Montreal Canadiens Call Up Star Prospect

The Montreal Canadiens have called up two youngsters from their AHL affiliate, Laval Rocket. While the Habs have called up Mattias Norlinder, most fans are particularly thrilled about Ryan Poehling playing his first game of the season. 

Who can forget his first NHL game? Poehling scored a hat-trick in his first NHL game just months after winning a Silver Medal with Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championship Tournament. He also happened to win MVP of the tournament - not a big deal. 

The Minnesota native has put up 5 points in 28 career games, but he now has an opportunity to cement himself a permanent spot with the Canadiens. Poehling was counting on a roster spot right out of training camp, but the team opted to send him down to the AHL.

My pre-season didn't go exactly how I wanted it to. I thought I deserved that demotion. 

Poehling dressed for 5 of 6 pre-season games with the Canadiens and is now presented with an opportunity to maintain a role during the regular season. He has certainly earned a second look after putting up 6 points in seven games this season with the Rocket. Additionally, he put up 25 points in 28 games last season, proving that his services may be valuable at the next level.

Coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed that Poehling will play on the 4th line with Alex Belzile and Michael Pezzetta tonight against the Calgary Flames. 

Poehling will need to make an impression on his teammates and coaches if he hopes to maintain a role with the Canadiens for the remainder of the season. 

Ryan Poehling is in tonight, per Dominique Ducharme.

— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) November 11, 2021

Marc Bergevin was at the game in Laval last night and informed Ryan Poehling afterward that he was being called up. Poehling's first thought? He takes the metro to the game and didn't know how he would get his gear home. Josh Brook drove him home. Crisis averted.

— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) November 11, 2021

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