Prospect Info: My Top 20 Hab Prospects List (Updated #538)

[montreal]

I have been working on my rankings, have seen every Hab prospect play a full game so far this year except Hawkey, Sullivan and Evans who I will get to see Saturday night. I didn't include anyone on AHL deals, or guys that have graduated (Tinordi/Pateryn/Condon). I didn't include Hawkey since he's hasn't played in about a year.

Top 25

1. Nikita Scherbak
2. Mike McCarron
3. Noah Juulsen
4. Charles Hudon
5. Jacob de la Rose
6. Martin Reway
7. Artturi Lehkonen
8. Magnus Nygren
9. Sven Andrighetto
10. Brett Lernout
11. Zach Fucale
12. Lukas Vejdemo
13. Jérémy Grégoire
14. Christian Thomas
15. Daniel Carr
16. Michael McNiven
17. Darren Dietz
18. Mark MacMillan
19. Tim Bozon
20. Mac Bennett
21. Morgan Ellis
22. Ryan Johnston
23. Connor Crisp
24. Matt Bradley
25. Jeremiah Addison

HM, Bourque, Audette, Evans


So far we have depth and some balance, lacking high end talent overall throughout the system and a lack of defensemen especially LD's.

From the top 25 prospects, we have 2 goalies, 7 defensemen and 16 forwards.

3 1st round picks (Scherbak, McCarron, Juulsen), 4 2nd round picks (DLR, Lehkonen, Fucale, Thomas), 6 3rd round picks (Ghetto, Lernout, Vejdemo, Bozon, Bennett, Crisp), 4 4th round picks (Reway, Nygren, McMillan, Ellis), 3 5th round picks (Hudon, Dietz, Bradley), 1 6th round pick (Grégoire), 1 7th round pick (Addison), 3 undrafted picks (Carr, McNiven, Johnston)


links on the prospects board,

G Jacob Fowler - Boston College Eagles, NCAA (2023, 69th, MTL)

He has played 11 games in the USHL this year and has a .942 SV%, 1.69 GAA, and is 7-2-1. Decent sized kid for his age and is committed to play at Clarkson in the NCAA. He has posted a really strong SV% at every level of hockey he has played so far...

forums.hfboards.com

G Jakub Dobes (2020, 136th, MTL)

Didn't see a thread on the Czech goalie, he's slated to join Ohio State next season. At the time of the draft I thought WTF were they doing picking this kid as his stats at least didn't look very promising but the same that scouted him also found Cayden Primeau who also didn't have very...

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G Yevgeni Volokhin - Sochi, KHL (2023, 144th, MTL)

couldn't find a thread on him,

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LD Adam Engstrom - Rogle, SHL (2022, 92nd, MTL)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/491616/adam-engstrom

forums.hfboards.com

RD Bogdan Konyushkov - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL (2023, 110th, MTL)

In this year's draft Canadiens picked an intriguing young right-handed defenseman and here I obviously mean Bogdan Konyushkov aka B.K.. He had a great debut season in the KHL, and off the ice he wears glasses, goes to theaters and reads Albert Camus - should be enough of reasoning to start a...

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RD Logan Mailloux (2021, 31st, MTL)

Currently on loan with SK Lejon in the HockeyEttan. 3 points in 6 games. Logan Mailloux at eliteprospects.com Thought I would create a thread since he’s ranked 14th by HockeyProspect.

forums.hfboards.com

RD Dmitri Kostenko - Spartak Moscow, KHL (2021, 87th, MTL)

Dmitri Kostenko at eliteprospects.com He's 17 in 2 weeks, scored 4+9 in 41 games in his 16 yo MHL season, and he starts his 17 yo season with 2+4 in 4 game. Ridiculous numbers for a defenseman, especially so young. His onetimer at 1:20:00 OT winner at 5:14

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D David Reinbacher - EHC Kloten, NL (2023, 5th, MTL)

Expectations are so out of whack when some are saying they'll be disappointed if he turns into McDonough. McDonough is almost 36 and still delivering positive top-4 impact for his team. Habs should celebrate if he turns into McDonoguh... that is a much better than expected outcome for a 5th...

