Adam Engstrom not expected in Quebec for 2023-2024 season

The Montreal Canadiens currently have a number of excellent prospects on their roster.

Indeed, the CH has on hand a panoply of prospects who could one day render very proud services to the Tricolore.

Following the development of these prospects is very interesting and exciting for Habs fans.

The names that come up first are usually Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, Joshua Roy and Owen Beck.

But the list doesn’t end there, of course.

There are still several other prospects who are performing very well and who are potentially destined for a bright future in the National Hockey League.

One of these, who’s flying under the radar, is Swedish defenseman Adam Engstrom.

Engstrom was drafted in the third round (92nd overall) by the CH in the most recent draft.

Since then, he’s been making great strides in Sweden, surprisingly playing most of the season in the SHL (Sweden’s premier league) rather than the junior league.

Engstrom’s solid progress has enabled him to make a name for himself among the Tricolore’s prospects, and he has become a defenseman whose performances are closely watched by CH analysts and fans.

Unfortunately, for those hoping to see Engstrom make the leap to North America already, well, all indications are that the 19-year-old defenseman will play the 2023-2024 season in Sweden with Rogle BK Angelholm.

DOSSIER | One of the organization’s most intriguing prospects, Engstrom reveals his plans for next season, and his GM weighs in on his future 🔮 https://t.co/zo3TEO0XUf

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 22, 2023

However, Engstrom explained in an interview with Nicolas Cloutier that he still hasn’t spoken with the Canadiens, so there’s nothing official yet.

“I think I’ll come back to Sweden for one last season. I haven’t spoken to the Canadiens yet though.” – Adam Engstrom

Considering that Engstrom can only play in Montreal or Sweden (and therefore not in Laval), it’s highly likely that he won’t be called up to the Tricolore’s training camp, which would mean missing his preparatory schedule in Sweden.

The Swedish defenseman will therefore normally continue his development for another season in the SHL, where he will play an even more important role for the 2023-2024 season, according to Rogle’s general manager.

“I think for a lot of players, the ideal scenario is to stay in an environment that allows them to get a ton of minutes, and at a high level. That’s what the SHL offers. So youngsters come to the NHL to make an impact, not just to survive. I see Engstrom playing in every situation for us next season.” – Chris Abbott

Engstrom will follow in Mortiz Seider’s footsteps, playing the season of his 19th birthday with Rogle in the SHL.

The CH prospect has many qualities that could very well enable him to make it to the NHL and perform there, but the main interested party is aware that he needs to improve on several levels, including his physique.

In short, the 2023-2024 season is likely to be a decisive one for Engstrom’s career, as he should be one of Rogle’s pillars on defense.

To find out more, here’s Nicolas Cloutier’s excellent article.

En Rafale

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🎥 Nick Foligno on getting the call after David Krejci’s late scratch: “You want to play. You don’t want Krech to be out. But when I got told to play, you’ve got to be ready. This is an opportunity. I owe it to these guys…to be ready to play at any moment.” pic.twitter.com/ucdJ1P1UMP

– Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 22, 2023

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– Great performances from Canada.