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According to reports from columnist and former Montreal Canadiens employee Marc Dumont, a young forward is reportedly about to leave the organization.

NHL clubs have until August 15 to sign their NCAA players who have completed their studies, otherwise, these players will be released and become free agents.

In recent days, the Canadiens have already confirmed that forward Rhett Pitlick will be released.

But that’s not all.

Ty Smilanic to be released by the Canadiens next Thursday

According to information from Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now, Smilanic is unfortunately no longer in Kent Hughes’ plans.

It’s sad because he seems to be a great individual and a good young player, and also because Kent Hughes knows him very well personally, but that’s part of the “business.”

It’s unfortunate because Smilanic seems to have been poorly advised, and he has faced significant personal challenges.

This 3rd round pick by the Florida Panthers in 2020 was acquired by the Canadiens in 2022 in the Ben Chiarot trade.

A few months ago, without warning, he stopped his studies to make an early jump to the pros.

He clearly thought he would become a player for the Laval Rocket, but that’s not what happened.

He had a very difficult camp, was sent to the Trois-Rivières Lions, and we know the rest.

Smilanic eventually recorded 7 points in 31 games in the ECHL in 2023-2024.

Everything now indicates that it’s over for him in Montreal, after so much promise and hope. We wish him the best of luck in the future!

“The Montreal Canadiens have relinquished their rights to Rhett Pitlick, and they will likely do the same for Ty Smilanic.

It’s a harsh reality, but it could become much more common in the future.

The Canadiens are overflowing with quality prospects.”

– Montreal Hockey Now

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