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C Owen Beck - Peterborough Petes, OHL (2022, 33rd, MTL)

Owen Beck at eliteprospects.com Another Steelhead i’m shocked there isn’t a thread on. Potential’s 1st round sleeper. Apart of the 3 headed monster of 2022 1st time eligible’s Mississauga has this season along with DeBelBelluz and Lavoie. Guy to watch for sure!

forums.hfboards.com

LW Florian Xhekaj - Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL (2023, 101st, MTL)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/620316/florian-xhekaj Anyone have any information on him?

forums.hfboards.com

F Ivan Demidov - SKA St. Petersburg, KHL (2024, 5th, MTL)

There is no debate that Demidov possesses 1st overall pick talent. Pretty much every scout says so. Also teams don't choose players just based off talent. There's a lot more that go into it such as position, team needs, risks (russia), etc. Potential top pairing RD are extremely valuable and...

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F Michael Hage - University of Michigan, NCAA(2024, 21st, MTL)

Saw this player listed as a "Notable Prospect" for 2024 on eliteprospects and didn't see a thread on him. Can someone tell me more about him? Michael Hage at eliteprospects.com

forums.hfboards.com

F Aatos Koivu - TPS U20, U20 SM-sarja (2024, 70th, MTL)

Son of longtime NHLer Saku Koivu. The kid has been making some waves of late. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/858879/aatos-koivu

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LW Logan Sawyer - Brooks Bandits, BCHL (2024, 78th, MTL)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/577189/logan-sawyer Second rounder in last year OHL draft, chose the NCAA route. He wasn't drafted in the USHL, but probably will be this year. Mark Jankowski was drafted in the first round out of Stanstead College, I think this guy could be as well.

forums.hfboards.com

RW Tyler Thorpe - Vancouver Giants, WHL (2024, 130th, MTL)

Didn't see a thread on him, 1st game of the season, Nice Backhand Pass/Chance 6:34 Great Chance 7:16 Another Good Chance 12:30 Assist 13:22 Goal 17:08

forums.hfboards.com

LW Makar Khanin - Dynamo St. Petersburg, VHL (2024, 210th, MTL)

Still just 18, doesn't turn 19 for a couple months. Undrafted last summer. Great production for a teenager in the 2nd tier pro league in Russia. Tied with Carolina's sleeper pick last draft, Alexander Rykov, for top u20 point scorer right now in the VHL. 25 points in 34 games. Tons of skill. For...

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[Habsrule]

I say thanks for listing your top 25 and it is a solid list. The problem with the Habs is that they are pretty balanced. Be ready to be flamed because someone has a different opinion than you.

 

[montreal]

I say thanks for listing your top 25 and it is a solid list. The problem with the Habs is that they are pretty balanced. Be ready to be flamed because someone has a different opinion than you.

Thanks. I used to cover the Habs for HF back in earlier days so I am used to it. I put in the time watching these kids play every year so I welcome any and all comments.

 

[Gaston Gingras]

I can see Michael McNiven in the top 10 ...very soon

 

[rockjngo]

1. Nikita Scherbak
2. Mike McCarron
3. Noah Juulsen
4. Charles Hudon
5. Jacob de la Rose


I like Juulsen, he's gonna be a really good one. He's getting comparisons to Brent Seabrook.

Also high on MCarron, I think he'll be a solid #2 center some day. Everyone remember Joel Otto. 25 goals 25 assists player.

Scherbak while he's highly touted, I don't see him scoring 50 goals. He'll put up points like 25 goals 30 assists.

DLR will be our future shutdown big center.


Imagine down the middle in a few years.

Galchenyuk 6'2" 210lbs
McCarron 6'6" 230lbs
DLR 6'3" 210lbs

 

[Nevins]

Do you see any NHL future for Matt Bardley?stats are disapointing this year so far...

 

[montreal]

I can see Michael McNiven in the top 10 ...very soon

He's really impressed me so far.

Do you see any NHL future for Matt Bardley?stats are disapointing this year so far...

