The Montreal Canadiens ended their season on Tuesday, so it was not a surprise that they sent the four eligible players to the Laval Rocket on Wednesday. Justin Barron and Logan Mailloux were in the American Hockey League at the NHL Trade Deadline, while Joshua Roy and Jayden Struble were papered to maintain their eligibility.
The four are a needed boost for the Rocket, who need to win their last two games of the season to make the playoffs (and may still require help). The bigger news may be that Roy, who has been out four weeks with an upper-body injury, has returned to practice and was cleared to play.
Roy’s addition will be needed as both Brandon Gignac and Mitchell Stephens are doubtful for the weekend, while Jacob Perreault is definitely out. The Rocket also added Luke Tuch, who may be called upon to play as well.
On defence, the Rocket will have the strongest group they have had all season. Struble, Barron, and Mailloux will join a group that includes David Reinbacher, Tobie Paquette-Bisson, William Trudeau, Olivier Galipeau, and Mattias Norlinder.
Laval plays Friday in Belleville against the Senators before hosting them on Saturday night in their season finale. Laval must win both games and the Utica Comets must lose one of their three remaining games for the Rocket to get into the playoffs.
