Luke Mittelstadt Pushes NHL Case With Strong Laval Start

Luke Mittelstadt is strengthening his NHL prospects with the Laval Rocket, where the Montreal Canadiens defenseman has delivered early offensive production and development progress as the organization evaluates his path toward the league.

According to yardbarker.com, Mittelstadt recorded a goal and two assists in Laval's 5-2 win over Hartford, giving him seven points through his first four games this season. He had five points in nine regular-season games after leaving college last year.

The 2023 seventh-round Canadiens pick returned to Laval after a strong preseason, with the organization seeking more professional experience and regular ice time. According to dose.ca, Montreal wants him to play more games in the AHL after his NCAA seasons, where teams typically played about 30 games.

"They thought I'd had a good camp and that I was on my way to becoming an NHL defenseman," said Luke Mittelstadt.

Mittelstadt faces competition for a Canadiens defensive spot with players including Mike Matheson, Lane Hutson, Jayden Struble, Arber Xhekaj, Adam Engstrom, and Kaiden Guhle. Yardbarker.com noted that Montreal will continue evaluating his defensive play, decision-making, and adjustment to professional hockey.

The Laval defenseman is expected to continue receiving opportunities alongside David Reinbacher, according to dose.ca. The publication reported that additional openings could emerge if Montreal changes its defensive group.

Another Canadiens prospect, Alexander Zharovsky, is also developing outside the NHL. According to yardbarker.com, the 19-year-old forward has two goals and six assists in 14 KHL games with Salavat Yulaev Ufa after recording 42 points in 59 regular-season games last season.