LATEST | Noah Juulsen reflects on his progression and his time with the Canadiens

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Cooper Godin
March 23, 2024 (9:37)

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Vancouver Canucks defenceman Noah Juulsen has had an up and down career to say the least thus far.

In 2015, Juulsen was selected in the first round, 26th overall by the Montreal Canadiens. At the time, many were expecting Juulsen to eventually become a top-four defenceman in Montreal, but injuries stunted his development in the organization. Just before the start of the NHL's COVID-shortened season in 2021, the Canadiens placed Juulsen on waivers and he was claimed by the Florida Panthers.

Later in 2021, the Panthers traded Juulsen to the Vancouver Canucks and that's where he's been ever since and in 2023-24, is playing his first full season in the National Hockey League.

Before Thursday's game against the Canadiens, Juulsen was asked about his time with Montreal's organization and he said that he's always excited to play against them and that being there in the past made him learn a lot about himself as a person.

"Yeah, obviously that's where I started my career. So it's always exciting to go and play them again." Juulsen said.

When asked about what he learned during his stay in Montreal, he added, "I think I learned a lot about myself as a person. Obviously, it wasn't an easy time, at times, I went through a lot of stuff, a lot of injuries. I think I found a way to make me stronger as a human, I guess."

The Surrey native has appeared in 51 games this season for the Canucks where he's put up seven points (one goal, six assists), 20 penalty minutes and is a plus-one.

It's great to see that Juulsen is able to find some stability in Vancouver and has played well enough to make his way onto an NHL roster for a full season for the first time in his career. Do you think he should be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs next month? Let us know what you think in the poll below!