Riley Kidney: In Laval, they are considering the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières.

If we haven’t heard much about Riley Kidney lately, it’s for a reason.

The forward has been sidelined for the last six games of the Laval Rocket because his coach lacks confidence in him.

The last time the forward played was over three weeks ago (December 22), and it leads one to believe that he is no longer part of Pascal Vincent’s short-term plans.

Vincent Demuy (BPM Sports) spoke to the Rocket’s coach about Riley Kidney, and it’s clear that the options concerning the center player are not unlimited.

It is going so poorly for him this season that the management in Laval has discussed the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières… And Vincent added that the possibility is on the table.

That says a lot:

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Kidney, standing at 5 feet 11 inches (190 pounds), is recognized as a reliable forward in all three zones of the ice.

He also accumulated 100 points or more in his last two seasons in the QMJHL, and it’s no coincidence that the Canadiens decided to select him in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft.

But as is often seen, young productive players in juniors are not guaranteed immediate success when making the jump to professionals.

Riley Kidney had a respectable first year in Laval (20 points, including seven goals in 65 games)… But it has been more than difficult since the start of the 24-25 campaign.

He has only collected seven points (one goal) in 24 games…

In Trois-Rivières, the forward could have what he doesn’t have in Laval: quality playing time.

It’s by playing often and being placed in a quality role that he will be able to regain his confidence. He can’t prove himself with the Rocket… Because he simply isn’t playing.

But would a stay in Trois-Rivières mean that Kidney will never have the chance to play in the NHL? Not necessarily.

We’ve seen players who played in the ECHL and returned to the top (like Brandon Gignac, for example).

That said, Kidney is better off getting back on track… Otherwise, he will never play a single game in the NHL.

In Brief

— When Tage Thompson is healthy, we’re talking about one of the best forwards in the NHL.

— I believe it.

— Crazy!

— Oh really?