Ryan Poehling wants nothing to do with returning to the Laval Rocket...
With Phillip Danault leaving for the hot California sun, some of the Montreal Canadiens' young players will have a chance to shine. Nick Suzuki, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jake Evans will get more responsibility at the center position. Ryan Poehling, who will be trying to make his mark in Montreal, could also earn a spot at that position.
Number 25 was on the Dale Weise show yesterday to discuss the upcoming season.
Poehling discussed his wrist injury, with which he played most of last season with the Laval Rocket. Despite the injury, he had a total of 25 points in 28 games. Just imagine if he hadn't been injured... Despite this, Poehling admitted that the injury has affected him somewhat, especially in the face-off circle. He also added that he is waiting for the doctors to give him the green light to return to the ice, as he had surgery to repair two tendons in his wrist recently.
The 22-year-old American revealed his game plan for next season. There is no doubt in his mind that he does not want to return to Laval next year, mentioning that he does not particularly enjoy playing in the American Hockey League.
His ultimate goal is to play with the Montreal Canadiens. To do so, he is even willing to give up his natural position of center, if the opportunity arise.
See the full interview here :
Ryan Poehling probably won't have an offensive role this year with the Habs. He seems to be aware of that. However, he could definitely earn a spot with the Canadiens, in a lower profile role on a fourth unit with Paquette/Perreault and Joel Armia.
However, is it better for him to have a more defensive role on a fourth line in the NHL or quality minutes with the Rocket? If he has a big training camp with the Habs, the organization will have no choice but to make room for him... At least, the youngster will be confident and he will be able to move up in the lineup, in case of good performances or even injuries.
I've always found Poehling very mature in his interviews, but this was definitely one of his best. The young man seems to be ready for the big league, not only hockey wise, but mentally. He'll finally be able to show everyone, why the Habs selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft, instead of opting for a certain Maxime Comtois, who was also available.
