Martin Réway was once considered an elite prospect for the Montreal Canadiens. The diminutive LW/C, 2013 4th round pick (116th overall), had been dominant in his time with Gatineau Olympiques, international junior aged tournaments, and HC Sparta Praha from 2012 to 2016. Many of the Canadiens faithful couldn't wait for Réway to come to the NHL and start his career.

In May 2016 he signed his entry level deal with Montreal and was destined for the Habs training camp. Everything was coming up Réway. That all changed while training back home where he was stricken with a virus that caused his heart to swell and landed him in multiple hospitals where doctors tried to determine what was happening to Martin and his heart. Réway's hockey career was put on permanent hiatus as he fought against this virus that was causing his heart to swell. There was lots of speculation that his career was essentially over.

While I can't point to the exact condition that afflicted Réway, I can say it has caused him to limit his activities from Athlete to barely mobile. He had to limit all strenuous activity for the sake of his heart as he tried to recover. This also caused him to suffer dramatic weight loss.

From bright NHL future to fighting for your life. Sometimes, life is cruel as it can give great joy and then cause terrible pain. All of the Canadiens community has hoped for a recovery for Réway not just because they want to see him suit up for the Canadiens, but because humans by nature are compassionate. We all wanted Martin to be well.

Sometimes it's good to remember it's always darkest before the dawn and this May the Canadiens hockey community was thrilled to hear that Réway has resumed skating and is training back home for his chance to compete at this summers Canadiens Rookie Camp.

Check out his latest tweet here.

We are all hoping for the best for Martin Réway and I hope he can bring his recovery full circle and join the Canadiens Camp this summer. It is just a great story when someone can recover from something that is absolutely devastating, life altering and take control of their life again.

Give him a follow on Twitter @rewy77 to show some support and while you're at it, give me a follow too: @BrandonSmillie.

Join the Discussion: » 86 Comments » Post New Comment

» Acquiring Laine Would Exceptional... But At What Cost?

» Is 29 Year Old Jake Gardiner The Only Option For MTL?

» Big Game Hunting

» Habs Give A Glimpse Of Great Things To Come In Bittersweet Finish

» Habs Ink World Jr Stars Poehling and Primeau to ELC Deals + PLAYOFFS?!?