A new kid could be breathing down the necks of Michael McNiven and Cayden Primeau

Gravel, 21, is one of the few right-handed goalies of his generation. The 6-foot-3, 219-pound behemoth was a sixth-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL draft. Chicago did not give him an entry-level contract, however, hence his complete autonomy.

The Asbestos, Quebec native spent five seasons in the QMJHL, all with the Halifax Mooseheads. Despite his less than stellar stats last year, including a 3.90 goals-against-average and a .887 save percentage, he has some potential. He could undoubtedly join Kevin Poulin with the Trois-Rivieres Lions, the Montreal Canadiens' ECHL feeder club. If he develops well with them, it would not be surprising to see him breathing down the necks of the two Laval Rocket goalies in Cayden Primeau and Michael McNiven. However, to do so, he must obtain a pact with the Montreal organization.

Perhaps being around goalies of the calibre of Carey Price and Jake Allen could have a very positive effect on the young man's career. You clearly can't have a better mentor than number 31.

Plus, Gravel will have the chance to play close to home. What's more motivating than having the chance to play professionally close to home?