Canadiens Take a Risk on Gannon Laroque in Carey Price Trade Despite Major Injury Issues

While some fans may feel a bit emotional about this news, most have already come to terms with the departure of the legendary goaltender who defined the start of the new millennium for the Canadiens.

That said, there's a guy named Gannon Laroque whose name will likely be searched frequently on the web in the coming days.

So, let's introduce the Canadiens' new acquisition.

First, you're probably guessing we're not talking about Bobby Orr here. After all, Laroque was obtained in exchange for a retired player and a distant draft pick.

Gannon Laroque was born on August 20, 2003. Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, he is a 22-year-old right-shot defenseman with solid size, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds.

He was drafted in the fourth round (103rd overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2021 NHL Draft. His junior career, mainly with the Victoria Royals in the WHL, convinced the Sharks to give him a chance. They saw leadership qualities in him, which led to him being named captain of his junior team in his final season.

Laroque signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sharks on June 1, 2022, worth $2.775 million, which will conclude in the 2025-2026 season, after which he will become a restricted free agent.

In 2023-2024, he played nine games with the San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League (AHL), recording two points (1 goal, 1 assist). He also played nine games in the ECHL with the Wichita Thunder.

Unfortunately, his career was slowed by injuries, keeping him out for last season.

This trade should give Laroque a new opportunity to develop within the Canadiens organization, likely in Trois-Rivières. His physical strength and junior experience suggest he could become a reliable defensive asset in the AHL in the coming years.