Danick Martel will not be returning to Laval next year

The Laval Rocket’s season review took place today. Most players took the time to confirm their return for the 2023-24 season, but some did not.

Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle explained to the media that he doesn’t think Danick Martel will be back next season. He explained that he had had an emotional conversation with the player he managed in junior and in the AHL.

There’s one veteran not coming back to Laval. Sounds like Danick Martel is moving on.
From the earlier sound bytes sounded like Corey Schueneman also likely not returning. https://t.co/0TtrPatRus

– Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) April 22, 2023

The 28-year-old Quebecer joined Laval for the 2021-22 season and has had his moments with the organization. He scored 45 points, including 21 goals, in 96 games with the Canadiens’ affiliate.

Martel was injured for much of the last campaign. It’s still uncertain whether he’ll find work in the AHL, having signed a one-way contract with the Rocket last summer.

Corey Schueneman will also be leaving. Several of his interview responses suggested that the chances of seeing him again in Laval or Montreal are slim.

Corey Schueneman is a very solid defenseman in the AHL, but it’s clear that he’d like an opportunity in the NHL, here or elsewhere. He’ll be a free agent next July. https://t.co/Nm3hvYQ4Ub

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) April 22, 2023

As Anthony Marcotte of BPM Sports explains, the 27-year-old defenseman would like the opportunity to play in the NHL next year. There are plenty of candidates for the CH blue line right now, and it would be surprising to see Schueneman make the cut in 2023-24. We therefore expect him to leave.

Schueneman did very well with Montreal in 2023-24. He was recalled for a total of seven games and collected one assist, in addition to maintaining a +1 differential.

Two other players are likely to leave the Rocket next year, but for different reasons.

“Both Harvey-Pinard and Ylönen had great opportunities in Montreal, and I think they seized their chance.” – JF Houle.

If I’m reading between the lines, he doesn’t think he’ll see them in Laval next year.

– Vincent Demuy (@VDemuy) April 22, 2023

Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Jesse Ylönen have reportedly completed their training in Laval and could earn a regular spot with the Canadiens next season. As for RHP, it seems almost certain. Ylönen is close, but he’ll have to make sure he impresses at the CH camp.

In gusto

– The playoffs are shaking up.

The game isn’t even a minute old and the gloves are already coming off between the Jets and Golden Knights 😳 pic.twitter.com/Fxq4nifXPu

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 22, 2023

– Heavy loss for the Jets at the blue line.

INJURY UPDATE: #NHLJets D – Josh Morrissey will not return to today’s game due to a lower body injury.

– Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) April 22, 2023

– He never liked Bergevin anyway!