A Local Talent on the Rise
Dillan Bentley, a native of Peoria, Illinois, is currently attending the Montreal Canadiens’ 2026 Developmental Prospects Camp, a showcase that brings together the organization’s most promising young talent from across North America.
Standing at 6‑foot‑4 and weighing 195 pounds, Bentley operates as a centre‑right wing, combining size with a versatile offensive skill set that the Canadiens hope will translate into higher levels of play.
Bentley’s junior roots trace back to the Peoria Youth Hockey Association, where he honed his game with the Peoria Mustangs during the 2019‑20 season, before moving on to a four‑year stint at UMass‑Lowell.
During his collegiate career at UMass‑Lowell, Bentley accumulated experience across multiple seasons, developing a reputation for relentless work ethic and adaptability on the ice.
Last spring, he made the jump to professional hockey, signing a two‑year contract that placed him directly on the roster of the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, the primary farm affiliate of the Canadiens.
In his debut with the Rocket, Bentley appeared in six games, marking his arrival at the class‑AAA level of North American hockey — a milestone that places him among only a handful of Peoria‑born or PYHA‑trained players to achieve that distinction.
Peoria Rivermen head coach Jean‑Guy Trudel, who has mentored Bentley over the years, expressed pride in the youngster’s progress, highlighting his professionalism, commitment to continuous growth, and the work ethic that sets him apart.
As the camp unfolds, Bentley is focused on leveraging the experience to refine his game, earn a potential NHL call‑up, and solidify his place in the Canadiens’ long‑term plans.