HabsWorld.net -- 

The Habs announced on Thursday that they have placed winger Alexandre Alain on unconditional waivers for the purpose of releasing him.  He declined an invitation to training camp and informed the team that he wanted to pursue full-time studies instead.

Alain was the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year back in 2018 while also earning the QMJHL equivalent (the Marcel Robert trophy) that same season.

The 23-year-old signed with Montreal as an undrafted free agent in 2018 following a strong overage year with Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL.  He had a regular role in two seasons with Laval where he spent a lot of time on their checking line although he still managed to put up 19 goals and 33 assists in 132 games with the Rocket.

Assuming he passed through unclaimed on Friday, Alain will become an unrestricted free agent and will come off of Montreal’s 50-contract list which currently sits at 48 (47 upon his release).  There will be no lingering salary cap charges from this move.