3 Laval Rocket Players Who Could Make the Jump to the Canadiens in 2026-27

The Montreal Canadiens took a major step forward this season, but the organization knows the work is far from over. One of the biggest reasons for optimism is the amount of young talent still developing within the system. The Laval Rocket once again served as an important stepping stone for several prospects, and a few of them could be legitimate candidates to earn full-time NHL jobs next season.

While Kent Hughes could look outside the organization to address certain needs, the Canadiens may already have some answers waiting in Laval. David Reinbacher, Adam Engström and Owen Beck have all continued their development and could put significant pressure on management during training camp.

David Reinbacher 

The Canadiens selected Reinbacher fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft because they believed he could become a long-term top-four defenceman on the right side. Since then, injuries have slowed his development at times, but this season finally offered some stability.

For the first time since being drafted, Reinbacher was able to enjoy a relatively healthy season and build momentum. He played important minutes in Laval, facing quality competition and continuing to develop the defensive reliability that made him such a highly regarded prospect.

The timing could not be better for Montreal. Right-handed defencemen remain one of the organization’s biggest needs. Reinbacher also got a brief taste of NHL action, appearing in two games with Montreal. While it was a small sample, simply getting those experiences can be valuable heading into a training camp where expectations will be much higher.

The Canadiens do not need Reinbacher to become a star overnight. If he can provide steady defensive play, move the puck efficiently and continue growing at the NHL level, he could become a very important piece of the team’s future. After spending time developing in Laval, the opportunity to earn a permanent roster spot may finally be here.

Adam Engström 

Engström may not receive the same level of attention as some of Montreal’s other prospects, but he continues to impress whenever he takes a step forward. Following the trade that sent Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues, Engström inherited a larger offensive role with the Rocket and responded in a big way. The Swedish defenceman recorded 10 goals and 34 points in just 45 games, showing the offensive instincts and skating ability that have always been part of his game.

The Canadiens also rewarded him with 15 NHL games during the season. That experience should help him tremendously heading into next season. He now knows what the NHL pace looks like and understands what areas of his game still need improvement.

Montreal’s defence corps is becoming increasingly competitive, but Engström has the versatility to make things interesting. His mobility and ability to move the puck fit the style Martin St. Louis wants to play. If he arrives at camp stronger and more confident, he could force management to make some difficult decisions.

Owen Beck 

Few prospects have been as consistent in recent years as Beck. The 2022 second-round pick has already appeared in NHL games during consecutive seasons and continues to show why coaches trust him. While Beck may never become a high-end offensive star, he does many of the little things that winning teams value.

His strong skating, responsible defensive game and ability to play centre make him an intriguing option for Montreal’s bottom six. Those traits have helped him earn opportunities with the Canadiens while continuing to be a reliable contributor in Laval. The Canadiens could certainly explore the free-agent market for additional depth down the middle, but Beck gives them an internal alternative. He is younger, cheaper and already familiar with the organization’s system.

As the team continues building toward becoming a consistent playoff contender, having cost-controlled players capable of filling important roles will be critical. Beck has shown enough maturity in his game to suggest he could handle those responsibilities. Training camp should provide him with another opportunity to prove he belongs at the NHL level full-time. If he continues progressing the way he has over the past two seasons, Montreal may decide that its answer at the bottom of the lineup is already within the organization.

The Canadiens have built one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, and Reinbacher, Engström and Beck are among the players closest to making a permanent impact. With roster spots available and expectations rising, all three should enter next season with a legitimate chance to turn strong AHL performances into full-time NHL jobs.