Tyler Thorpe impressed many scouts and media members while participating in the Montreal Canadiens Development camp.
Headed into the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Thorpe was touted for his superb, already pro-level shot. He utilized his shot to score 23 goals in 51 games last season for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League. The forward measures in at roughly six-foot-five, 210 pounds, making him a physically impactful attacker as well.
In a pre-draft interview, Thorpe spoke on how he has worked on his shot over the years, saying “It came down to me trying different things while shooting pucks. Whether that was a wrist shot, a snapshot, a quick backhand to forehand play…as you can see now, it’s paid off.” Thorpe displayed his excellent shot during the Canadiens’ development camp scrimmage, wherein he found twine twice through the fifty minutes of play.
Thorpe was not sure if he’d be selected by an NHL team. He told the media following the scrimmage, “Being here in Montreal, it’s a great feeling. It’s a great city with lots of history with hockey… it’s just fantastic to be here.”
The Richmond-born power forward was drafted during a commercial break. One of his friends called him to let him know, and it sparked a big reaction from his father. “My dad was super excited,” said Thorpe. “He put a lot of time and money into me. He was obviously very happy that I got drafted.”
Being from British Columbia, Thorpe cracked a joke that he hadn’t learned much French, saying that he took Spanish in high school. As for a memorable moment, he said that meeting Habs player development consultant Alex Burrows, who Thorpe remembers as a former Vancouver Canuck.
“I grew up watching Burrows. It was surreal to meet him,” Thorpe said. “It was just a dream come true.” He then reflected on one of his favourite memories of watching the former Canadiens assistant coach play. “The biggest one. His overtime goal against Chicago in the [2011] playoffs. That’s got to be my favourite.”
Thorpe still has a few years before he is as NHL-ready as his elite shot. He will continue to play for the Giants in the WHL in the meantime. When it comes to aspects of the craft to improve on, the husky forward spoke about consistency.
“I’m going from 68 games and hopefully when I make the Canadiens, 82. So, it’s going to be a big change, but I’m looking forward to it.”
