The Montreal Canadiens have loaned Josh Brook to the Krefeld Pinguine in the DEL for the next few months in order to get him playing again. The team expects to recall Brook in time for NHL training camp later this winter.
The 56th overall pick in 2017, Brook has just finished his first full season in professional hockey, scoring 13 points in 60 games with the Laval Rocket of the AHL. The former WHL star is one of a handful of young defensemen in the Canadiens’ system that could be battling for NHL roster spots, if ever any open up for them.
Montreal went out and added Joel Edmundson this offseason, re-signed Jeff Petry long-term, and are expected to have Alexander Romanov as a regular this season. With Shea Weber, Ben Chiarot, Brett Kulak, and Victor Mete also around, that doesn’t leave a lot of opportunity for players like Brook, Cale Fleury, or Noah Juulsen to make an impact.
Still, getting his feet under him overseas can only help Brook as he prepares for the season. Waiver-exempt with two years left on his entry-level contract, he’ll be headed to Laval upon his return in all likelihood.