MONTREAL - Jacob de la Rose is set to play his first NHL game.
Montreal Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said the 19-year-old forward will see his first action on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres.
"It's a special year for him because he's playing in the AHL at 19, he played in the world juniors and now he'll get a chance to see what it's like in the NHL," said Therrien. "It's all part of his development."
De La Rose, one of the Canadiens' top prospects, had only 11 points in 37 games as an AHL rookie with Hamilton, but had five during the Bulldogs' current six-game wining streak.
There was initial speculation that de la Rose was called up as a replacement for centre Lars Eller, who injured his left leg during a 3-2 loss to Arizona on Sunday. But Eller was on the ice for a game-day skate Tuesday morning looking no worse for wear.
Therrien said de la Rose would play whether Eller was in or not.
