![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/576426.webp.webp\" "\\"Photo")
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Photo credit: NHL<\/p>\n
We have an update on one of Francis Bouillon’s favorites from the most recent Montreal Canadiens development camp.<\/p>\n
Luke Mittelstadt, who was one of the biggest revelations in recent days and is quickly becoming a standout young player in the Canadiens’ system, has just declined to sign with the team for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n
This comes after receiving plenty of praise from Bouillon..<\/p>\n
Many believed Mittelstadt would sign his first professional contract with the Montreal Canadiens, but he has now turned down that offer-at least for the time being.<\/p>\n
It’s a notable development, as this decision brings Mittelstadt dangerously close to full free agency.<\/p>\n
Young Luke Mittelstadt Refuses to Immediately Sign With the Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n
It really does seem like the offer was there.<\/p>\n
Director of Player Development Rob Ramage says the Canadiens would have signed Mittelstadt if he had left the NCAA ranks, but he didn’t want to go that route for now.<\/p>\n
“Ramage says the Habs would’ve signed Mittelstadt if he left college, but that he wants to get his degree and chase a championship.<\/p>\n
He just plays the game textbook. His angles, he’s very efficient, he’s very smart. He’s not a killer, but his coach loves him. He’s consistent.”<\/p>\n
– via Habs Draft Nut<\/p>\n
That said, as Ramage also explains, Mittelstadt is a young man who places great importance on his education-which is fantastic-so that may simply explain the decision.<\/p>\n
Luke Mittelstadt, 22, is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound left-shot defenseman who is shaping up to be a great seventh-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens.<\/p>\n
Drafted 197th overall in 2023, he recorded 59 points over the past three seasons in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota.<\/p>\n
Previously on HabsFanatics<\/p>\n
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