Promising Habs Prospect Lighting Up the ECHL
Many fans were eagerly anticipating Miguel Tourigny's debut in the North American professional ranks. After an outstanding season in Slovakia, where he notched 26 points in 44 games, the defenseman from Victoriaville officially made his start with the Montreal Canadiens organization this year.
Although he made a strong impression at the rookie camp and the Canadiens' training camp, it was no surprise when the Victoriaville native was cut. However, many were taken aback to learn that he was also left out of Jean-François Houle's lineup at the start of the season.
Still, it's worth noting that Laval Rocket has many defensemen under contract, and the Habs' management likely believed he would benefit from a better opportunity to continue his development with the Trois-Rivières Lions in the ECHL.
Tourigny took the news well and has been on fire since the start of the season. The former Acadie-Bathurst Titan player has played a key role in the success of the Canadiens' affiliate team, boasting an impressive two goals and five assists (seven points) in just five games.
His offensive stats place him second in team scoring, right behind Matthew Boucher (eight points). Moreover, he's making waves in the ECHL, currently ranking second among all defensemen in the league.
Offensive statistics for Miguel Tourigny over the last four seasons:
- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL, 2020-2021): 15 goals and 21 assists (36 points) in 32 games
- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL, 2021-2022): 31 goals and 49 assists (80 points) in 65 games
- Duckla de Trencin (Slovakia, 2022-2023): 6 goals and 20 assists (26 points) in 44 games
- Trois-Rivières Lions (ECHL, 2023-2024): 2 goals and 5 assists (7 points) in 5 games
There's no doubt that the 21-year-old defenseman has a promising offensive potential, always finding ways to get on the scoresheet. However, he will need to improve his play in his own zone if he hopes to climb the ranks and potentially secure a spot in the NHL in the coming seasons.
One thing is certain: it's encouraging to see him adapting so well to the ECHL. It wouldn't be surprising if Miguel Tourigny gets a call from Jean-François Houle to make the jump to the American league soon, especially as the Habs' farm team is currently dealing with several injuries.
| POLL |
1 NOVEMBRE | 190 ANSWERS Promising Habs Prospect Lighting Up the ECHL Do you think Miguel Tourigny will ever make the NHL? |
| Yes | 87 | 45.8 % |
| No | 103 | 54.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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