The Laval Rocket have a fresh face in their lineup with the signing of forward Bentley, a product of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 194 pounds, Bentley hails from Peoria, Illinois. His unique academic background in education, psychology, and business speaks to his multifaceted approach both on and off the ice.
The Canadiens organization clearly sees potential in Bentley, offering him a two-year, one-way AHL contract. For now, he’s joined Laval on a professional tryout contract for the rest of the season. Though he didn’t suit up for Laval’s recent 5-1 victory over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-a win that clinched a North Division playoff spot-Bentley is eager to make his mark.
“All I can ask for is an opportunity-from practice every single day to finding my way into the lineup,” Bentley shared after a practice session. At 24, he’s focused on growth, emphasizing the importance of stability in his development over the next two years. “I wanted to take in what this group and team has to offer,” he added.
With Laval leading their division at 38-19-5 and riding a hot streak, head coach Pascal Vincent is cautious about altering a winning formula. Rocket GM John Sedgwick has assured Vincent there's no pressure to play Bentley or the other newcomers immediately.
Among those new faces is defenceman Luke Mittelstadt, who inked a two-year entry-level deal with the Canadiens and a one-year AHL contract for the current season. Mittelstadt, fresh from his NCAA career at the University of Minnesota, was a seventh-round pick in the 2023 draft.
Laval also bolstered their roster by acquiring goaltender Hunter Shepard and forward Jake Chiasson from Belleville in exchange for forward Riley Kidney. Chiasson will head to the ECHL, while Shepard is set to back up Kaapo Kahkonen, who took over as the starting goalie following Jacob Fowler’s recall by the Canadiens.
Shepard, 30, brings championship pedigree to the Rocket, having won back-to-back Calder Cups with Hershey in 2023 and 2024. With a brief NHL stint under his belt, he’s poised to add depth to Laval’s goaltending crew, leading to Hunter Jones being reassigned to Trois-Rivières.
As the Rocket gear up for the playoffs, Bentley and the new additions are ready to contribute whenever called upon, bringing fresh energy and potential to an already formidable lineup.