The NHL preseason is a time for all teams to showcase their rookies and players in their AHL affiliates and see if they any gems ready to play at the highest level, and for the Montreal Canadiens it hasn’t been any different. The Habs have had a good preseason thus far, going 4-1, playing with mostly rookies and a couple veterans in their line-up, but there have been some players who are serious candidates for taking a job with the Habs.
The Battle For The Habs Final Forward Spot
So far, their roster is pretty much full, but if Travis Moen is going to be a healthy scratch for the season, which is expected, then that leaves an open spot in the Habs top 9 Here are the top candidates for taking a spot within the Habs this year.
Christian Thomas, drafted 40th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft by NY Rangers
Thomas has been in the Canadiens organization since being acquired from the Rangers last summer in a trade for Danny Kristo. He hasn’t made much noise until this preseason, where he has appeared in four games, putting up as many points. His play has been good, along with his puck handling, shooting, his decision making, and of course his best skill set, speed. Thomas does have a small frame at 5’9, but he hasn’t let that stop him yet, and has been involved in all areas on the ice. His offensive play is making him a hard decision to send him back to the Hamilton Bulldogs, but if Marc Bergevin does send him down, Thomas will most likely be the first injury call up for the Habs.
Jiri Sekac, undrafted, signed by Habs in 2014 offseason
Sekac was one of the most sought after free agents outside the NHL, as he reportedly received 15 offers from NHL teams according to Bob McKenzie. He was undrafted, but played 8 games, going pointless, in the OHL for the Peterborough Petes in 2008-09, then moving onto the USHL. He was somewhat productive there, posting 56 points in 96 games, over two seasons. He was still unnoticed by many GM’s in the NHL and AHL alike, so he packed up and went home to Czech Republic to play in the KHL starting in 2011-12. Fast forward three seasons, and after productive 2013-14 year for the now-defunct Prague-Lev, and a good World Championships, Sekac decided to try his luck in the NHL. After fielding interest around the league, he chose to sign an entry level contract in Montreal. So far, Sekac has widely impressed. He has two goals in four games, but his biggest strength is two-way play. He has been paired with Tomas Plekanec or Lars Eller through much of the pre-season. It helps that Plekanec is mentoring Sekac, providing Sekac sticks with the club, this will be a big boost to Sekac’s development. He is also the most NHL ready of the prospects, so it is a good bet that he will be playing opening night.
Sven Andrighetto, drafted 86th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft
Andrighetto is a small player, but he plays big. He was a bright spot in Hamilton Bulldog’s season in 2013-14, registering 17 goals and 44 points in 64 games, ranking him second in Bulldog’s scoring. His play with the Habs so far has been impressive. Michel Therrien has placed him at center, with either a combination of Sekac, Jacob De La Rose, or Nikita Scherbak (has been sent back to his WHL team). He has been consistent with two points in three games. His play with the puck has been smart, setting up some good chances and isn’t getting too caught up with bad plays. He could definitely benefit from another season with the Bulldogs. Andrighetto was part of the five players sent down on October 2nd 2014, but he will definitely be an option as an injury call up for the Habs this season.
Jacob De La Rose, drafted 34th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft
De La Rose has been a driving force in the Habs line up in the three games he appeared in this preseason. He has zero points, but he has still played well enough to last through the early cuts. The 19-year-old Swede has been good with the puck, playing with Sekac on many shifts, being good on the board play, and he has some size, being 6’2 and 190 lbs. While it is expected he will start the season in Hamilton, due to him being 19, it does not mean this is the last we will see of De La Rose. Another reason he will most likely start in Hamilton, is because of his inexperience in playing in North America, playing in Swedish hockey league prior to this, but it is worth noting that he does not seem out of place and is making very smart plays with the puck and placing himself in good positions for attack, so it is a good sign that he could be a roster player for the Habs in a season or two.
Michael Bournival, drafted 71st overall in the 2010 NHL Draft
Bournival came from the Colorado Avalanche in a trade during the 2010 season for big defender Ryan O’Byrne. Since then, Bournival has impressed many with his excellent two way play, speed, heart, and a decent shot. He stuck with the Habs in the 2013-14 season for 60 games, notching 7 goals and 14 points. While that isn’t the best stat line, he did have a relatively good season. Right now, he is slated to be the Habs 13th forward, but he has started to play better this preseason, and this will make Therrien think twice about whether or not Bournival deserves a spot on his opening night lineup card. But for right now, it is up to Bournival to keep playing well and hopefully he will be able to prove that he is supposed to be on the ice, not munching on popcorn up in the press box.
Wild Card
Drayson Bowman, drafted 72nd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft
Bowman was signed to a PTO (Professional Try Out) and Bergevin had seen enough good to sign him to an one-year, two-way contract on October 2nd, but the forward is still a good bet to make the team, as either an extra forward or 4th liner. He has split time between the Carolina Hurricanes and their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, since being drafted. Bowman hasn’t been an offensive player, but he has been a decent 3rd line offensive spark, able to put up 10-15 points in a season. He was signed to a two way contract, so this likely means he will start in Hamilton, but if the Habs get bit with a serious injury bug, then he may be Marc Bergevin’s choice for a spare forward.
The Montreal Canadiens may have a problem right now, having so many prospects who could step in and play now, but this is also a nice luxury that other teams do not have. The Habs have numerous expiring contracts in the next two seasons, and this is a good sign of a bright and youthful future with some good pieces. The drive for 25 is definitely alive.
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