Canadiens Rookie Camp Highlights: Thorpe, Bentley Stand Out
The Montreal Canadiens rookies faced the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday afternoon, the first of two games that will take place during the team’s rookie camp.
Before we get going with the highlights, it’s important to note that the Habs clearly lacked the same level of offensive firepower as the Jets. Such is life when you graduate most of your top prospects to the NHL.
Simply put, they had no answer to Jets players such as Brayden Yager (14th overall, 2023) and Viggo Björck (8th overall 2026), resulting in a 3-1 win for Winnipeg.
We also have to acknowledge this was a very disjointed game for all involved, par for the course when analyzing a game full of players from various leagues and teams. Chemistry is always difficult to come by in these short camps. With that in mind, we’ll avoid criticizing the players who had a difficult game.
Montreal Canadiens Standouts
Luke Mittelstadt served as Montreal’s captain, and though he struggled with puck control in the third period, he was clearly the best defenceman on the ice for head coach Daniel Jacob.
It was an encouraging sight, as Mittelstadt is set to play an important role for the Laval Rocket in 2026-27, with a chance that he may even get a look from the Canadiens should injuries take hold of the lineup.
At 23 years old, he was among the oldest players on the ice, and was tasked with being the powerplay quarter back, resulting in an assist on the only goal of the game for the Canadiens, scored by Alexander Legkov. Tyler Thorpe also provided an assist on the play.
He was quite solid in transition throughout the game, using a strong stride to quickly gain speed through the neutral zone before heading into the offensive zone.
Alexander Legkov scores on the powerplay to put the #GoHabsGo on the board.
3-1. pic.twitter.com/whKX1WSI3V
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) September 12, 2026
As for the forwards, even though he did not score, former UMass-Lowell forward Dillan Bentley looked superb. He was one of the quickest players on the ice, and never hesitated to driver the net. Accuracy was far from perfect, but overall, it was a fantastic first showing for Bentley.
It’s always a good sign when the puck seems to find a player more often than others, and that was certainly the case for Bentley on Saturday afternoon. His speed through the neutral zone also drew a powerplay, leading to the only goal of the game for the Habs.
Dillan Bentley has been the most notable forward for the #GoHabsGo rookies this afternoon. Good speed and does not hesitate to drive the net. pic.twitter.com/56qoyKn8v0
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) September 12, 2026
Mavrick Rousseau-Hamel, invited to the Canadiens camp after a 27-point season with the Quebec Ramparts, was also quite noticeable, though his expertise resides in frustrating opposing players with an endless stream of energy and physicality. Standing at 5’10”, 170 lbs, Rousseau never hesitated to mix it up with much bigger opponents.
Parker Trottier had a decent outing, displaying smart positioning with and without the puck. He also struggled with accuracy, but his anticipation was evident.
Tyler Thorpe, selected 130th overall in 2025, picked up his play as the game unfolded, landing several heavy hits, including a massive bodycheck late in the third period. His propensity for controlled violence is always very entertaining.
A big hit by Tyler Thorpe on the forecheck. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Ez0V0amOjU
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) September 12, 2026
The Canadiens will be back in action on Sunday, facing the Ottawa Senators rookies at the Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, at 5pm ET.
