Montreal Canadiens Prospect Update

When Charlie Lindgren joined the team out of college near season’s end, it was just viewed as a logical move for a club that had a serious lack of depth in goal. But, when General manager Marc Bergevin managed to signed both Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Reway in a 10 day span in May, it became abundantly clear; he was in no way satisfied with the organization’s overall depth. He was going to inject a new wave of talent into the system.

The 2016-17 season will soon bless us with it’s commencement. Let’s take a look at how things have progressed for the Canadiens prospect pool.

Montreal Canadiens Prospect Update

Vice-president of player personnel and director of amateur scouting Trevor Timmins nearly ran to the podium when it came to Montreal’s pick and Mikhail Sergachev was still on the board. It was a bit of a surprise pick at the time, as the general assumption was that the team would select one of the many talented forwards available at ninth overall. Timmins and company chose the Windsor Spitfires defenseman over their 6’6 center Logan Brown and Canada’s Tyson Jost.

Breaking it down, the pick makes all the sense in the world. Long-time top left-handed defenseman Andrei Markov is nearing the end of the road, and as Bergevin loves to remind fans “you can never have enough defenseman.”

That sentiment was echoed over, and over, and over…and over…as the Habs drafted four D-men and two forwards in the draft. Maybe it would’ve been five had they not felt Will Bitten was such a value in round three.

Overall, the team is in a much better place than a year ago. Key prospects are a year older, and a plethora of talent has been added. While it may create a log-jam along the road to the NHL, competition breeds excellence and that’s what this sport’s about.

Prospect Depth Chart

Top 10 (considering potential and likelihood of reaching that point)

1) Mikhail Sergachev 

Sergachev debuts at the top of the chart, and it’s not really close. The 2016 ninth overall pick has everything you’re looking for in a defenseman, and his arrival in Montreal was memorable to say the least (read more below). It seems he can do it all, and he’ll compete for a spot with the big club this September. With the departure of P.K. Subban, the team could use an influx of enthusiasm, something the 18-year-old has in spades. If not, he will absolutely dominate the OHL.

2) Artturi Lehkonen

The biggest riser of Habs prospects. The former second-round pick had himself a season to remember (read more below). He has a shot at a second, or third-line job on the left wing. However, it’s the NHL or back to Sweden for Lehkonen. He’s a dynamic skater who has the work ethic to match. The Canadiens may opt to keep him out of camp and bring him along slowly over the course of the season.

3) Charles Hudon

After two years of AHL stardom, Hudon is the most NHL ready of the bunch. He has done nothing but impress since being drafted in the fifth round of 2012. However, team management has stayed the course with his development plan. He had two points in his first two NHL games this year even though he was on the fourth line. Hudon showed yet again he will find a way to get the job done no matter what the circumstance. He’s very skilled with the puck, but he excels at the smallest parts of the game and is a player coaches love.

4) Michael McCarron

Will definitely see some NHL ice this season; because he is almost ready, is versatile, and the Habs have a big size concern with their bottom-six. It’s doubtful the team will risk stunting his offensive development to fill a need on the third line, as evidenced by last season’s late demotion, if they feel he hasn’t taken that next step yet. He will become an important contributor to this team, it’s only a matter of time

5) Nikita Scherbak

Highly touted, but has much to prove this season as he didn’t have an ideal rookie season with the Ice Caps. He has all the physical tools, but needs to start using them on every shift and bring the game to him. His ceiling is that of a top line winger, so while his development has been rocky his long-term potential is worth the wait.

6) Martin Reway

Reway is a pure offensive threat who could out-produce every player on this list in the down the line. The diminutive winger has to prove capable of playing professionally in North America first. Though he scored over a point a game last season in the Swiss league, he was among the least used skaters at even-strength and the majority of his points came with the man-advantage. Once (if), he starts dominating the AHL (emphasis on five-on-five), the likelihood of an NHL career will rise meteorically.

7) Daniel Carr

A little older as a former college free agent signing, but that just means he’s further advanced in his development. If not for an unfortunate long-term knee injury, Carr would’ve likely played the majority of the Canadiens games last season. He’s not flashy, but he’s shown a knack for burying the biscuit. If Carr can lock down a third line spot out of training camp, a near 20-goal campaign isn’t out of the question. Though he’s an NHLer, his potential is limited so he slides down the list.

8) Noah Juulsen

A 24 point decrease cannot be ignored, although Juulsen didn’t necessarily regress in terms of development. He became a dependable, two-way leader for the Silvertips, but seeing his offensive game come back to life would be a relief. With that being said, potential top-four defenseman don’t grow on trees.

9) Zachary Fucale

The only goaltender in the top 10, Zach Fucale has been steadily improving since being the first goalie selected in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He had to play more than management would’ve liked in his rookie season with the Ice Caps due to the issues in Montreal. Fucale responded well and grew over the course of the season. He wasn’t necessarily spectacular, but he was the most consistent netminder during development camp this summer. A strong sophomore season in the AHL will go a long way.

10) Will Bitten

A steal in the third round this summer, Bitten may be undersized but he is one heck of a hockey player. His great wheels and strong motor will eventually land him an NHL job. Look for him to spend the next two year’s filling nets in the OHL

Risers

Mikhail Sergachev – We knew he was good, but Sergachev was in full beast mode at Habs Development Camp. He already has the size at 6’2 and 221 pounds. His skill level was on full display as he consistently made his competition look like pylons in scrimmage play. He’s put in a lot of work this summer. Sergachev is primed for a big season, no matter what league he plays in.

Artturi Lehkonen – Good season, amazing playoff. Lehkonen not only broke Daniel Alfredsson’s SHL scoring record en route to a league championship, but Frolunda hoisted the Champions Cup during tournament play. Two team trophy’s and the team’s leading scorer? Not bad for a (then) 20-year-old playing in one of the world’s most prestigious leagues. Lehkonen improved in all areas of his game. He especially improved his strength, which was something he worked hard on heading into last season. Lehkonen has great acceleration and a formidable shot. He has a real chance of earning a spot with the Habs.

Fallers

Jacob de la Rose – There is some fear Therrien playing him as a 19-year-old checker may have halted his offensive development. He’s played in the NHL, though has little AHL success to fall back on. One assist in 22 games last season with the big club leaves much to be desired. Playing in the AHL may be in the best interest of de la Rose. It will allow him to work on his game rather than struggle to stay afloat in the NHL.

Charlie Lindgren – Expectations of being Carey Price’s backup quickly dissipated when Bergevin signed veteran netminder Al Montoya to a one-year contract on July 1st. With Price, Mike Condon, and now Montoya on the books for 2016-17; Lindgren is destined to split time in St-John’s with Fucale.

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