(Editor’s Note: This is the debut article from our newest writer Derek Rendell. You can follow him on Twitter @Derek_LWOS )
Which upcoming junior prospects would fit well into the Montreal Canadiens future?
“The Montreal Canadiens are proud to select, from the WHL, Tri City Americans, goaltender, Carey Price”
“Les Canadiens de Montréal sont fiers de sélectionner , de les Lancers d’Omaha, Louis Leblanc”
“The Montreal Canadiens are proud to select, from the Sarnia Sting, Alex Galchenyuk”
Ok, so maybe Louis Leblanc wasn’t the best example to use, but GM Marc Bergevin didn’t have his hands in on that pick. Bergevin has repeatedly said over and over, he wants to build his team through the draft. So far, he’s done a pretty good job, adding a variety of skill ranges, sizes, positions and more. With a big market draft year about to take place this summer, its safe to say, wherever the Canadiens end up picking within the draft, you can bet Bergevin will be looking to hit another homerun.
Here are a top list of candidates whom Bergevin could announce at the podium as his 1st round selection.
Five 2015 NHL Draft Prospects the Montreal Canadiens Should Target
Daniel Sprong – Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Hometown – Amsterdam, Netherlands
6’00”, 192lbs Right Wing (Shoots Right)
Sprong had an incredible rookie campaign, scoring 30 goals while finishing as a point per game player. What is really impressive about those numbers, is the fact he had a 20 point difference between him and the 2nd leading scorer on the team. The Islanders have a very young core on the rise, and Sprong will more then likely find himself as a point per game player again, maybe a bit higher, but he could also benefit from being traded to a Memorial Cup contender in the Q.
Sprong would fit well in Montreal. He has great speed, excellent puck handling skills, very good vision as he can dish a pass through the eye of a needle, and has a sneaky shot. Although he isn’t a large guy, he’s very strong on his skates, and hard on the puck. His best quality is his ability to quarterback a powerplay from anywhere on the ice.
Zack Werenski – USN-U-17 U.S. National Under
Hometown – Michigan, USA
6’2”, 210lbs Defense (Shoots Right)
Werenski is a gifted and talented kid. He has alot of tools as a defenseman that scouts would drool over. His first outlet pass, playmaking abilities, powerplay smarts, and skating ability, has 1st round written all over them. Like many offensively gifted defensemen, they usually need to find that aggressive aspect of their game. This is the case for Werenski, especially when the body frame is there. This will all come with time, coaching and maturity, but for now, he’s not shying away from the score sheet.
For Bergevin, this guy could end up being that 3rd offensive defenseman the Canadiens would like to see for the future, along side Subban and Beaulieu.
Jordan Greenway – USN-U-18 U.S. National Under
Hometown – New York, USA
6’5”, 225lbs Left Wing (Shoots Left)
Greenway has the size of a true power forward, but he also has the skill and hands to go along with it. A gifted young player, Greenaway often finds himself on the scoresheet, and that comes to no surprise as he realizes his own size, and he sure knows how to use it. Most guys his size don’t usually possess slick hands, but he’s a rare case. It is really hard to say where in the draft this kid could be selected, anywhere from top 15 to early 2nd round.
Do we all remember what Bergevin did by selecting Micheal McCarron? This could be another case of adding some size to the prospect pool, though difference is, McCarron seems more suited for a bottom-six role, while Greenway has top-six written all over him. Canadiens fans would gladly accept a young guy with such size and skill.
Yevgeni Svechnikov – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
Hometown – Russia
6’3”, 205lbs Left Wing (Shoots Left)
Svechnikov currently sits tied for 2nd on his team in scoring, and 4th overall in the league in rookie scoring. He has been a welcome addition to a young Eagles team, especially his linemate, Kyle Farrell, who currently leads the QMJHL in goals scored. Svechnikov has great vision, excellent puck handling ability and is very quick on his skates. He has wowed the crowd on many nights with his stick handling and highlight-reel goals. Used regularly in the shootout, he knows how to make even the best goaltenders in the league look silly.
This is a guy that Bergevin would love to have available come time for the Canadiens to make their selection. There is certainly no “Russian factor” with this kid, as he has been trying to come to Canada and play for the Eagles for two years now (however, last season wasn’t an option). He was committed and determined to play hockey in North America, and that will only continue once he is drafted in the NHL. A future top-six winger, could look very dangerous in the future playing along side someone like….Alex Galchenyuk perhaps.
Nick Merkley – Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Hometown – Calgary, AB Canada
5’11”, 187lbs Center (Shoots Right)
Merkley currently sits 2nd in points, while leading the WHL in assists so far in this early season. While he may not be the biggest or the fastest guy on the ice, his vision and passing skills are by far his biggest assets. He has a great work ethic and compete level. Merkley had a great rookie year in 2013-2014, as he posted 25 goals and 58 points. So far this year, he’s on pace to reach 120 points, with 100 of those being helpers. Now, yes he is only 13 games into the season, and that point total may be generous given it is a “projection”, however, he has every tool in his toolbox to be a 100+ point guy at the junior level.
Looking further down the road within the Canadiens organization, 2nd line center could be a great spot for Merkley to land behind Galchenyuk. Merkley still has lots of room to grow, add size, and develop his defensive game, but Bergevin has always been a fan of young guys with the right attitude, work ethic, and character, and Nick Merkley sure fits that bill to a tee.
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