Our columnist Anthony Marcotte talks to us about the latest news at the Laval Rocket as well as throughout the American Hockey League (AHL). It will allow fans to diligently follow what is happening in the backroom of the best hockey league in the world.
The smile is unmistakable, as is the handshake. Emil Heineman was far from looking dejected in the Rocket locker room Tuesday morning upon his return to the American League after being part of the last cuts from the Canadiens camp. The 21-year-old Swede is proud of the work accomplished over the past few weeks and wants to continue the momentum.
“I am very motivated to be here,” he first mentioned. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun here with the team we have. I know I’m going to play a lot and I want to take advantage of that opportunity. »
He will not feel alone in this locker room since he returned there at the same time as his partner and friend Mattias Norlinder. A beautiful friendship was born last year between the two upon Heineman’s arrival in North America at the end of March, at the conclusion of his season in Leksands in the SHL. So Mattias, is it a good thing to have your good friend Emil back as long as you come back to the American League?
“Do you really think that’s a good thing?” », laughed Norlinder while Heineman had fun blowing the pipe at him behind the journalists’ backs. “But yes, I think it’s a good thing that we find ourselves here. We both did very well in Montreal and we both want to get off to a good start here. »
Their head coach Jean-François Houle was obviously happy to find them in his locker room and he intends to give them an increased role for the time they spend in his locker room. It could be short-lived because they looked so good during the Canadiens’ preparatory games. Tuesday, Heineman found himself on the left of the first trio completed by Philippe Maillet and Joshua Roy. As for Norlinder, he formed an offensive pair with Logan Mailloux.
Houle could only note the clear progress displayed by Norlinder at camp this year.
“We are very proud of him,” said Houle. I think it was a good thing that he spent a full season in the American League last season. In addition, he said publicly that he felt capable of giving even more. We notice that he arrives here with full confidence. »
The improved version that Norlinder presented to Canadiens decision-makers is surprising. Never have we seen him so involved in the action on both ends of the ice last season. Rarely used on the power play, we never felt very comfortable during the 67 games in which he was used. His 19 points, including only two goals, did not suggest such a performance a few months later.
“I feel like a totally different player right now,” admits Norlinder. I feel confident when I have the puck. I have to continue to show what I can do here and we’ll see what happens. »
For his part, Heineman believes he progressed as the season got closer. He was one of the older players to attend rookie camp in Buffalo last month without necessarily standing out. However, a month later, he came very close to causing a surprise and securing a position in Montreal.
“I was disappointed with how things went at first (in Buffalo), but as camp progressed, I felt more comfortable. In the end, I left everything on ice and I’m proud of what I showed them. Now I am here in Laval to help the club win. »
This enthusiasm shown by the two Swedes is a blessing for Houle, who will now have to rack his brains to determine his inaugural lineup for the season which will begin Friday at Place Bell. On paper, the 2023-24 edition of the Rocket is full of talent and could offer great moments all winter to its fans.
* * *
Called to comment on the imminent arrival of Joel Armia in his locker room, Jean-François Houle became philosophical. He knows very well that some will be apprehensive to see a highly paid veteran arrive in a locker room full of prospects who find themselves at a crucial stage of their development.
“Fundamentally, I think that any athlete is there to perform,” Houle said last Sunday. I think any time a team like us can get our hands on an NHL player, it’s a plus. Obviously it all depends on how they come down and if they are mentally ready for it. I’ll give him time to digest this before discussing it with him. I’ve already had a few experiences like that in Bakersfield when the Oilers sent us some big players. I always thought that deep down players want to be hockey players (no matter the level).
* * *
It’s a safe bet that a brand new goaltending duo will defend the Rocket cage this year and that rookie Jakub Dobes will get the start for the first game of the season, Friday night against the Abbotsford Canucks.
We certainly can’t say that Dobes isn’t ready for such a challenge since he still hasn’t given up a goal in two appearances in front of the net during training camp.
Since the Canadians have decided to start the season with three goalies in the lineup so as not to expose Cayden Primeau to waivers, it is Dobes and the American Strauss Mann who will share the task. In the American League, only Mann has limited career experience with 20 games, all played last season with the San Jose Barracuda.
“I’m comfortable starting the season with these two in net,” Houle said. Dobes hasn’t given anything away so far and I really like what he’s showing us. You see right away that he was ready to move on to the professional level (after two excellent seasons at Ohio State). Anyway, these are the only options we have (for now) so we’ll make do! »
2023-10-11 06:05:01
#Marcotte #Norlinder #Heineman #ready #redouble #efforts #Laval #NHL.com
