The Montreal Canadiens have long been on a quest to inject grit, power, and intimidation into their roster—a mission that has often left fans wondering if the team could ever truly assemble a lineup capable of striking fear into opponents.

At the 2024 NHL Draft, General Manager Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton made a bold statement, targeting prospects who not only play with skill but also bring an edge that’s impossible to ignore.

Now, whispers from inside the organization and glowing reports from development camp suggest that their gamble may have finally paid off in a big way.

Tyler Thorpe, the Canadiens’ fifth-round pick, is quickly earning a reputation as a force of nature on the ice. With impressive stats and a physical style that’s turning heads, Thorpe is being described as “an animal”—a player destined to make a serious impact as he matures.

But what does this mean for the future of the Habs? Could this be the missing piece that transforms Montreal’s lineup into a playoff powerhouse?

And how will Thorpe’s development influence the team’s identity moving forward? The answers promise to be both surprising and exciting—read on to discover the full story.

Photo of Tyler Thorpe

Photo credit: IG/TylerThorpe

For several years, the Montreal Canadiens have been searching for tough players and players who are intimidating to other teams on the ice.

Notably, during the 2024 draft, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton made a clear effort to try to get their hands on this type of player.

Well, it looks like they pulled it off with their fifth-round acquisition, as Tyler Thorpe is really starting to become “an animal.”

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“Tyler Thorpe is an animal.

When he matures, it’s going to hurt.”

– Anthony Martineau

It must be said that Thorpe was truly one of the biggest revelations of the past year among Habs prospects, and one of the standout players at the most recent development camp.

Tyler Thorpe is becoming “an animal” on the ice and will hurt at maturity: a roll of the dice that paid off for Kent Hughes

Thorpe, the 130th overall pick by the Habs in 2024, recorded 52 points in 68 games last season in the WHL, along with 2 points in just 1 game with the Laval Rocket (AHL).

He is really turning into a solid power forward and a very intriguing prospect for the Canadiens.

We can already say this fifth-round pick was a success!

With Thorpe, Owen Protz, Florian Xhekaj, Luke Tuch, Hayden Paupanekis, and a few other young physical players, the Montreal Canadiens are really starting to be well-positioned in this area for the medium and long term.

A potential fourth line made up of Florian Xhekaj, Tyler Thorpe, and Luke Tuch? I’m all for it!

It could be a line perfectly built for the NHL playoffs.