Article content

Few knew what to expect when the Canadiens announced last summer they had signed KHL defenceman Jakub Jerabek to a one-year contract.

He was coming off a great year with HC Vityaz that saw him score five goals and add 29 assists in 59 games, as well as earning first-team all-star honours. His ability to move the puck is probably what piqued Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin‘s curiosity.

Despite his early, and somewhat confusing, assignment to the Laval Rocket to start the season, Jerabek earned his way into the NHL by playing fantastic hockey in the AHL. His production from the blue line was good but not great in Laval, with one goal and 11 assists in 17 games. However, it was his skill set that opened our eyes to his potential impact on the Canadiens’ blue line.

It took him at least 15 games to adapt to the NHL, and he’s still learning the ropes at this juncture in the season, but his underlying numbers with the Canadiens are quite encouraging.