Montreal Canadiens‘ 7th year left wing Nicolas Deslauriers(44) finds himself reassigned to affiliate Laval Rocket to start 2017/2018.
It’s the big, tough forward’s first foray into the minors since skating 5 postseason match-ups with Rochester Americans in the 2014 Calder Cup playoffs.
He also appeared in 60 AHL games with originally draft squad Los Angeles Kings‘ farm team Manchester Monarchs, while also appearing in his first 17 NHL games after a deadline deal sent him to Buffalo Sabres.
For the next three seasons he would play exclusively in the big league and has amassed 211 appearances scoring 12 goals and 18 assists but is also a miserable -54 rating, so a bit more of a defensive game would help.
There’s little doubt the one-time defenseman turned offensive force would like to get back up to the highest level of hockey and may be offered the opportunity if the parent club continues to struggle.
One thing is for sure, the 26-year old definitely still has plenty left in the tank to move back up and stick.
Nicolas Deslauriers(4) Manchester Monarchs
Los Angeles Kings‘ 3rd round pick in the 2009 draft (#84 overall), 2nd year defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers(4) had career bests in the 2012/2013 season scoring 4 goals and 19 assists with AHL affiliate Manchester Monarchs.
His point production uptick carried over into the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he struck for a pair of goals and assists in 4 games; good enough to make him the team’s leading scorer after a first round postseason exit.
The 6’1″ 230 lbs. blue liner plays a rough and tumble, physical style that doesn’t always end him up with time in the penalty box, but he’s also unafraid to drop the mitts when call upon and also may have opened up a little extra room on the ice for his offensive game to flourish.
In four years of junior hockey he was able to put up points on the score sheet on a fairly regular basis, especially in his last two seasons.
Signed to a three-year entry level deal that extends through 2013/2014, the 22-year old has found his footing at the right time and could be on track for his first NHL call-up next season if he continues on this pace, but for now would be happy to join the “black aces” practice squad as the parent club competes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.