5 Canadians’ Prospects Watching in Calder Cup Playoffs – Hockey Writer – Canadians’ Prospects

After dominating the regular season in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Laval Rockets started their Calder Cup playoffs with high expectations. Laval finished No. 1 in the league rankings, opening the playoffs on Wednesday (April 30), playing five best series against the Cleveland Monsters. Laval won the first game in Cleveland with a 3-2 victory.

Related: Calder Cup Playoffs 16: Everything You Need to Know

While the Rockets have a wealth of veterans and young contributors, this playoff is also a key development stage for the Montreal Canadiens’ highest prospects. Here is the prospect of five Canadians to watch Laval chases the Calder Cup champion.

Jacob Fowler, goalkeeper

Time may not be ideal, but for Jacob Fowler, it may be a chance of a lifetime. Samuel Montembeault was eliminated due to injury, and Cayden Primeau recalls the Canadiens, whose net belongs to the 20-year-old, began the opening round. In the first game, he saved 22 of the 24 photos he faced.

Fowler made the playoffs after the end of his outstanding season at Boston College, where he made the playoffs with a goal average of 1.63 goals (GAA) and a save percentage of 0.940 (SV%), one of the best stat series in NCAA hockey this season. His calm manner, strong rebound control and ability to keep the shooter’s square make him one of the most important goalkeepers in college hockey.

Since joining Laval, he has shown what he can bring at a professional level. Fowler ended the regular season with a 2-1-0 record in his three AHLs, posting 2.32 GAA and 0.914 SV%. The first game was a baptized man, but it was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accelerate his development and earn trust in the Canadian pipeline.

Logan Mailloux, defenseman

Logan Mailloux led all Rocket defensemen and followed up with a solid sophomore campaign after scoring with rookie results. The 22-year-old right-click Blueliner has scored 12 goals and 21 assists in 63 games and maintained a reputation as a dynamic offensive threat from the back end.

What sets Mailloux apart is his ability to generate scoring opportunities from rush and powerful games. His shots were legal weapons and his skating continued to improve. He is 6-foot-3 pounds tall and weighs over 213 pounds and has the physics tools for the impact of playoff hockey.

Laval will rely heavily on Mailloux to lead their transition game and help quarterbacks. His decisions under pressure will be tested, but this playoff may mark another important step in his path to becoming a regular NHL.

David Reinbacher, defenseman

While he hasn’t played many tons this season, David Reinbacher remains one of the most important long-term works for the Canadian. The fifth pick in 2023 has only 10 games in a season, full of injuries and recovery time. In a brief leap, he managed two goals and three assists, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Reinbacher’s calm, defensive work and ability to absorb stress have become evident in his limited actions. Despite the lengthy layoffs, he was not out of sight on North American ice, and Canadians have been cautious not to rush him back to the heavy workload too quickly.

That said, in the playoffs, the Rockets can certainly take advantage of his size and calm presence on the blue line. If healthy, even in lowering the role, Rena Bahart can be a stable and valuable partner on the Blue Line.

Owen Beck, Go Forward

Owen Beck continues to do what he does best: play reliable two-way hockey with high motors. In his first full AHL season, the 21-year-old center showed steady improvements in 65 games, often used in key defensive situations.

Baker may not have the same flashy offensive aspects as the Canadians’ other top prospects, but his hockey IQ, confrontational ability and work ethics make him a coaching dream for a high-stakes moment. He killed the penalty, won, and rarely made a turn. Baker scored in the first game of the playoffs.

In a playoff environment where every detail matters, Baker’s value is amplified. Hopefully he can match the top line and get caught in a significant standoff situation, especially in recent matches. He was on the right track of a reliable bidirectional pivot.

Florian Xhekaj, forward

While many fans may be expecting Joshua Roy’s name on this list, the fact is that Roy is already established in Laval’s top six and powerhouses. The fresh face to watch this spring is power forward Florian Xhekaj (Florian Xhekaj).

During his rookie AHL season, young Xhekaj played a consistent role in himself by doing dirty work. He scored 24 goals and 11 assists in 69 games, using his figure and body to create space and pressure on his opponents as he moves forward. His game was built for playoff hockey.

Florian has the knack for playing the power transfer hit and digging in the tide with his older brother Arber. While he is still primitive in some areas, the playoff format naturally fits his game. If he caused a fire early in the series, he could be a contributor to a surprise breakthrough.

For teams that are already ranked number one in the AHL, the pressure is real, but so are opportunities. If these young players rise, they will not only help Laval fight for the championship. They will take themselves a step towards a full-time NHL role in the future.