A young defenseman with significant potential is reportedly leaving the Canadiens organization permanently
A few seasons ago, Mattias Norlinder was seen as one of the Tricolore's brightest prospects, who, according to many experts, was destined for a promising future in the NHL. However, after a highly successful stint in Sweden, the Kramfors-native defenseman never managed to adapt to the North American style of play, only playing six games in a Canadiens uniform.
In fact, the Canadiens' former scout, Grant McCagg, just released major information about the young defender's future. Although he is still under contract for the upcoming season, Norlinder has reportedly decided to leave the organization to continue his career in Europe. Thus, his time with the Canadiens would be over.
Once considered one of the top 5 prospects in the system... he never adapted to the North American rinks and was surpassed by others. - Grant McCagg
Wow! We definitely didn't see that coming!
The Canadiens have yet to confirm the news, but his tenure within the organization seems definitively over. He will most likely be loaned to a Swedish team to finish his final contract year, or Kent Hughes and he will agree to terminate his contract.
No one would have predicted such an outcome when the expectations were so high for the defenseman just two years ago.
At 23 years old, Mattias Norlinder only spent two seasons in North America, playing only six games (with one assist) in the NHL. The Swede also scored 3 goals and provided 18 assists (21 points) in 73 games with the Laval Rocket in the AHL.
We wish him the best in his future endeavors!
Credit: Habs et LNH
| POLL | ||
Do you believe that Mattias Norlinder will ever secure a position in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 27.8 % |
| No | 122 | 72.2 % |
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