Young blueliner avoids arbitration after a steady first full NHL season
The Montreal Canadiens have locked up one of their promising young defensemen, signing Jayden Struble to a two-year, $2.825 million contract on Monday. The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $1.4125 million and allows Struble to avoid salary arbitration.
The 23-year-old was a restricted free agent following a solid rookie campaign in Montreal, where he registered 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) across 56 games while averaging 14:57 of ice time per night. He also finished the season with a +2 rating and added a physical presence to the Canadiens’ blue line.
Though Struble appeared in two games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he did not record any points. Still, the organization remains high on his potential as a dependable, mobile defenseman capable of eating minutes in a second- or third-pairing role.
Originally selected 46th overall in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Struble developed through the NCAA ranks with Northeastern University before joining the Canadiens organization. Over parts of two seasons with Montreal, he has accumulated 23 points (5 goals, 18 assists) in 112 career NHL games.
Known for his strong skating, physical edge, and defensive awareness, Struble provides depth to a young Canadiens blue line that includes the likes of Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, and Arber Xhekaj. His new contract is considered a reasonable bridge deal that gives both sides flexibility and time to evaluate his long-term fit within the team’s core.
With this signing, the Canadiens continue to shape a defense group focused on youth, mobility, and two-way reliability — key traits in today’s fast-paced NHL. The deal also helps GM Kent Hughes manage the cap effectively as Montreal continues its rebuild toward playoff contention.
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