Laval Rocket: Here’s What the Roster Will Look Like in ’26-’27

Mathis Therrien
Laval Rocket: Here’s What the Roster Will Look Like in ’26-’27
Credit: David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It's already almost September, which means we're just over a month away from the return of North American professional hockey.

When I say that, you naturally think first of the National Hockey League, but there's also the American Hockey League to keep an eye on once again this season.

The Montreal Canadiens' affiliate, the Laval Rocket, will kick off its season on October 2 at Place Bell.

After several mediocre years for the farm team, it had become the norm for Habs fans not to follow the Canadiens' B team each season.

We were used to seeing the team underperform, but in recent years, the Laval Rocket has been putting on an excellent show that draws large crowds to Place Bell.

Over the past five years, the Rocket has won its division twice and made the playoffs four times, with two of those runs extending to the third round.

In short, we'll be keeping an eye on the Rocket once again this season, especially since Laval will have a really strong team.

Indeed, with all the changes made this summer, along with all the new players who have joined the team, they've built a solid squad capable of contending for the Calder Cup.

 

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Of course, nothing is official yet, but this is pretty much what the Rocket's lineup could look like at the start of the 2026–2027 season under its new head coach, Daniel Jacob.

Starting with the offense, the first line is a very solid one, featuring veteran Laurent Dauphin, who remains in his familiar role, flanked by two young acquisitions from this summer: Samuel Poulin and Sasha Pastujov.

Pastujov will definitely be one to watch—he could make quite an impression.

On the second line, we find Owen Beck and Jared Davidson—two young Habs prospects who continue to make good progress and have had a taste of the NHL—alongside another newcomer, Brett Berard.

Captain Lucas Condotta, the excellent veteran Alex Belzile, and the young enforcers Florian Xhekaj and Tyler Thorpe round out the Rocket's outstanding offense.

On defense, we'll be keeping a close eye on the potential top pairing of Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher, as we await the professional debut of Bryce Pickford, who is making a steady return from shoulder surgery.

Finally, in goal, that's where I'd make the only adjustment: I'd see Jacob Fowler in Montreal as the backup, and therefore Kaapo Kahkonen as the Rocket's starter.

Of course, Fowler could very well end up in Laval—things can change—but I see him playing more in Montreal at the start of the season.

In short, the Laval Rocket will be very interesting to follow once again this season, with plenty of new players and young prospects to analyze and keep an eye on.


In a Nutshell

– What do you think?

– He'll be one to watch closely.

– Very impressive.

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