The Montreal Canadiens have solidified their prospect pool by signing forward Tyler Thorpe too a three-year entry-level contract. The proclamation,made Tuesday,signals the team’s confidence in the young player’s potential. The NHL contract is set to commence in the 2025-26 season. Thorpe will gain immediate experience, however, having also signed an AHL professional tryout contract with the Laval Rocket for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

Thorpe’s Journey to the Pros

Selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round (130th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Thorpe brings size and scoring ability to the institution. His performance in the Western Hockey League (WHL) underscored his development. As a right winger, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 lbs, Thorpe recorded an impressive 52 points in 68 games with the Vancouver Giants during his draft plus-one season. He also contributed a goal and two assists in five playoff games, although the Giants were ultimately defeated by the Spokane chiefs. Thorpe concluded his WHL career with a total of 102 points in 167 games.

Precedent and Parallels

Thorpe’s signing mirrors a similar move made by the Canadiens organization in 2024. thorpe’s signing echoes that of Florian Xhekaj in 2024, who also joined the Laval Rocket as a 19-year-old on an ATO after the conclusion of his CHL season. Xhekaj, like Thorpe, joined the Laval Rocket as a 19-year-old on an amateur tryout (ATO) after his junior season concluded.The younger Xhekaj participated in three regular-season games with Laval, although the team did not qualify for the playoffs that year. This strategy allows young prospects to acclimate to the professional level and gain valuable experience.

Rocket’s Playoff Push

Thorpe joins the Laval Rocket with five games remaining in the regular season. The team recently concluded a western road trip and will have a few days to prepare before facing the Rochester Americans on Friday. Importantly, Thorpe is eligible to participate in the AHL postseason, possibly providing a boost to the Rocket’s playoff aspirations. His addition coudl provide the scoring depth needed for a deep playoff run.

Dunlap Signs with Laval

Along with Thorpe, the laval Rocket have also secured the services of forward Joseph Dunlap. The team announced the signing of forward Joseph Dunlap to a one-way AHL contract for the 2025-26 season. Dunlap, a 25-year-old native of Windham, NH, is coming off a productive season with Ohio State University, were he tallied 22 points in 39 games.The 6’0″, 185 lb forward will join the Rocket on a professional tryout (PTO) for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.