It was the second day of the Canadiens’ development camp, and the first time the players took to the ice.
For many youngsters, it was also the first opportunity to don a Habs (practice) uniform.
Eight of the nine picks in the last draft were present for this camp, including L.J. Mooney.
He spoke to the media after his on-ice practice; you can watch the clip here.
L.J. stands for Little John.
And no, I’m not talking about the rapper Lil Jon.
A fitting name for the five-foot, seven-inch (171 cm) diminutive forward.
Mooney, who was drafted 113th overall by the Habs less than a week ago, draws his inspiration from Cole Caufield.
LJ Mooney says Cole Caufield is the guy he’s been watching the most in the NHL for a long time now.
He’s also excited to play for Martin St-Louis, another (former) small-sided player who “gave it his all in the gym”.
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) July 2, 2025
It was his childhood idol.
I don’t know if number 13 got his first taste of old age reading this, but it must be really trippy for the kid to find himself playing on the same team as his favorite player.
As well as being two diminutive American players, Mooney and Caufield have similar playing styles.
However, Mooney likes a robust game and can impose himself physically despite his small stature.
In fact, without setting himself any targets, the center forward would like to put on some muscle mass this summer, as he is currently listed at 157 lbs (71 kg) on the elite prospect site.
Mooney is also happy to play for Martin St-Louis, another small-sided player, and wants to learn from his hard work in the gym.
Indeed, he’s a good role model to follow if he wants to put on weight over the summer to be as ready as possible for the rookie camp in September.
If the American continues his progression and manages to carve out a position with the team within the next few years, he could become a very good late selection for the Canadiens.
– Many of our prospects.
Happy to be at camp
Happy campers#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/v4sREnEfDD
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 2, 2025
– Direction Winnipeg for Gustav Nyquist.
We’ve signed forward Gustav Nyquist to a one-year contract
pic.twitter.com/GDNey1eNWc
– Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 2, 2025
– Islanders reach agreement with Maxim Shabanov.
The Islanders have signed free agent Maxim Shabanov to a one-year entry-level contract
Shabanov had 67 points in 65 games last season in the KHL pic.twitter.com/XpITvNRdSk
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 2, 2025
– Pius Suter signs with the Blues.
Center Pius Suter is the newest member of the St. Louis Blues! #stlblues
CONTRACT DETAILS
https://t.co/abKeavrcDQ
– St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) July 2, 2025
– Morgan Frost remains in Calgary.
The Calgary Flames have signed Morgan Frost to a two-year extension pic.twitter.com/NEkqFKWzjd
– Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) July 2, 2025
– Four more years in Vegas for Kaeden Korczak.
Golden Knights re-sign Kaeden Korczak to four-year extension https://t.co/XbVjsf1nMH
– Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) July 2, 2025
– One-year contract in Pittsburgh for Alexander Alexeyev.
The Penguins have signed defenseman Alexander Alexeyev to a one-year contract.
Alexeyev is signed through the 2025.26 season and his contract carries an AAV of $775,000.
Details: https://t.co/ABEnPrftJ2 pic.twitter.com/S5MIBU5Tc7
– Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 2, 2025
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