Weighing Canadiens and Rocket Recent Signings

With both the Habs and Rocket making early April exits from the hockey season this year, it's been relatively quiet in Montreal and Laval regarding news or offseason movement.

But the recent signing of Laval Rocket head coach Jean-Francois Houle to a multi-year contract extension seemed to kick off a quick spate of contract deals for the Montreal Canadiens and Laval Rocket.

Just two days later, Habs forward prospect Jared Davidson inked a two-year entry-level contract, after playing 38 games in his rookie campaign last year with the Laval Rocket. Could he retain his top-six role in Laval and potentially earn a callup for his NHL debut during the season?

Following that, the Canadiens announced a one-year, two-way deal for 27-year-old goaltender Connor Hughes, who has played in the Swiss National League for a number of years. Hughes is slated to play in Laval, as part of the goaltending tandem with Jakob Dobes. Questions about whether his success in Switzerland can translate to North America and the AHL come to mind, although his numbers in recent seasons have been commendable.

Finally, this week, the Rocket signed a 21-year-old forward named Israel Mianscum to a two-year AHL deal. The Quebec native has spent the past five seasons playing for Sherbrooke in the QMJHL. Again, this is a player yet to prove if his success on paper can translate to the American Hockey League.

Watching fan reactions to these bits of news over the past few days have revealed a truly mixed bag, from excitement and support to uncertainty or downright frustration.

So on this week's episode of Habs Hockey Report, I walk viewers through the details of each signing and give some thoughts and analysis on the pros and cons of each. Click the video to watch the full episode: Offseason Update: Canadiens and Rocket Announce FOUR Contracts!

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