Montreal Canadiens draft pick Parker Trottier is off to a strong start in the WHL as the Regina Pats prepare for a weekend road trip to Edmonton and Calgary.
Trottier is making an early impression with the Regina Pats, and the Montreal Canadiens draft pick is looking to build on it as the team heads to Alberta for a pair of games this weekend.
Trottier has recorded two goals and an assist in three games to begin his WHL career, including a two-goal performance in the Pats' win over the Swift Current Broncos last weekend.
The 18-year-old forward signed with Regina after spending the 2025-26 season with the U.S. under-18 team, where he recorded 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 61 games.
Selected by Montreal in the sixth round (189th overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft, Trottier brings an impressive hockey pedigree to Regina. He is the grandson of Hockey Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier, a Val Marie, Sask., product who won six Stanley Cups during his NHL career.
While the early production has been encouraging, Trottier knows there is plenty of room for improvement, both individually and as a team.
"As a team, I don't think we've exceeded expectations or even met them," Trottier said. "Coach said that we have better in us, and I know that for a fact as well. I know each and every one of us on our team has better than us."
Consistency has been a key focus for the Pats as they work to find their identity under a new coaching staff. Trottier pointed to the team's home opener as an example.
"We came out strong with two goals, and then I know we quickly let them back in the game," Trottier said. "That just shows a lack of consistency."
Pats coach David Bell has been encouraged by what he has seen from the young forward, particularly his willingness to learn and adapt to a new league.
"He's a really hungry guy," Bell said. "Obviously, a lot happened this summer: being drafted to Montreal, deciding to leave the program to come to the Western (Hockey League). That's a big choice for a young man, and he's eager to learn."
Bell said Trottier regularly comes into his office with questions and looks for ways to improve his game.
"He's watching hockey at night, asking questions about NHL games," Bell said. "He's really hungry to get better, which is all you can ask for as a coach."
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Trottier brings a combination of size, skill and physicality. Bell has been particularly impressed with his willingness to compete in the difficult areas of the ice.
"He wants to go to dirty areas, which a lot of players don't," Bell said. "He's going to be a real good player in this league, and if he keeps growing, he's got a chance to be a real good pro."
Trottier describes himself as a power forward, but his two goals against Swift Current showcased his offensive touch. He credited his teammates for helping him find the back of the net.
"I got good passes from teammates. My teammates set me up well, and I just happened to put them in the back of the net," he said.
The Pats will look to carry some momentum into a weekend road trip that begins Friday against the Edmonton Oil Kings before wrapping up Sunday against the Calgary Hitmen.
For Trottier, the trip will also give him a chance to keep building relationships with his new teammates. The long bus ride to Edmonton will be his first non-game-day trip with the Pats.
"That's definitely going to help," Trottier said. "I think this eight-hour bus ride that we're going to have up to Edmonton is going to be a good way to bond with my teammates, especially for me being a new guy."
Trottier is looking forward to spending time with the group, whether that means playing cards or simply enjoying the time together. On the ice, he's focused on improving his game, particularly in board battles and competing for loose pucks.
"I may be good at it, but there's always room to get better," Trottier said. "Definitely just working on competing is the most important thing."
Bell believes Trottier's willingness to ask questions and seek out information will help accelerate his development as he adjusts to the WHL.
For Trottier, the goal is to continue learning while making the most of the opportunity in Regina.
"My ceiling is as high as I want it to be," Trottier said.
The Pats will look to take another step forward this weekend, with Trottier aiming to build on his early success against the Oil Kings and Hitmen.
You can catch Friday’s game on CKRM2 starting with pregame talk at 6:30.
