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Canadiens Laval Rocket Recall Options Amid Injury Woes

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Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are pretty banged up at the moment, and they could be forced to pluck a player or two out from the Laval Rocket for Tuesday’s game.

The Canadiens were without Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, Jake Evans, Jake Allen and Jordan Harris at practice on Monday, sparking speculation that Montreal may need some reinforcements.

They’re set to play three games this week against the Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs, and aren’t sure who will be ready to go, especially on Tuesday against Detroit.

But, as fate would have it, the Laval Rocket have returned from their recent road trip and aren’t slated to play again until Friday, leaving the door open for some timely recalls.

The Canadiens have already announced that Cayden Primeau will be starting for Montreal on Tuesday.

But there are a few other interesting candidates that could be fun for the Canadiens to give a cup of coffee in the NHL.

Montreal Canadiens Recall Options At Forward

With Belzile out for the season, should either Harvey-Pinard or Jake Evans be unable to suit up for Tuesday’s game against the Red Wings, the Canadiens would be eligible for an emergency recall from Laval at forward.

The most logical choice would probably be Anthony Richard, who has already spent 13 games on the main roster this season, registering three goals and two assists for five points.

It would be the logical choice, as he has been the best player for the Laval Rocket this season, but, with the Montreal Canadiens in evaluation mode, perhaps Richard won’t be coming alone.

If all of the above are unable to play on Tuesday, Canadiens fans could be in for a treat.

Emil Heineman, who recently came over from Sweden to finish the year in Laval, is eligible to be recalled by the Canadiens, should they want to give the youngster a taste of NHL action.

The 21-year-old has lit it up in the AHL, potting six goals in his last six games for the Rocket and coming in clutch when they needed offence down the stretch.

If the recall is simply for a game or two, it wouldn’t hurt the youngsters’ development, as he has shown to be seamlessly transitioning to the North American game.

There is also the outside chance of Laval’s breakout player of the year, Joël Tesdale to get the ring as well, should the Canadiens not want to mess with Heineman’s momentum.

The 24-year-old has vaulted up the goal-scoring charts for the Rocket, potting 23 goals in 54 games and only trailing Richard by two for the team lead in goals.

Montreal Canadiens Recall Options On Defence

This is where things could get interesting.

We already know that David Savard is out for the season, leaving the Canadiens with six eligible defencemen on their roster.

Should Harris be forced to miss Tuesday’s game, we could see the Canadiens recall yet another defenceman from Laval.

The most logical choice would be Corey Schueneman.

The 27-year-old defenceman has been a rock for the Rocket this season, potting five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 58 games, while logging some important minutes for them down the stretch.

He’s already played four games this season with the Canadiens and could be the easy choice for a recall.

However, if the Canadiens truly wanted to go by meritocracy, then William Trudeau, the revelation on the back end for the Rocket this season, would be the right call to make.

The 20-year-old, whom many pencilled in as heading back to junior this season, has gone from extra to top-pair defencemen for an AHL club in a matter of months.

He currently leads all Laval Rocket defencemen in scoring with six goals and 19 assists for 25 points in 55 games and has been the most clutch defender for Laval during their last 20 games.

Even Nicolas Beaudin, who was acquired earlier this season in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, could be an interesting option.

The 23-year-old has found his mojo with the Rocket this season, posting two goals and 22 assists for 24 points in 36 games, all while shoring up his defensive game in the process.

The two youngsters not only man the Rocket’s top powerplay unit, but have seen their minutes surge during Laval’s most crucial games; a positive sign for their development.

The Montreal Canadiens will have quite a few options to choose from should they need some help, and the timing is perfect to see some deserving players get some time with the big club.