Hockey

“Adam Engström, he could draw interest from other NHL teams”
Félix Forget
“Adam Engström, he could draw interest from other NHL teams”
Credit: Getty Images

When you think of the Habs' top prospects, Adam Engström isn't necessarily the name that catches your eye. After all, it's easy to forget him in a group that also includes Ivan Demidov, Michael Hage, David Reinbacher and Jacob Fowler. But the fact is, without being as flashy as the other names, Engström has been steadily improving since he was drafted. Seeing him have a big year in Laval last year has boosted his popularity in town… to the point where his coach in Laval, Pascal Vincent, sees him on the doorstep of the NHL,no less.The problem, though, is that the Habs already have a surplus on the blue line, so it could be hard for him to break through. But on the Tellement hockey podcast (Radio-Canada Sports), Marc Antoine Godin reminded us that even if there isn't room for Engström, a big camp on his part could help the Habs:

He could spark interest from other teams across the NHL.

–

Marc Antoine Godin

https://youtu.be/zHJJPf_Xi40?si=W2WoqZtYH2SzFIdg&t=1790

This isn't the first time we've heard such a thing: earlier this summer, Marco D'Amico also mentioned the fact that scouts across the league are starting to show more and more interest in Engström. His big season in Laval last year really caught the eye, and while we wonder how the Habs could get their hands on a center to round out their top-6, seeing Engström become a real quality trade chip would be helpful for Kent Hughes. After all, good young defensemen are the envy of many teams,as we saw in Montreal as recently as this summer: Logan Mailloux enabled the club to acquire Zachary Bolduc. Engström doesn't yet have the same status as Mailloux, but he could eventually get it if he continues to impress.Obviously, there's a limit to how many defensemen the Habs can afford to trade. But with Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson part of the team's core of left-handed defensemen, plus Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble (who are good young defensemen), there's a long-term surplus.And that's not counting a scenario in which Mike Matheson signs a new contract in town.So it'll be interesting to watch the Swede's camp, but it's not crazy to think that it'll also be a great opportunity to put him in the shop window.

Because if the Habs can (still) dip into their defensive surplus to solve their attacking problems, it'll be a good move by the club.

'Overtime'

– The guys are ready for tonight.

– Indeed.

– Well done.

– Signing for the Cowboys.

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