The Montreal Canadiens' training club was eliminated by the Springfield Thunderbirds and must now look to the future.
Many good young players will be arriving in Laval next year and it will be interesting to watch, but there could also be impacts on some veterans.
On this very subject, as reported by our colleagues at Fanadiens.com, the excellent columnist Andrew Zadarnowski went ahead with a rather disturbing publication:
This would indeed be a big loss for the CH organization. We're talking about two very big pillars for the club-school, two veterans who have done an incredible job coaching and leading the club's young players. (the future players of the Montreal Canadiens)
They can definitely be solid additions to any AHL team, or any team in Europe, that's for sure.
Belzile has been a great ally for young Cayden Primeau and has certainly played a role in helping the young goalie find his feet. It is an impact not to be overlooked for the CH.
If yesterday's game in the semi-finals was the last for veterans Xavier Ouellet and Alex Belzile with the Laval Rocket, it will be a loss, but they will have left a solid legacy in the young history of the Laval franchise.
Belzile, 30, has played 19 games with the Habs since 2020 and has 2 points. He has 22 points in 32 games with the Rocket this season and 9 points in 15 playoff games.
Ouellet, 28, has played 189 NHL games (29 points) and has 41 points in 61 games this season with the Rocket, plus 9 points in 15 playoff games.
Would you like to see them back in a Rocket uniform next season?
POLL | ||
Did you watch the Rockets' playoffs run? | ||
Yes | 111 | 34.6 % |
No | 142 | 44.2 % |
A few games | 68 | 21.2 % |
List of polls |