The Montreal Canadiens made a significant move on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by signing right winger Tyler Thorpe to a three-year entry-level contract. This deal will officially commence at the beginning of the 2025-26 NHL season. In the meantime, Thorpe will join the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, on a professional tryout basis for the remainder of the current campaign.
Thorpe, who was selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Draft, has shown impressive potential during his time in the Western Hockey League (WHL). This season, he played in 68 games with the Vancouver Giants, where he racked up 27 goals and 25 assists, totaling 52 points and ranking seventh in team scoring. His performance helped solidify his position as a promising prospect for the Canadiens.
In addition to his regular season contributions, the 6-foot-5 forward also made his mark in the playoffs, adding one goal and two assists in five games during the Giants’ first-round exit against the Spokane Chiefs. Over his WHL career, Thorpe has accumulated 54 goals and 48 assists across 167 games, showcasing his ability to be a reliable offensive player.
The Canadiens' decision to sign Thorpe reflects their commitment to developing young talent within the organization. General Manager Kent Hughes expressed optimism about Thorpe's future, stating, "Tyler has shown great improvement over the past two seasons, and we believe he has the potential to become a key player for us moving forward." This sentiment echoes the team's strategy of nurturing young players who can contribute to their success in the NHL.
Thorpe's entry-level contract includes a cap hit of $868,333 and an average annual value (AAV) of $936,667. The contract details are as follows: for the 2025-26 season, Thorpe will earn a salary of $775,000 in the NHL, along with a $97,500 signing bonus, a $102,500 performance bonus, and an $85,000 salary for the AHL. The terms remain consistent for the following two seasons, with a slight adjustment in the signing bonus for 2027-28.
As he transitions to the AHL, there is a buzz about how Thorpe will be utilized on the Laval Rocket roster. With the team firmly in playoff contention, Thorpe's performance in the coming games will be closely monitored. His size and skill set make him a valuable asset, and fans are eager to see how he can contribute to Laval’s playoff push. The Rocket's coaching staff is known for developing young players, which could provide Thorpe with the perfect environment to hone his skills further.
This signing marks the Canadiens' first contract from their 2024 draft class, though it may not be the high-profile signing many fans anticipated. Nevertheless, Thorpe's trajectory suggests he could become an integral part of the Canadiens' future. His work ethic and recent performances indicate he is ready to take the next step in his career.
As the Canadiens look ahead to the next season, they are also paying attention to their current roster and how emerging talents like Thorpe fit into their long-term plans. The franchise has a rich history of successful player development, and with Thorpe's addition, they hope to continue that tradition.
In conclusion, Tyler Thorpe's signing is a promising development for the Montreal Canadiens. As he prepares to join the Laval Rocket on a tryout basis, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this young forward performs in the AHL and how he can potentially impact the Canadiens' roster in the future.
