'I'm Not Ready to Give Up': Forward Within the Canadiens Organization Sends Kent Hughes a Clear Message
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Last July 1st, few people talked about the Montreal Canadiens' acquisition of Alex Belzile.
After spending two seasons in the New York Rangers organization, the St-Éloi, Bas-Saint-Laurent native returned home, having previously spent five seasons with the Canadiens organization between 2018 and 2023.
Even though he was placed on waivers to be assigned to the Laval Rocket before the start of the 2025-2026 season, he's still holding on to his dream of playing in the NHL again.
Alex Belzile is still waiting for a call from Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens: he wants to play in the NHL, and he wants to play for the Habs
The message has been sent!
That's what Belzile said in a recent interview with TVA Sports journalist François-David Rouleau.
"I'm not ready at all to give up on that. Zero.
I'm still highly motivated. I see that the guys around me are full of talent, but I consider myself just as good.
- Alex Belzile
I'm still highly motivated. I see that the guys around me are full of talent, but I consider myself just as good.
- Alex Belzile
It's worth remembering that in 2022-2023, Alex Belzile had some solid moments with the Canadiens, collecting six goals and eight assists in 31 games.
For those feeling nostalgic, here's his very first NHL goal against the Edmonton Oilers on February 12, 2023
Returning to his interview with TVA Sports, Belzile said he's still hoping for a call from Kent Hughes and doesn't see why it couldn't happen.
I'm looking for a call-up. Everyone has a different path. I don't see myself as any worse than during my best pro season last year. I don't see why things wouldn't go well this year.
You never know when the phone might ring. It's often when you least expect it that it does. You have to be ready."
- Alex Belzile, via TVA Sports
You never know when the phone might ring. It's often when you least expect it that it does. You have to be ready."
- Alex Belzile, via TVA Sports
Over his last two AHL seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the now 34-year-old veteran finished as his team's top scorer, and this year he already has four points in as many games with the Rocket.
Even though Owen Beck was the first forward called up by the Canadiens, Alex Belzile hopes his turn will come - as this could be his last chance to play in the best hockey league in the world.
Previously on Habs Fanatics
TRENDING NOW
