The Montreal Canadiens have made another intriguing move as the NHL free agency period continues to unfold, signaling their commitment to strengthening organizational depth. With teams across the league seeking to solidify their rosters, the Canadiens have turned their attention to shoring up their blue line, adding a promising young defenseman to their ranks.

The arrival of Ryan O’Rourke, a player with both size and experience, marks a notable step in the ongoing rebuild of the club’s defensive corps. As the organization prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes are on how this new addition will integrate and compete for a spot. O’Rourke’s journey from a high draft pick to a steady presence in the AHL has caught the attention of many, and his potential impact in Montreal is already generating buzz. With training camp on the horizon, anticipation is building around what this signing could mean for the Canadiens’ future, both at the NHL and AHL levels.

Sep 26, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan O'Rourke (45) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

On this second day of the NHL free agency period, teams are focusing more on depth signings.

And that’s exactly what has just been announced within the Montreal Canadiens organization.

As pointed out by the excellent Anthony Marcotte of BPM Sports, the Habs’ farm team is currently rebuilding its entire defensive corps.

This time, it’s officially Ryan O’Rourke who is joining the organization!

Signing Alert: Defenseman Ryan O’Rourke Joins the Montreal Canadiens Organization

He will also be attending training camp this fall!

This looks like a solid depth acquisition!

Ryan O’Rourke, age 23, is a left-handed defenseman standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 192 pounds.

Quietly, he’s almost a first-round pick!

O’Rourke was selected 39th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020 – four spots ahead of a certain Emil Heineman and five spots behind JJ Peterka.

Last season with the Wild’s AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild, he recorded 12 points in 59 games.

In junior hockey, he notched 46 points in 51 games during his final OHL season with the Greyhounds (including 12 points in 10 playoff games).

It will be interesting to track his development within the Canadiens organization, especially as he seems to be filling the void left by Logan Mailloux and Noel Hoefenmayer for Pascal Vincent’s squad.

Welcome to Quebec, Ryan!

More details to follow.