Engstrom is set to make his NHL debut as Canadian Open road trip vs. Mammoth

The 22-year-old defender entered the lineup in place of Arbor Shekage.

Engström has posted five goals and 14 points through 18 games this season for the Laval Rockets, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, and has been one of their most productive defensemen.

He capped off his AHL stint with a five-point game that saw Laval beat the Belial Senators 7-2 at home.

A third-round pick by Montreal in the 2022 draft, the Swede spent two seasons with Rögle BK in the SHL before moving to the Rockets in 2024.

In his rookie season in the AHL, he played in 79 games, including 13 in the playoffs, and recorded 27 regular-season points.

Following the morning skate in Utah, Engstrom spoke with the media and reflected on what the moment meant.

“It’s a dream come true, and I’m really excited for tonight,” Engstrom said. “It’s going to be a tough game. Utah is so good, I’m just going to try and go out there and play my best.

“You work hard your whole life just to get there, and the work has paid off, so now I’m just trying to enjoy this moment.”

The Canadiens begin a three-game road trip to face the Las Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche after traveling to Utah.