Milano announces the signing of Canadian forward Samuel Houde for the 2026-27 season.
Born in Blainville, Québec, on March 8, 2000, Houde (183 cm, 78 kg, shoots left) is a centre who combines tactical intelligence, quality in the build-up phase and consistent offensive production. His vision on the ice, ability to move the puck quickly and effectiveness in faceoffs allow him to contribute in all game situations, special teams included.
Selected by the Montréal Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Draft (133rd overall), Houde spent five seasons in the QMJHL entirely with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, totalling 183 points (67 goals, 116 assists) in 268 appearances across regular season and playoffs. He closed his junior career wearing the captain's "C".
As a free agent he signed with the AHL organisation of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the Pittsburgh Penguins' farm team, spending three and a half seasons across the AHL and ECHL. With Wilkes-Barre/Scranton he recorded 100 AHL appearances for 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists). In the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers he further confirmed his offensive potential with 69 points (25 goals, 44 assists) in 61 appearances.
After moving to Europe with HC Sierre in the Swiss League, Houde's career was interrupted in January 2025 by a serious forearm injury caused accidentally by a skate blade. The incident required a lengthy rehabilitation process. After completing his recovery, Houde returned to training with the group in the second half of the 2025-26 season, with Sierre on their way to winning the championship and the line combinations already well established.
Milan now represents the opportunity to rediscover consistency, with the goal of returning to the level he showed during his development years in North America. "I don't think there's anyone more motivated than me right now," says Houde. "I want to prove I'm back to the player I was — and get even better. I'm training every day to be ready. On the ice I'd describe myself as a playmaker: I like to have control of the puck, but I consider myself reliable defensively too."
