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Jacob Perreault did a lot of positive thinking last Friday on the two flights that were required to get from San Diego to Montreal.

The 21-year-old right-winger not only was returning to his hometown, he was now part of the Canadiens’ organization — one he had dreamed of playing for since first lacing on a pair of skates.

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“I was more than blessed and so excited,” Perreault said Tuesday after the Laval Rocket’s practice at Place Bell. “I got the call and, at first, I wasn’t really hearing anything. I was more excited than nervous. Coming back to my hometown, seeing friends and family … I don’t even know how to describe it, how happy I was. I was almost crying (tears of) joy. I was holding it in a little bit.”

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Perreault, 6-feet and 196 pounds, was acquired by the Canadiens last Thursday, and immediately assigned to their AHL affiliate, for fellow forward prospect Jan Mysak. After flying most of Friday, Perreault made his Rocket debut Saturday afternoon against Cleveland, in a 5-2 home-ice victory.

Playing on a line with Jared Davidson and Mitchell Stephens — the latter had a 23-game stint with Montreal earlier this season — Perreault failed to produce any points, but did take two minor penalties.

During Tuesday’s practice, he received time on the Rocket’s second power-play unit. Laval head coach Jean-François Houle is clearly hoping Perreault rediscovers some of his offensive potential. He’s one of the few Rocket forwards who shoots right.

Perreault was selected 27th overall by Anaheim in 2020 and, while he’s considered a strong skater and shooter, only has one NHL game on his resumé. He’s the son of Yanic Perreault, who played 859 NHL games over 14 seasons, including time with the Canadiens from 2001-04. Jacob’s first call following the trade was to his father, now a development coach with the Chicago Blackhawks.

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“He’s an ex-first rounder that has a lot of talent,” Houle said. “Maybe it didn’t go the way he wanted it for him in San Diego, but he gets a clean slate here in Laval. We’re going to put him in a position to succeed and see what he can do for us. I thought he showed some speed and skill (last Saturday). Obviously, there’s a couple of things defensively … the way we play. It’s going to take a little time. But he seems to be in a good frame of mind and is ready for a new start.”

In 31 games with San Diego this season, Perreault struggled to find consistency, held to seven goals and 18 points and was a minus-3. Over the course of 162 AHL games, he has 32 goals and 91 points, but has struggled defensively and is a minus-36. He did produce 30- and 39-goal seasons in junior, playing for OHL’s Sarnia Sting. It probably didn’t help Perreault’s cause when Ducks general manager Bob Murray, who drafted him, resigned in November 2021 due to reported issues with alcohol.

“All the plans changed and that might have hurt me a little bit,” Perreault admitted. “Before I was part of their plans and, after, it was a little bit unsure. I was still working my hardest, trying to make it to the NHL. Obviously, it didn’t work out there. Now I’m here. All of that’s in the past. I’m not too worried about it. I know what I can do. I’m just looking for the opportunity.

“I think I’m little bit underrated in my playmaking ability and skill with the puck,” he added. “Also defensively, I’ve gotten a lot better. The biggest thing I think I need to work on is conditioning … getting my rhythm back. I’ve always thought about the NHL. Coming here, with a clean slate and all these new people to work with and improve my game, it’s going to help me a tremendous amount. I want to get there as soon as possible.”

The Rocket (25-24-8) remains three points out of a playoff berth and is preparing for a pair of home games against Bridgeport, Wednesday and Friday.

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