Forward Mitchell Stephens will have the opportunity to play his first game in a Montreal Canadiens jersey since he was recalled from the Laval Rocket on Friday.

The 26-year-old veteran has played 72 games in the National Hockey League during his career. He started with the Tampa Bay Lightning and his last games on the Bettman circuit come from the 2021-2022 season with the Detroit Red Wings.

• Also read: A three-year contract extension for Montembeault: a fair and reasonable agreement

• Also read: Red Wings v. CH: Is a massive thaw expected?

The Ontario native is one of head coach Jean-François Houle’s best soldiers at the farm club. Stephens has scored 12 points in 16 games so far, making him the Rocket’s third-highest scorer behind Joshua Roy and Brandon Gignac.

The center came to Laval as a free agent last season. He performed well in his first season, collecting 41 points in 68 games.

The Canadian could be concerned about the health of striker Alex Newhook, who had to leave the game against the Florida Panthers in the third period due to a left leg injury. His case is being reassessed daily.

The good choice?

Jean-Charles Lajoie and Tony Marinaro did not like this news.

“Joshua Roy with Nick Suzuki on a Saturday night, didn’t that tempt anyone?” Lajoie protested after hearing the news. What will it take? What’s not to like about Joshua Roy?”

“I would have liked to see Joshua Roy tomorrow [samedi]“But I am convinced he will be recalled at some point this season,” Marinaro said. But it would have been fun to see him with Suzuki [face aux Red Wings].”

Watch the full debate in the video above.