The surplus of Laval Rocket players becomes a bit less problematic. The Canadian announced the recall of forward Joel Armia on Saturday. Another forward, Filip Mesar, was transferred to the Kitchener Rangers, in the Ontario Junior League (OHL).
Armia was transferred to Laval at the end of training camp, after being ignored by the 31 other NHL teams on waivers. The 30-year-old winger scored four goals and one assist in four games.
Mesar was eligible to return to the junior ranks, by virtue of being 19 years old. The Slovakian, choice of 1er round (26e in total) of the Habs in 2022, had been left out during the Rocket’s first two games. He played the last two, collecting an assist.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Filip Mesar
In interview with The Press last week, Kitchener general manager Mike McKenzie reminded that even if he is eligible to play in the American League at 19, due to his European status drafted in 1er In turn, Mesar could still learn in junior.
“At 19, players are still young and can develop physically. Filip has a lot of talent and he showed it last year. He is fast, lively with the puck, talented. But all young people need development. It’s rare that an 18, 19-year-old goes pro and dominates,” McKenzie said.
Last season, Mesar scored 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 52 games in Kitchener.
The Canadian faces the Capitals on Saturday evening. Before the morning training, the crippled Kaiden Guhle and Christian Dvorak practiced before the rest of the group. Guhle wore a gray sweater, suggesting he cannot take contact.