Olympic Break Top 10 Habs Prospects: #5 Adam Engstrom

Similar to what was mentioned about Owen Beck previously, Engstrom is also a victim of a logjam at his position, as there are already 7 defensemen in the NHL that are healthy, and with that, it doesn’t leave any space for the 21-year-old to fit in the Habs lineup consistently. However, Engstrom has already proven in his 11 NHL games this season that he has what it takes to play for the Canadiens or any other team in a bottom-pairing role.

In his 11 NHL games, he has abstained from taking risks offensively, as he has yet to feel comfortable in his role at the NHL level, but once he does get more accustomed to being an NHL defenseman, we should start to see him rush up ice with the puck, as it will always be his best asset. However, what he has shown at the NHL level is that he can read the play well in his own end and just make solid defensive plays when needed.

As good as he’s looked at the NHL level, it doesn’t compare to how dominant he has become as a player with the Rocket. Engstrom is currently on a 7-game point streak where he has scored 4 goals and 10 points in that span. He is doing all this while being a huge reason why the Rockets have won 5 straight games as a force at both ends of the ice. By dominating in the AHL, Engstrom should only gain more confidence, allowing him to become a better version of himself once the NHL comes calling the next time around.

The biggest knock on his game right now would likely be his physicality, as he’s not known to be a guy who throws many hits, but that doesn’t mean he can’t successfully throw big checks; it just isn’t a big part of his game. Placing him with a physical defensive partner helps a lot, as it eliminates the need for him to have to throw hits.

While Engstrom is easily the best defenseman currently on the Rocket, because of the pedigree and potential of David Reinbacher, who went 5th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Swedish defenseman can only be the 5th best prospect for the time being. Reinbacher may have injury troubles and is behind Engstrom in development overall, but the fact is he still has more potential in his game.

Much like Bryce Pickford, who was discussed yesterday as the Canadiens’ 6th best prospect, Engstrom has the potential to be a 4th or 5th defenseman on a competitive NHL team with the ability to move up temporarily for injuries. The biggest difference that separates Engstrom from Pickford is that Engstrom is delivering dominant play in the AHL, whereas Pickford is still only playing junior hockey for now. Things may change, but for now, Engstrom is my 5th-best prospect in the Habs organization.

Where do you have Engstrom ranked in your personal prospect rankings?

Click here to view yesterday’s article on the #6 prospect Bryce Pickford.