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The Canadiens organization suddenly loses a young defenseman
When looking at the Montreal Canadiens organization, it quickly becomes apparent that there are many defensemen, and it will be difficult for some to move up the ranks.
This was the case for Nicolas Beaudin, who left, and several others are following suit. There are about a dozen defensemen who could potentially play in the NHL this season, which means significant congestion at Laval as well.
The situation is similar with the Trois-Rivières Lions. Defensemen hoping to move up to the Rocket and eventually to the Canadiens feel blocked by this congestion, and this is the case for Christopher Merisier-Ortiz.
Indeed, Chris Ortiz, a native of Boisbriand, has just signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. His goal is obviously to climb the ranks and move up to the American League, and then to the NHL.
"Familiar face in a familiar place!
OFFICIAL: The Nailers have signed Chris Ortiz for the 2024-25 season!"
- Wheeling Nailers
OFFICIAL: The Nailers have signed Chris Ortiz for the 2024-25 season!"
- Wheeling Nailers
Ortiz played two seasons with the Nailers in the ECHL. So, in a way, he is back home.
In 69 games with the Lions, Ortiz earned 37 points and a +7 rating. He was very good for the Lions and was a strong candidate to move up with the Rocket in the near future.
He will now have more opportunities in the Penguins organization, where the pool of prospects is much shallower than that of the Canadiens.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 26 | 254 ANSWERS The Canadiens organization suddenly loses a young defenseman Do you think the congestion among defensemen in the organization is detrimental to the Canadiens' future? | ||
| Yes | 105 | 41.3 % |
| No | 149 | 58.7 % |
| List of polls | ||