Canadiens staff member is particularly high on him.
Francis Bouillon, with 776 NHL games under his belt, is undoubtedly one of his biggest supporters.
Pascal Vincent also trusted that evaluation.
“When Francis gets excited about a player, I have tremendous confidence in his judgment,” explained the man who was then the Rocket’s head coach.
He is certainly a name for Montreal Canadiens fans to keep an eye on!
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Excellent signing by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens on defense: ‘Following in Jake Evans’ footsteps’
Will Luke Mittelstadt become a full-time NHL player with the Montreal Canadiens?