Vinzenz Rohrer won't be in Martin St-Louis' training camp unless the Montreal Canadiens decide they need him back in North America.
The young Austrian forward has already joined EV Zug in Switzerland, putting him on a very different path from several Canadiens prospects preparing to compete for jobs in Montreal.
Rohrer is expected to take part in Zug's full training camp. A trip back to Montreal would only come if the Canadiens choose to recall him.
That removes one intriguing name from the September competition. Rohrer won't get the chance to make an impression on St-Louis during practices, scrimmages and preseason games unless management changes course.
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Montreal had already agreed to loan Rohrer to EV Zug, where he is committed for the next 3 seasons. The plan now gives him stability and a clear development role overseas.
It also creates more room for other young forwards at Canadiens camp. Florian Xhekaj and Owen Beck are among the prospects expected to push for attention and NHL opportunities.
For Rohrer, the message is straightforward: play major minutes in Switzerland, keep developing and force Montreal to reconsider the plan through his performance.
Canadiens keep the door open for Rohrer
This isn't necessarily a permanent separation. Montreal still controls Rohrer's NHL future and can bring him back if circumstances change during the season.
Injuries up front could alter the depth chart quickly. A strong stretch from Rohrer in Switzerland could also put pressure on management to reconsider where he fits.
Kent Hughes has that option available while Rohrer continues playing in Europe. The Canadiens don't need to rush him into a North American role simply to keep him close to the organization.
The bigger consequence comes at camp. St-Louis will have one fewer prospect to evaluate while sorting through his forward depth and determining which younger players are closest to NHL duty.
Rohrer now has to make his case from Switzerland instead of Montreal. Every strong performance can keep his name in the conversation, even without preseason games in a Canadiens jersey.
And if the Canadiens eventually need another option up front, his absence from camp doesn't close the door. It simply means his next opportunity will have to be earned from farther away.
Should the Canadiens have brought Vinzenz Rohrer to training camp?
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