The Montreal Canadiens' prospect pool is deep with talent, particularly on defense. While names like David Reinbacher, Michael Hage, and Jacob Fowler often dominate discussions about the team's future, Adam Engstrom is a name worth watching.
Engstrom, a smooth-skating, smart, two-way defenseman, may not have the same first-round pedigree or flashy highlights as some of the Canadiens' other top prospects. However, he has a significant role with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League (AHL). Key changes to the organization's depth chart could signal that the Canadiens believe in Engstrom more than some might think.
The Canadiens traded Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues for Zachary Bolduc. This move created a noticeable hole on the Rocket's blue line, as Mailloux was expected to be a major defensive presence in the 2025-26 season. This opens the door for Engstrom to step up and seize a bigger opportunity.
In the 2024-25 season, Engstrom had a strong first year in North America, recording 27 points in 66 games. His decision-making, poise, and skating ability stood out, showcasing maturity beyond his years. While Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, and Kaiden Guhle have garnered much of the attention, Engstrom has quietly built a strong case for himself.
Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Engstrom has exceeded expectations. He broke out in the 2022–23 season, posting 16 points in 43 Swedish Hockey League games. His ability to log heavy minutes and play in all situations with calmness has been impressive.
Several factors point to Engstrom being ready for a bigger role. He is considered further ahead in his development compared to fellow defensive prospects David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux. While Mailloux's offensive zone skills are notable, his defensive zone coverage and gap control still need improvement. Adam Engstrom and William Trudeau started the 2024-25 season with the Laval Rocket, aiming for a call-up to the Montreal Canadiens.
With a surplus of young defensemen, including Hutson, Reinbacher, Guhle, Xhekaj, Barron, and Struble, the Canadiens will need to make decisions about who fits into their long-term plans. Engstrom's progress and the skills he possesses make him a strong contender for a spot in the NHL.
