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Canadiens Sign Luke Mittelstadt to Two-Year Entry-Level Deal, Assign Him to Laval

The 23-year-old Minnesota captain joins the Rocket on an AHL contract to provide immediate blue-line help.

Overview

  • The entry-level contract begins in 2026–27, with Mittelstadt finishing this season in the AHL on a minor-league deal.
  • Montreal drafted Mittelstadt in 2023 and converted him to pro after four seasons at the University of Minnesota, where he served as captain in his final year.
  • Scouting reports describe the 5'11", 185-pound left shot as an undersized, two-way defender with steady defensive play and modest scoring.
  • Analysts expect him to stabilize Laval’s defense right away, with his NHL outlook projected as depth or call-up duty in a crowded prospect pool.
  • Contract details place him on track for restricted free agency after 2027–28, and the move lifts Montreal’s count to 29 standard contracts for next season; he is not eligible to play for the Canadiens while on his current AHL deal.