The Montreal Canadiens announced on Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with right‑shot defenseman Reilly Walsh, inking him to a one‑year, two‑way contract. The deal, which can pay either NHL or AHL rates depending on the roster assignment, is viewed primarily as a depth maneuver rather than a headline‑making move.
Walsh, a 27‑year‑old American, entered the professional ranks after being selected in the third round of the 2017 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils. Though he logged just a single NHL appearance with New Jersey, the blueliner has carved out a solid reputation in the American Hockey League, where he has tallied 159 points across 304 games over five seasons.
His development path includes three collegiate years at Harvard University, where he honed his two‑way play before turning pro. Internationally, Walsh spent the most recent campaign with Kazakhstan’s Astana Barys in the KHL, posting 46 points in 68 games and ranking fourth among league defensemen in scoring.
Depth Reinforcement for Montreal
The Canadiens’ blue‑line has been hampered by the absence of Bryce Pickford, who is currently recuperating from shoulder surgery. By offering a proven AHL contributor who can also compete at the top level abroad, the club hopes to offset that loss and provide the Laval Rocket with a reliable veteran presence.
Coaching staff indicated that Walsh is expected to start the season with the Rocket, where his experience could accelerate the growth of younger prospects. If the NHL roster requires his services, his two‑way flexibility should allow him to slot in seamlessly, adding depth and defensive stability.