In a move that has caught fans and analysts off guard, the Laval Rocket has stirred up considerable attention with a major roster decision during the heart of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The unexpected release of four Montreal Canadiens prospects, including two of the organization’s most promising young talents, has sent shockwaves through the hockey community.
As the Rocket battles for playoff glory, the sudden departure of Tyler Thorpe and Owen Protz—both fresh draft picks with impressive junior records—raises questions about the team’s strategy and future plans. With stakes at their highest, many expected these players to serve as valuable depth options, ready to step in if injuries struck. Instead, the official announcement of their release from professional and amateur tryout contracts has left supporters searching for answers.
While this decision may only represent a temporary setback for the young prospects, it underscores the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey and the tough choices teams must make. As more details emerge, all eyes remain on Laval to see how this bold move will impact their playoff journey and the development of Montreal’s next generation of stars.

Photo credit: NHL
The Laval Rocket has just made a significant announcement, as four Montreal Canadiens prospects have officially been released.
There are four names listed in the statement, but the main focus is on Tyler Thorpe and Owen Protz, who will no longer be eligible to play for the Rocket in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs.
They could have served as solid insurance options in case of injuries, but they’ve now been released from their professional tryout contracts.
Tyler Thorpe, Will Dineen, Owen Protz, and Joe Dunlap Released by Laval Rocket During Playoffs
See the official announcement:
Laval Rocket announced that forwards Tyler Thorpe, Will Dineen and Joe Dunlap were released from their professional tryout contracts. Defenseman Owen Protz was also released from his amateur tryout contract.
– Laval Rocket
It’s an interesting and surprising decision, especially during the playoffs, but we expect more details in the coming minutes.
Let’s not forget: Thorpe has already signed his NHL entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens (starting next season).
Tyler Thorpe, 19 years old, is a physical forward standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds. He was selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft.
He recorded two points in one game with the Laval Rocket this season, as well as 52 points in 68 junior games (27 goals) with the Vancouver Giants.
Owen Protz, also 19, is a hard-nosed defenseman standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 207 pounds. He was drafted by the Canadiens in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft.
He tallied 32 points in 67 junior games this season with the Brantford Bulldogs.
Both players, known for their grit, could become key contributors for the Rocket in the future, so this isn’t the end for them, just a delay.
More details to come.
News
BOMBSHELL: Dallas Stars’ relationship with Jason Robertson HITS ROCK BOTTOM as a MASSIVE dispute surfaces, sparking rumors of an EARTH-SHAKING trade! The NHL world is BUZZING with speculation—will one of hockey’s brightest STARS be forced to leave Dallas in a DRAMATIC twist?
The Dallas Stars are facing a pivotal moment that could reshape the future of their franchise, and the center of…
Spencer Knight STUNS the hockey world as a GROUNDBREAKING announcement links the Blackhawks’ star goaltender to the Montreal Canadiens! Fans are left in SHOCK as rumors swirl of a MEGA DEAL that could completely TRANSFORM both franchises and rewrite the future of NHL goaltending forever!
As the Chicago Blackhawks gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, all eyes are on their newest goaltender, Spencer Knight,…
Don Waddell DROPS A BOMBSHELL, exposing the ONE PLAYER who single-handedly BLOCKED the Blue Jackets from STEALING Noah Dobson from the Canadiens! The SHOCKING revelation leaves fans REELING as behind-the-scenes drama and UNEXPECTED moves change everything we thought we knew about this high-stakes trade!
In a stunning twist that has set the hockey world abuzz, a single decision may have changed the fate of…
Patrik Laine’s trade to the Canadiens EXPOSED! Montreal releases a jaw-dropping BEHIND-THE-SCENES video showing the DRAMATIC twists, secret meetings, and UNBELIEVABLE moves that made the deal happen. This REVELATION leaves fans and insiders SHOCKED and questioning what REALLY goes on in NHL trades!
In a summer filled with speculation and anticipation, the Montreal Canadiens have just lifted the curtain on one of their…
MONTREAL CANADIENS STUN NHL by targeting 40-GOAL SENSATION Jared McCann in a potential BLOCKBUSTER trade with the Kraken! Could this UNBELIEVABLE move bring Montreal the SCORING POWER it desperately needs and completely TRANSFORM the team’s future? Fans are BUZZING with excitement over this SHOCKING development!
Trade rumors are swirling and Montreal Canadiens fans have every reason to be on the edge of their seats. Recent…
David Savard DROPS A BOMBSHELL—he’s in SERIOUS discussions with Kent Hughes to make a DRAMATIC comeback to the Canadiens! This POTENTIAL reunion could send SHOCKWAVES through the NHL and give Montreal the veteran LEADERSHIP it desperately needs. Will this UNBELIEVABLE twist change the team’s fate forever?
The Bell Centre was buzzing with anticipation today as the Montreal Canadiens called an unexpected press conference, catching fans and…
End of content
No more pages to load