HabsWorld.net -- 

With his college career coming to an end over the weekend, it’s now time for Jayden Struble to turn pro. He did just that on Wednesday as the Habs announced that they’ve signed the defenceman to a two-year, entry-level contract. Notably, the deal will begin in the 2023-24 campaign, meaning he won’t burn a year this season. Instead, he has signed a tryout agreement with Laval and will finish the campaign with the Rocket.

The 21-year-old was a second-round pick by Montreal back in 2019, going 46th overall. While he was touted as someone that had some offensive upside after putting up good numbers in high school, that never really materialized. This season, Struble had just a goal and 11 assists in 31 games this season while his career high in points over four years with Northeastern was 14, set in 2021-22.

However, Struble’s strength. aggressiveness, and physicality are traits that should translate well to the professional ranks. He’s still a bit raw for someone who has gone through a full college career but his style of game arguably fits better in the pros where things are a bit chippier.

Struble will carry an AAV of $925,000 on his new deal with a cap hit of $867.500. He’ll have a base salary of $750,000 in each season with a $92,500 signing bonus, $57,500 in games played performance bonuses, and a $70,000 AHL salary.