Canadiens Analysis
Montreal Canadiens Call-Up Options From The Laval Rocket

The Montreal Canadiens are surging, as evidenced by their recent stretch in which they’ve established an 8-1-1 record.
For the most part, all the lines are rolling, and the defensive pairings are building important chemistry, but as we all know, a hockey team can always be improved.
While I will go out of my way to point out Michael Pezzetta’s usage makes it impossible for the player to establish any semblance of consistency, there’s no avoiding his lack of discipline in the last few games, especially as he’s managed to take a first-period penalty in three consecutive games. The Canadiens already have a discipline issue, and they simply cannot afford to kill penalties for a forward who averages fewer than 10 shifts per game.
Options For The Montreal Canadiens
If the Habs are looking to call up a player from the Laval Rocket to replace Pezzetta, they’ll have to be careful to pick someone who is well-suited to a fourth-line role.
Joshua Roy still leads the team in scoring, with 14 goals and 13 assists in 32 games, however, poaching the team’s top scorer to give him limited usage on the fourth line is far from ideal. Not only would it rob the Rocket of a key player in the AHL, his presence in the bottom six is unlikely to move the needle in the NHL.
Alex Barre-Boulet is in the same boat, though he has shown a penchant for creating chances even with limited ice time. He could be a good option for the Canadiens if they want to avoid calling-up a drafted prospect, as the 27-year-old doesn’t necessarily figure in the team’s long term plans. But it’s also worth noting the Rocket are currently fourth overall in the AHL, which complicates things to a certain extent. Removing Barre-Boulet from the equation would be a significant loss for a team that has defied all expectations.
If the Canadiens decide they want to promote a draft prospect who has experience creating chaos and providing secondary offence, Jared Davidson certainly fits the bill.
He’s a physical, hard-working forward who epitomizes chaotic entertainment whenever he’s on the ice.
Not only will he defend his teammates when needed, he has perfected his main offensive weapon, which usually features Davidson unleashing a barrage of one-timers whenever the opportunity arises.
Davidson has managed to take a significant step in his development this season, aided by head coach Pascal Vincent’s trust in the 22-year-old. While being used sporadically, Davidson only had 11 goals and five assists in 38 games last season, whereas he’s already scored 14 goals and 10 assists in just 32 games this year.
He’s currently tied for third in team scoring, just one point back of Barre-Boulet, connoting that this would not simply be a call-up to fit a need on the fourth line. There’s a strong argument to be made that Davidson is the right choice for a promotion to the Montreal Canadiens regardless of the situation.
With that in mind, we can’t forget rookie Owen Beck has also enjoyed a very solid season in the AHL, to the tune of eight goals and 16 assists, tying him with Davidson for third overall among Rocket scorers.
He’s a valid option if the Habs are looking to shore up their bottom six, especially since his versatility gives him an edge on most players, because Beck is a plug-and-play forward. He requires very little instruction, and even fewer clarifications, making him a good candidate to be added to a lineup midway through the season.
Davidson- yeah.
I would go with xhekal …. Or Tuch
He plays the style of game as Heineman. Hard on the puck . Good shot from RW too.
Like the idea of Davidson
Before reading the article, and based solely upon the title, the name that popped in my head was Davidson. Of course Beck would also do the trick, but it would be very interesting to see what young Jared can do.
Last year Heineman had 15 goals in 48 games for Laval. Davidson has
14 goals in 32 games this year. So Davidson seems like a good choice.
To replace heineman? Tuch or xhekaj.. for offense, Roy or davidson
Gawd , who forget that dog Poehlimg, also a Trump lover. There was not one Lane Huston drafted during the idiot GM’s reign of error
Not one 1st round pick was at best a 4th liner
How is that even possible? A first and second pick for Dvorak. Every player overpayed in an iron clad long term contract
The Gallagher contract makes him impossible to trade as his trailing has trailed right off