There’s a new buzz surrounding the Montreal Canadiens’ camp this year, and it’s not just about the headline prospects like Ivan Demidov, Jacob Fowler, or David Reinbacher.

Tucked away in the shadows of these rising stars is a young forward whose remarkable transformation has quietly turned heads and sparked whispers among fans and coaches alike.

The Canadiens’ training facility is brimming with anticipation, and there’s an unmistakable sense that something special is brewing—something that could shake up the team’s future in ways few expect.

This isn’t your typical story of a promising rookie making incremental progress. It’s a tale of sheer dedication, discipline, and a surprising physical metamorphosis that has left even the most seasoned observers stunned.

While others may have spent their summer months relaxing, one determined player chose a different path, pushing his limits and redefining his potential.

Now, as the camp unfolds, the results of his relentless work are impossible to ignore. Whispers of his name are growing louder, and speculation is mounting about the impact he could have if called upon as a reinforcement.

Who is this mysterious powerhouse, and what exactly has he done to capture the attention of the hockey world? The answers may surprise you.

Photo of Tyler Thorpe

Photo credit: NHL

Beyond Ivan Demidov, Jacob Fowler, and David Reinbacher, several other interesting young players are present at the Montreal Canadiens’ camp.

One of them is young forward Tyler Thorpe.

He didn’t slack off during his summer training, and to everyone’s surprise, he put on nearly 20 pounds.

Wow!

“Right now, I’m around 230 lbs,” he revealed to the media after the third day of camp.

“I’ve gained about 20 lbs since this time last year, I think.”

– Tyler Thorpe

No, it’s not fat, but muscle added to the already impressive frame of the 6-foot-5 winger.

He even admitted with a laugh that he didn’t eat pizza and took good care of his diet.

Another 230-Pound Monster Preparing to Join the Montreal Canadiens as Reinforcement If Needed: His Name Is Tyler Thorpe

The player, who appeared in just one game with the Habs’ farm team last season, is already seeing the effects of his physical transformation on his play.

“I feel like it’s harder for opponents to take the puck away from me, especially in the corners.

I really feel stronger than before.

And with the work I put in on my skating, I feel less slow than I used to.”

– Tyler Thorpe

Tyler Thorpe Wants to Become the Next Florian Xhekaj of the Laval Rocket

Although his stint with the Rocket late last season was short, the Western Canadian giant had the chance to observe his new teammates.

Listening to him talk about Florian Xhekaj, it’s clear he took plenty of notes.

“I see myself playing a little like him.. There are some differences in our game, but he’s a guy who’s mastered the role of a third- or fourth-line player perfectly.

What did he have last year, 24 goals and 180 penalty minutes? [175, actually, Ed.]

Those are crazy stats.”

– Tyler Thorpe

His time with the Rocket was very beneficial for Thorpe.

It was thanks to that short stint with the club that the forward saw what he was missing to play at the pro level.

He carefully watched the veterans and, as we see today, successfully applied those lessons to his summer training.

Last season with the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, Thorpe recorded 27 goals and 25 assists for 52 points in 68 games.

He also added two assists in his lone game with the Rocket.