Many observers have mentioned in recent weeks that the Canadiens undoubtedly have one of the best pools of defensive prospects. Indeed, the Habs will be able to rely on the emergence of several young players such as David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, Bogdan Konyushkov, Adam Engstrom, and William Trudeau in the coming years.
However, there is a defenseman who is currently flying under the radar, even though he stands out greatly with the Laval Rocket this season. That's Jayden Struble, who was selected in the second round of the 2019 draft. With a robust and highly effective playing style in his own territory, the defenseman has quickly become a staple in Jean-François Houle's lineup.
In fact, if he continues to progress as he has been this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jayden Struble earn a spot in Martin St-Louis' lineup in a few seasons. The 22-year-old defenseman has accumulated four points (one goal and three assists) in 11 games this year, and he's also one of only three players with a minimum of 10 games played to have a positive plus-minus rating (+2).
Unfortunately for Jean-François Houle, the Rocket will have to play the next three games without one of their best players, as Struble has just been suspended by the AHL's player safety committee. During a brawl involving all players on the ice at the end of a game, the Canadiens' prospect left his team's bench to defend his teammates, leading to this significant suspension.
