Mattias Norlinder has (by far) the worst differential in the American League this season

Mattias Norlinder had an excellent training camp with the Canadiens.

He impressed management to the point where he was the last defenseman cut as he battled for a spot with Justin Barron.

Still, there was plenty of enthusiasm for his performance, as he seemed to take a step forward in his game. He came to camp full of confidence and it really showed.

It was therefore logical to expect him to be one of the pillars of the Laval Rocket’s defense, but that’s not the case at the moment.

The 23-year-old defenseman is struggling to get involved offensively after collecting a goal and an assist in his first ten games of the season, and his defensive performance is a real concern.

At the time of writing, the AHL website shows that the defenseman has by far the worst differential in the league (-13).

Logan Mailloux and Philippe Maillet (-9) are next-to-last in the league.

Ouch.

This is something Mattias Norlinder will have to fix if he ever wants to cement his place in a National Hockey League lineup.

We’re talking about a defenseman with great offensive qualities, but that doesn’t give him the right to hurt his club defensively. Especially when he’s not producing offensively either…

The same applies to Logan Mailloux, but he’s just starting out in the pros. I’m prepared to forgive him, but it’s unacceptable for Norlinder because he already has experience in the AHL.

The Rocket is off to a rocky start this season, and that’s understandable when you consider that only six players are in the positive this season.

We’re talking about Brady Keeper (+4), Jayden Struble (+2), Lucas Condotta (+21), Olivier Galipeau (+1), Joel Armia (+1) and Mitchell Stephens (+1).

It’s difficult to develop young players in a context where the team has been losing most of the time since the start of the season, and this trend will have to change before long if the Rocket are to make the playoffs.

The season is still young, but it’s time for Jean-François Houle’s men to wake up.

The Rocket will be looking to get back on the winning track on Sunday in Manitoba, after a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Toronto Marlies last time out. The Moose are off to a decent start to the season (4-4-0).

Breaking news

– Samuel Fagemo finds himself in the waivers.

– Another OHL coach loses his job.

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Complete the sentence: @MaximeTruman ‘s new rap is ____.
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– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) November 10, 2023

– Carter Hart is sick.

– News from Nicolas Aubé-Kubel.

– It would be nice to see the Alouettes get their ticket to the Grey Cup.