Canadiens Notes: Next Laval Rocket Recall?

The Laval Rocket split their weekend doubleheader against the AHL’s newest franchise, the Hamilton Hammers. The Hammers became the seventh team in Canada, and serves as the New York Islanders affiliate.

On Friday, Sasha Pastujov broke a 2-2 tie early in the third period with a power-play goal to put Laval ahead. With less than two minutes remaining, Brett Berard sealed the win with an empty netter. The goal represented his 100th career AHL point. This added moment is notable in the Laval Rocket recall context.

On Saturday, the Hammers needed 0:30 to open the scoring. They doubled their lead in the second period with the eventual game winning goal while being shorthanded. Dillan Bentley cut the lead in half before the end of the frame. Laval ran out of time in the third period and suffered their first loss in eight games.

The club heads to Alberta for two games against the Calgary Wranglers (Flames) on Thursday and Saturday.

Through nine games, here are some potential Laval Rocket recall options for the Montreal Canadiens if needed.

Defensemen

Luke Mittelstadt is getting a lot of attention since the start of the season. He had a good training camp and it carried over to the start of the regular season. Through Saturday’s games, Mittelstadt is the AHL’s leading scorer with 15 points in nine games. Eleven of those points are on the power play. Daniel Jacob trusts Mittelstadt in all facets, slotting him on the top defensive pairing, first power play, and penalty kill units.

David Reinbacher has already done the round trip to Montreal, and played one NHL game during Mike Matheson’s absence. He has three points in nine games in Laval. Reinbacher partners Mittelstadt on both the top pairing and penalty kill. He also plays on the second power play unit. His status as a fifth overall pick gives him an edge for the next recall over Mittelstadt, who the Canadiens drafted in the seventh round.

In the long shot category, Reilly Walsh is Laval’s second leading point scorer with 12 points in nine games. He’s also second on the team with five goals. Walsh is on the top power play unit and plays along the boards rather than on the blue line, where defencemen typically set up. Six of his 12 points are with the man advantage.

Forwards

With Owen Beck already with the Habs, the options in Laval are thin. Sasha Pastujov is the most likely candidate to receive the call. The Canadiens acquired him during the offseason from the Anaheim Ducks for Sean Farrell. He has been dangerous on the power play with eight points in those situations, including league leading six goals. Jacob slots him on the top line, but that hasn’t translated to offensive production with just two even strength assists through nine games.

Every other forward remains a long shot. An honourable mention goes to Filip Mesar, who is appearing on the scoresheet more consistently than in previous seasons. The 26th overall pick from 2022 has six points in nine games. Jacob has primarily used Mesar on the second and third line, but has also appeared on the first and fourth line. His special teams role consists of occasional second unit power play time and a single appearance on the penalty kill.

Goalies

Kaapo Kahkonen is the only option between the pipes. His backup, Kevin Mandolese, is on an AHL contract. Kahkonen has 4-1 record and 2.19 goals againt average in five games. His .899 save percentage is below the .951 mark posted by Mandolese and Jacob Fowler in their four combined starts.