Will Bitten will be more motivated than ever tonight as his team, the Springfield Thunderbirds, take on the Laval Rocket in Game 1 of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals.
If Bitten's name rings a bell for some fans, that's normal. He was a third-round pick for the Canadiens in 2016. However, he never had the opportunity to play a single season with the Montreal organization.
He was traded to the Minnesota Wild before the end of training camp in 2018. General manager Marc Bergevin then obtained defenseman Gustav Olofsson.
"I still remember Bergevin's words when he announced the transaction to me," said Will Bitten in a telephone interview with the Journal earlier this week. He told me that hockey was a business and that he needed a left-handed defenseman to start the season.
“The price to pay was me. I was disappointed because I hadn't had the chance to show what I could do at the pro level. On the other hand, it is flattering to know that another team wants you.
Thereafter, although he was recalled by the Wild a few times during his four years with this organization, he did not play a single game in the NHL.
“I was part of the reserve squad during the playoffs. I was very close to my dream.”
Direction Springfield
This season, Bitten was traded again. This time, he took over the management of Springfield, a subsidiary of the St. Louis Blues.
“I had a good game against the Blues during the preparatory calendar, explained. They were looking for a player with my style of play.
“It was beneficial because I just had my best career season in the American League. I hope I can score points for next season. I would love to jump into the NHL."
Going back to his style of play, Bitten likes to disturb the opponent in his own way. On the ice, it looks like a young Brendan Gallagher.
“My style is built for the playoffs. There are players who are good in the regular season. For me, it's the series. I am a player who is there to help my teams win cups.
An exciting series
The series between the Rocket and the Thunderbirds begins tonight at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Bitten no longer stays in place.
"When I saw Laval knocked out Rochester, I got more excited," Bitten said. It is an additional source of motivation for me, Charlie (Lindgren) and Matthew (Peca).
“I don't need that to give my 100% on the ice. On the other hand, I will perhaps add an additional 20% for this confrontation.
With his linemates Mackenzie Maceachern and Dakota Joshua, he takes pleasure in disturbing the opponent. They can be expected to make their presence felt during this series.
As for the team, the Thunderbirds are confident in anticipation of this shock against Laval.
"We have a tightly knit and motivated squad," said the 23-year-old forward. We know that the three games in Laval will be sold out. We're excited and can't wait for it to start."
