The Montreal Canadiens locked up another prospect on Monday, signing defenceman Victor Mete to a three-year entry-level contract. Mete is currently in the midst of a playoff run with the OHL’s London Knights, which is tied 1-1 first round series with the Windsor Spitfires.
Canadiens agree to terms on a three-year contract with defenseman Victor Mete. DETAILS -> https://t.co/dykHMhlKAu.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 27, 2017
Victor Mete Signs Entry-Level Contract with Montreal Canadiens
Mete, 18, was drafted 100th overall in the 4th round of last June’s draft, as the Habs’ third selection. In his third season with the Knights, he has 44 points in 50 regular season games as their primary offensive defenceman.
A key member of London’s Memorial Cup-winning team last season, Mete has two points already in the first two games of the 2017 playoffs.
At just 5’10”, Mete is one of the more undersized defencemen in the OHL, but his skating ability ranks among the best prospects in the Canadiens organization. He’s a quick, agile player who is often keen to join the rush on a talented offensive team in London.
Mete will not be 20 until June 2018, so the Toronto native will not be able to play full-time in the AHL until the 2018-19 season. He could suit up for a few games if the Knights are eliminated from the playoffs prior to the Ice Caps being eliminated.
In the series between London and Windsor, Mete is currently squaring off against a pair of possible future teammates in Montreal. Defenceman Mikhail Sergachev and forward Jeremiah Addison (who signed his own ELC just days ago) are both key pieces of the Spitfires team.
Scouting Report by Ben Kerr
If Victor Mete had a bit more height, he would likely have beeen taken in the late first round, or early second round in 2016. He is an outstanding skater, with excellent speed and acceleration. He has quick feet, with excellent pivots allowing him to transition from offense to defense, and with very good agility. Mete can make quick cuts and maneuver away from forecheckers in his own end, or through the neutral zone. He also has the ability to walk the line in the offensive zone, opening up passing and shooting lanes. Mete could stand to add a bit more core strength which would give him better balance, and allow him to be better in board battles and in clearing the front of the net.
Offensive Game
Mete has outstanding puck handling skills. Combine these with his skating and he is excellent at carrying the puck out of his own zone and leading the rush. He also makes a great first pass, allowing him to start the transition game. Mete has excellent vision and sets up things with his end to end rushes, and can play the role of quarterback on the powerplay. Mete shows excellent hockey IQ though. He sees plays developing and makes his passes at the right time to maximize the offensive opportunity. Mete could stand to add some more power to his shot, and to use both his wrist and slap shots more often. He can be a bit predictable, which can make him a little bit easier to defend.
Defensive Game
Defensively, Mete’s quick feet allow him to keep attackers in front of him, and maintain great gap control. He is very difficult to beat off the rush, especially in one-on-one situations. Mete uses a quick stick to poke check the puck off of his opponents stick. He uses his good hockey IQ in his own end as well. Mete anticipates plays and working to create turnovers and a quick transition game. He does have some issues with bigger and stronger forwards. Mete needs to work on containing them in the cycle game, as well as clearing the front of the net.
Projection
Victor Mete has the potential to be a top four defender in the NHL. He will have several challenges to overcome, not the least of which is his height, and developing the strength to be able to effectively defend against the cycle and clear the crease. If he can develop those areas, he has the type of puck moving ability that teams are looking for. Mete’s style is comparable to Sami Vatanen of the Anaheim Ducks, but this is a stylistic comparison only, and not one based on talent or ability.
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