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![\"Dec](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/640769.webp.webp\" "\\"Dec")
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Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Adam Engstrom is lighting up the American Hockey League, and his dominance with the Laval Rocket is forcing Kent Hughes into some serious reflection.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s tell it like it is: the Swedish defenseman is quite literally carrying the farm team\u2019s offense on his shoulders right now.<\/p>\n
Against the Cleveland Monsters, the left-shot blueliner picked up two assists to extend his strong run of play.<\/p>\n
The Swede now has 10 points over his last seven games, including four goals and six assists.<\/p>\n
“2 assists for Adam Engstrom this afternoon against the Monsters.<\/p>\n
That makes seven straight games with at least one point for him.<\/p>\n
4 goals, 6 assists \u2014 10 points in his last 7 games.<\/p>\n
The Swede is dominant in this league.”<\/p>\n
– Vincent Demuy<\/p>\n
We\u2019re talking about total dominance here, with solid execution and quick puck movement that\u2019s starting to turn heads at the Bell Centre.<\/p>\n
Adam Engstrom\u2019s AHL dominance is forcing a difficult decision for the Canadiens\u2019 blue line<\/p>\n
While Engstrom is shining, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious for Arber Xhekaj in Montreal.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no question the Sheriff\u2019s physical style is unique, but Engstrom\u2019s pure talent is becoming harder and harder to ignore.<\/p>\n
If the young defenseman keeps torching the league like this, management won\u2019t have much choice but to make room for him.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the harsh reality of professional hockey, where talent eventually pushes aside those who may be stagnating.<\/p>\n
The surplus of left-shot defensemen is creating a real headache with players like Kaiden Guhle, Mike Matheson, and young Lane Hutson already in the mix.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s be honest, Engstrom\u2019s value keeps rising while Xhekaj\u2019s seems to be plateauing this season with the Montreal Canadiens.<\/p>\n
You have to admit, seeing a prospect of this caliber dominate in this fashion is excellent news for the rebuild.<\/p>\n
Now it remains to be seen whether the organization will dare to sacrifice muscle in favor of finesse and controlled zone exits.<\/p>\n
Jayden Struble also appears to be inching closer to the exit with this breakout.<\/p>\n
Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
4 HOURS AGO|112 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Adam Engstrom\u2019s surge in Laval forces Kent Hughes into a tough decision involving Arber Xhekaj<\/p>\n
Should the Montreal Canadiens call up Adam Engstrom right now?<\/p>\n
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