On March 19, 2025, fans at Place Bell witnessed a remarkable performance by Laurent Dauphin as he secured his second hat trick of the season. The Laval Rocket triumphantly defeated the Toronto Marlies with a decisive score of 3-0, marking a significant milestone for the team.
With this latest victory, the Rocket achieved their 40th win of the season, setting a new franchise record since moving to Laval. The previous record was established during the 2021-2022 season, demonstrating a marked improvement in the team's performance under pressure. Dauphin's contribution to this achievement highlights not only his individual talent but the overall growth of the Rocket as a competitive force in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Dauphin is enjoying a breakout season, having reached a personal best of 20 goals for the first time in his AHL career. Further embellishing his success, he has been on a scoring streak, having registered points in three consecutive games. As of now, he leads the Rocket with a total of 22 goals, edging out teammate Joshua Roy by two goals. This impressive scoring ability coincides with his accumulation of 46 points over 51 games this season, a remarkable feat as the season heads towards its conclusion.
As the Rocket gear up for the final stretch of the season with 13 games remaining, they sit atop the AHL standings, narrowly outpacing the Hershey Bears by one point. The excitement among fans is palpable, as they look forward to the potential playoff run.
While Dauphin's offensive prowess has taken center stage, another player making significant strides within the organization is Adam Engström, a 21-year-old left-handed defenseman. This year marks Engström's debut season in the AHL, and thus far, he has shown the ability to adapt his game from the fast-paced style of Swedish hockey to the more physical play characteristic of North America.
Standing 6’2" and weighing 190 pounds, Engström primarily operates within the team’s top-four defensive pairings, contributing valuable time on the second power play unit and the second penalty kill unit. He has developed strong on-ice chemistry with defense partners like William Trudeau and Josh Jacobs and most recently with David Reinbacher, enhancing his effectiveness during games.
Engström’s mobility stands out as one of his defining characteristics. He demonstrates agility on the ice, skillfully retreating to the blue line while igniting offensive plays. His ability to shift play from one side to the other effectively and to leverage pressure makes him a valuable asset in offensive situations. However, the young defenseman still faces challenges, as he has occasionally struggled to move the puck under heavy defensive pressure and navigated too deep into the offensive zone, leading to defensive lapses. This earned him a scratch during a weekend series against Abbotsford as coach Pascal Vincent sought to address his learning process.
Despite these growing pains, Engström's ability to rebound and adapt has shown promise. He displays a willingness to take shots, and while his shot may not pack the same punch as other players, it is effective in creating chaos in front of the opposing net, allowing opportunities for his teammates. Also known for his passing skills, he is generally cautious with his decision-making, opting to maintain possession rather than force risky plays.
There are areas where Engström needs to develop his game further. Defensively, he lacks the physicality often necessary in battles around the net and can be outmuscled by larger forwards. While he has shown good hockey sense, enabling him to execute crucial plays like timely dives or stick checks, he often struggles to assert himself against tough opponents, leaving him vulnerable in crucial matchups.
Looking ahead, Engström is projected to compete for a spot in the NHL around the 2027-2028 season. His growth during this AHL season and ability to overcome barriers regarding physicality will be vital in determining his career trajectory. Currently, he has played 58 games, contributing four goals and 20 assists for a total of 24 points alongside a plus-minus rating of +15.
As the Laval Rocket continue to push for playoff positioning, the spotlight remains on players like Laurent Dauphin and Adam Engström. Their contributions not only showcase their personal achievements but also symbolize the growth and potential of the Rocket organization within the AHL landscape. The coming weeks promise excitement as both players, alongside their teammates, strive for success.
