Adam Engström is set to make his NHL debut on Wednesday night against the Utah Mammoth. To make room for him in the lineup, fellow defenseman Arber Xhekaj has been sidelined. This decision was confirmed by head coach Martin St-Louis after the Montreal Canadiens’ practice in Salt Lake City.
Adam Engström’s Impressive Performance
The 22-year-old Swede has had a strong start to his season in the American Hockey League (AHL), accumulating 14 points in 18 games with the Laval Rocket. His outstanding performance earned him his first career call-up last Sunday. Engström was also recognized as the AHL Player of the Week recently.
Excitement for the First Game
Engström expressed his enthusiasm just hours before his debut, stating it is a dream come true. He acknowledged the nerves he anticipates feeling during his first game, but aims to control his emotions and play his style.
- Debut Date: Wednesday night
- Opponent: Utah Mammoth
- Age: 22 years
- Points in AHL: 14 points in 18 games
Xhekaj’s Situation
Arber Xhekaj will miss this game, marking the second time he has been scratched this season. His average ice time has dropped to 11 minutes and 40 seconds, nearly three minutes less than the previous season. He has recorded only one point and holds a -4 differential, placing him near the bottom of the team’s defensive rankings.
Coach’s Remarks
St-Louis cited “math” as a reason for Xhekaj’s exclusion, noting that one defenseman had to be left out. He has indicated that Engström is a strong skater and expects him to integrate well into the team’s collective strategy. St-Louis has received positive reports on Engström, who performed well during training camp.
Game Day Information
The match will take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, starting at 9:30 PM Quebec time. Jakub Dobes will start in goal for the Canadiens, and newly signed forward Alexandre Texier will also be a healthy scratch.
