Unsigned Montreal Canadiens Prospect Signs With Team Rival

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 4:10 PM ET

Former Montreal Canadiens prospect Blake Biondi, who went unsigned, has decided to sign with a team rival, the Carolina Hurricanes, per reporter Kurt Dusterberg.

Blake Biondi was the oldest man out during the Carolina Hurricanes prospect camp last March at 23, at least a year or so older than the rest and about four or so years older than some. But the payoff for his camp work was worth it: a pro deal.

Signed as the 109th overall pick by Montreal during the 2020 draft, Blake Biondi played for Minnesota-Duluth and paced his team with 17 tallies in his sophomore season. The prior season was wasted with the torn labrum in his left-hand shoulder.

Montreal Opted not to Re-Sign Biondi After His Injury Problems

Summer was spent rehabbing, but the affliction didn't subside. His third season was rocky, both on and off the ice, and Montreal didn't re-sign him.

Having a year of NCAA eligibility still intact, Biondi left Wisconsin and found his way to Notre Dame, where his playing style was rediscovered.

He added 27 points (12 G, 15 A) in 38 games and unveiled the gritty net-crashing style that once caused so much fanfare.

Carolina noticed. Assistant GM Darren Yorke remained in contact with the Notre Dame coach during the season.

When the Irish lost, Biondi received a seven-game tryout in the AHL. He didn't score or do much of anything, but his impression was indelible.

Having his American Hockey League deal with the Chicago Wolves and his master's in nonprofit business administration all but finished, Biondi will experience his first pro season from beginning to end.

'Coming to Chicago, I want to be a great teammate,' Biondi says. 'I want to be a great locker-room guy and do everything I can to find a role on the Wolves next year and stick there. I think it's a good thing. It's a great path for me, a path back.
'It might be the hard way in some eyes, but thank God I've got a chance to play in the American League next year and do something special.'

The vast majority of his possible future teammates will be signed to the Hurricanes, but he will not be in the NHL just yet. But the Hurricanes will still be scouting him for a future call-up.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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