In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, the development of young talent is crucial to sustained success. For the Montreal Canadiens, the Laval Rocket, its American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, has become a cornerstone in this process. As the farm team for one of the most storied franchises in hockey, the Rocket have not only provided a stepping stone for prospects aiming for the NHL, but has also thrived as a competitive force in the AHL itself. The success of the Rocket goes far beyond its on-ice achievements; it’s a critical element in the Canadiens’ long-term vision, offering young players the opportunity to grow, refine their skills, and adjust to the professional game. In a league where depth is key, Laval is not just developing future stars, it’s helping build a pipeline that can keep Montreal competitive for years to come.
At the moment of writing these lines, the young players in Laval are in first position in the AHL through 55 games. With 17 games remaining, it is fair to assume that the Rocket will be playing some playoff hockey this season. While the Canadiens are fighting for a playoff spot, where should Montreal play their young prospects?
Montreal or Laval?
With Kirby Dach’s injury, the Canadiens have played Owen Beck quite a lot on the second line with Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook. While it is a great opportunity for the 21-year-old center, Beck has averaged less than 10 minutes of ice time in his last five games. Fair to say he isn’t playing in crunch times or taking the big faceoffs, opportunities he would get in Laval. While playing with better competition might be great, having big responsibilities is also part of a player’s development. In 47 games in the AHL, Beck has scored 13 and added 19 assists for a total of 32 points. In the big league, the second-round pick in 2022 has an assist in 12 games.
After sending Beck to Laval to play big minutes and continue his development, the Canadiens recalled another young forward in Joshua Roy, rewarding his strong play with a call-up to the NHL. Roy has been great in Laval this season with already 20 goals in 46 games. How he will be used is the big question.
Growing in Laval
For young players like Beck and Roy, developing in a winning environment is crucial to their growth. While the NHL offers a higher level of competition, the opportunity to play significant minutes in Laval allows them to gain the essential experience that comes with playing a key role on a team striving for success. In Laval, these prospects aren’t just filling a roster spot, like they are in Montreal, they’re being entrusted with major responsibilities, whether it’s leading the offence, taking key faceoffs, or playing in critical situations. This type of experience accelerates their development by exposing them to the pressure of real-game scenarios, all while competing in a playoff race where every point matters.
As the Rocket push for the postseason, the stakes become even higher. Playoff hockey is where players learn how to elevate their game, refine their skills under pressure, and develop the mental fortitude needed to succeed at the next level. For those prospects, a deep playoff run with Laval will provide invaluable experience that will not only benefit their growth but also prepare them for the intensity of an NHL playoff race in the future. The development they receive in these high-stakes games could be the difference between making an impact in Montreal or needing more time to adjust to the pros.
In the end, the Rocket’s playoff push is about much more than just a quest for an AHL championship. It’s a critical development phase for Montreal’s young prospects, giving them the chance to hone their skills in a competitive, high-pressure environment. For the Canadiens, Laval’s success this spring could pay long-term dividends, helping to shape the next generation of stars ready to contribute to Montreal. As these young players prepare for the next step in their careers, their time in Laval—especially during a playoff run—will prove to be an essential part of their development. It is all part of the development process for a young prospect looking to make an impact on the big team.
