Canadiens sign Brantford Bulldogs defenceman Owen Protz to entry-level contract

The Montreal Canadiens have signed Brantford Bulldogs defenceman Owen Protz to a three-year NHL entry-level contract beginning with the 2026-27 season.

Protz, 20, was selected by Montreal in the fourth round, 102nd overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Ottawa, Ont., native has been a key piece on the Bulldogs’ blue line, helping lead Brantford to the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the Ontario Hockey League’s regular season champion in 2025-26. With their sights set on a first OHL championship since 2022, the Bulldogs open the playoffs tonight at home, with Protz expected to play a major role.

Protz recorded five goals and 18 assists for 23 points across 64 regular-season games this season, while leading Brantford with 84 penalty minutes. He has established himself as a reliable, physical defenceman capable of logging heavy minutes in all situations.

Over his OHL career, Protz has appeared in 198 games between the Brantford Bulldogs and Sudbury Wolves, totaling 74 points (13 goals, 61 assists) along with 190 penalty minutes. He has also added eight points in 17 career playoff games.

Acquired by the Bulldogs from the Sudbury Wolves during the 2023-24 season, Protz has continued to grow into a steady shutdown presence, combining physical play with improved puck movement and defensive awareness.

His development has also earned recognition beyond the league. Following a breakout 2024-25 season that saw him surpass 30 points and earn a late-season call-up to the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, Protz received an invitation to Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team summer development camp.

Known for his physical edge, shot blocking, and penalty-killing ability, Protz has built a reputation as a dependable, team-first defenceman. His style of play and consistency have made him an important part of a Bulldogs team entering the postseason as a championship contender.