The Montreal Canadiens have inked a promising deal with defense prospect Owen Protz, signing him to a three-year entry-level contract set to kick off in the 2026-27 season. This move marks an exciting step in Protz's budding career, as he gears up to bring his talents to the NHL stage.
Fresh off a stellar season with the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL, Protz played a pivotal role in leading his team to an impressive 48-10-10 record, the best in the league. While his point tally dipped slightly this year to 23 from last season's 32, his defensive prowess shone brightly. Protz boasted a remarkable +45 goal differential, outshining his fellow defensemen by a significant margin.
Known for his hard-hitting style and exceptional shutdown abilities, Protz has earned a reputation as one of the OHL's toughest defenders. His skills caught the eye of Team Canada, earning him an invite to the World Juniors camp, though he narrowly missed making the final roster in his last year of eligibility.
As the postseason looms, Protz is set to lead the Bulldogs into battle against the Sudbury Wolves. With Brantford favored to emerge from Ontario, all eyes will be on their quest for the Memorial Cup in Kelowna this May.
Drafted by Montreal in 2024 as the 102nd overall pick, Protz becomes the third player from that draft class to sign with the Canadiens, joining Ivan Demidov and Tyler Thorpe. This signing signals Montreal's commitment to building a strong defensive core, and Protz's future looks bright as he prepares to make his mark in the NHL.