There’s never an easy time for a hockey player to be traded, but it’s especially difficult when the team that player suits up for is on a road trip.
Defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer’s Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, were in San Diego on Dec. 6 when he learned he had been acquired by the Canadiens organization for forward Jacob Perreault.
“It was a bit of a whirlwind,” Hoefenmayer told The Gazette on Tuesday, after participating in a development day with his fellow Laval Rocket defencemen at Place Bell. “You’ve got to get back home, pack the house up, kind of get the family in order and get everything in check. It was hectic, but I’m happy to be here now and settled in.
“It’s a bit of a surprise when you’re traded,” added the 25-year-old, who was dealt for the first time in his career. “You’re always caught off guard. But I’m excited now to be here and excited for the opportunity.”
The Canadiens become the third organization Hoefenmayer has played for. He was selected in the fourth round (108th overall) by Arizona in 2017, but never signed with the Coyotes. Instead, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound prospect signed with Toronto in 2020 as a free agent and was assigned to the AHL Marlies. But first he had to cut his teeth in the East Coast League, playing for Wichita and Newfoundland.
Hoefenmayer was with the Marlies for two seasons before signing an entry-level contract with the Oilers in 2023 and playing in Bakersfield.
Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent was patient with his new addition following his arrival, allowing him to learn and become comfortable with the team’s system. Hoefenmayer made his Laval debut last Sunday at Bridgeport, recording an assist in the team’s 6-2 victory.
“We wanted to give him time,” Vincent said. “He played really well (on Sunday). He’s got a quick release and good vision. He’s got offensive instincts. From what I saw in the game he played, he could bring pucks to the net. Sometimes it’s hard for a defenceman, but he was able to find the shooting lanes. He’s reliable defensively and wants to be coached. So far it’s very positive.”
Hoefenmayer said the trade was a “dream come true” for him. Although raised in the Toronto suburb of North York, his father, Rupert, is a Montreal native. And having attended French immersion, Hoefenmayer is bilingual.
“As a kid I watched every (Canadiens) game almost,” he said. “It’s a dream come true to represent these colours and have a chance to prove myself here. I think they see the positives in my game, and I was looking for a new start and a new opportunity to show what I can do, work my way up. I’m happy to get the chance to work hard, put my head down and try to get that opportunity here.”
While Hoefenmayer, who played junior in Ottawa, was named the CHL’s outstanding defenceman in 2020 after producing 26 goals and 82 points in 58 games, he has yet to play an NHL game. He has done reasonably well in the minors, with 21 goals and 72 points in 150 career AHL games, along with 196 penalty minutes. He has scored three goals on the power-play along with four game-winners.
But given his age, the clock could be ticking on Hoefenmayer’s career. He’s eligible to become a restricted free agent at season’s end.
“Everyone’s path is different,” he said. “There’s guys that come out of college now that are 24. I take every chance that I have and every year that I’ve played as a new learning lesson. Try to build off it. I don’t think the dream is ever over. I think I have a lot more positive years in my game. I’m still growing and improving.”
Hoefenmayer has worked hard at improving his defensive game and skating, his lack of foot speed likely the missing ingredient holding him back, according to Vincent. Nonetheless, the Canadiens carry seven defenceman and Hoefenmayer becomes the eighth in Laval, not including injured 20-year-old David Reinbacher, selected fifth overall in 2023.
“You just never know,” Vincent said. “He’s here. Now he has a chance to showcase himself. Playing in the AHL is not a bad thing. I’ve seen guys in the past on two-way deals — AHL and ECHL — and finally ended up with an NHL contract. I don’t know what’s going to happen but he’s going to be put in a position to showcase himself.”
On the injury front, goalie Jakub Dobes and forward Filip Mesar are ready to return, according to Vincent, but Brandon Gignac remains sidelined. The Rocket begins a season-long six-game homestand Friday night against Belleville.