Last weekend, the Montreal Canadiens prospects participated in a rookie tournament in London, Ontario. There were a few Habs prospects who impressed, however none stood out as much as Michael McCarron. The 6’6″ American captained the organization’s prospects during the team’s first two games. A McCarron Habs roster spot come the regular is a possibility.
Michael McCarron Habs Roster Spot a Possibility
McCarron proved the most effective on the power play in which he used his big body to screen the goalie. This created two late power play goals to tie the game at three on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Despite losing the game, McCarron and linemate Artturi Lehkonen have to be proud of their performance in the third period. The two, who had a relatively quiet start to the game, came out wanting to prove themselves to the Habs management. They started grabbing control of the game and performed well on both sides of the ice.
McCarron and Lehkonen each had a goal in the third period. However, it’s tough to say if Lehkonen’s goal was really McCarron’s as both of them tipped defenseman Victor Mete’s shot. Nonetheless they both showed their willingness to play in the NHL.
However, Lehkonen seemed to go more unnoticed the next day against the Ottawa Senators in which McCarron wasn’t playing. Therefore it showed that McCarron was the most NHL-ready player at the tournament for the Habs.
Many fans and experts could argue the fact that McCarron is one of very few with actual NHL experience. However, McCarron looked a lot smarter out there and knew how to use his big frame better than he has ever in the past. He also skates faster than before and looks as if he had his eye on one thing this summer: make the NHL full-time.
Last season, he scored his first NHL goal and added an assist in the 20 games he played with the Canadiens. Before the call-up, McCarron was having a successful run with the St. John’s Ice Caps of the AHL. In 58 games, he scored 17 goals and 38 points. He also played in the AHL All-Star Game.
McCarron Habs Roster Spot Could be at Third-Line Center
McCarron started his junior career with London Knights struggling at right wing, the position he was originally drafted for. Once he switched to center, he began to play better and even helped the Oshawa Generals win the Memorial Cup.
What McCarron brings to the Canadiens is a big body who is reliable at both ends of the ice. Therefore, he could eventually become a very reliable third-liner in no matter what type of situation.
He has only played centre at a high level for the past two years but he has done relatively well in the faceoff dot including a 50.3 percent efficiency in the NHL. With development he can improve on his faceoff stats. He brings a great hitting game to his defensive game.
The current third-line center, David Desharnais is only able to play an offensive role. Desharnais’ defensive game is a little under the average player’s. On a third line most teams put good two-way players which is what McCarron can be if head coach Michel Therrien gives him the opportunity to show what he can for the team.
Another aspect that he could bring that would prove key is by using his big body on the power play. He could create screens for the big point shots coming in. The Canadiens don’t have anyone on its main roster that can do it as well as McCarron can. While the Canadiens usually have Brendan Gallagher in front of the net, his 5’9″ frame can’t be as effective as McCarron’s 6’6″ frame.
Despite looking NHL ready, the team may favor Desharnais over McCarron in that role because of NHL experience. However, Desharnais is in his last year of his contract which could mean that McCarron could start the 2017-18 season in the third-line centre role.
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