I like what I've seen from him, seems to do most things well but lacks the size/strength so hopefully over the next few years he can get stronger and add some mass.

1. Nikita Scherbak
2. Mike McCarron
3. Noah Juulsen
4. Charles Hudon
5. Jacob de la Rose


I like Juulsen, he's gonna be a really good one. He's getting comparisons to Brent Seabrook.

Also high on MCarron, I think he'll be a solid #2 center some day. Everyone remember Joel Otto. 25 goals 25 assists player.

Scherbak while he's highly touted, I don't see him scoring 50 goals. He'll put up points like 25 goals 30 assists.

DLR will be our future shutdown big center.


Imagine down the middle in a few years.

Galchenyuk 6'2" 210lbs
McCarron 6'6" 230lbs
DLR 6'3" 210lbs

Not sure if DLR ends up a center or winger, just hope to see him improve his offensive game as he hasn't done much in the AHL so far this year.

 

[VinceHabs]

Audette

Audette isn't on your list, is there any reason why someone like Bradley is ahead of him or do you just don't see his game being effective at higher levels?

 

[montreal]

Audette isn't on your list, is there any reason why someone like Bradley is ahead of him or do you just don't see his game being effective at higher levels?

I have Audette on there as a HM. Just never been too impressed when I've seen him. Bradley doesn't have the skill of Audette and I haven't seen that much of him but what I have seen, he seems to be smart and hard working just needs to add some mass and strength over the years.

 

[ottawa]

What do you think of our oldest rookie? Holloway

 

[MXD]

My main disagreements are about Nygren (I wouldn't rank him at all, considering the probabilities to see him here at some point; still if I absolutely had to rank him, he'd be right below Ghetto) and Bourque (prefer him to Crisp and Bradley to be honest). Then again, this is after extremely limited viewings.

 

[montreal]

What do you think of our oldest rookie? Holloway

he's been good in the AHL.

My main disagreements are about Nygren (I wouldn't rank him at all, considering the probabilities to see him here at some point; still if I absolutely had to rank him, he'd be right below Ghetto) and Bourque (prefer him to Crisp and Bradley to be honest). Then again, this is after extremely limited viewings.

Nygren if the Habs are done with him still should have value to another NHL team as he is having a career year in the SHL. To overlook him because he didn't work out in the AHL and got injured is misguided imo. Bourque and Evans I likely had too low, had thought Crisp would so something this year but once again injuries have gotten in the way of his development. Hopefully he can put it behind him, Bradley I like if he can fill out his frame and get stronger, thought he would be having a better season then he's had at least stat wise.

 

[ottawa]

he's been good in the AHL.

It's too bad he wasn't given a real shot with us a few weeks ago...he's already 27, what are your predictions on his career path? career AHLer, potential NHLer or regular NHLer?

 

[montreal]

It's too bad he wasn't given a real shot with us a few weeks ago...he's already 27, what are your predictions on his career path? career AHLer, potential NHLer or regular NHLer?

hard to say as I don't know if the league will expand next year or not haven't really been following. Not sure what his NHL upside is.

 

[Number 57]

New rankings for prospects?

With recent injuries and the dismissal of Semin, Bergevin has been calling up a lot of kids and they have played well for the most part.

Also, a guy like McCarron has been tearing it up down there and our 1st round pick from 2015 Juulsen might make Team Canada this year.

So with what has changed since the summer and what we've seen this season how exactly would you rank our prospects now? I'm curious to know.

 

[Number 57]

So here's my list:

1. Michael McCarron
2. Noah Juulsen
3. Nikita Scherbak
4. Sven Andrighetto
5. Zachary Fucale
6. Charles Hudon
7. Jarred Tinordi
8. Brett Lernout
9. Jacob De La Rose
10. Darren Dietz
11. Artturi Lehkonen
12. Lukas Vejdemo
13. Christian Thomas
14. Morgan Ellis
15. Michael McNiven
16. Martin Reway
17. Daniel Carr
18. Hayden Hawkey
19. Mac Bennett
20. Daniel Audette

 

[GREMLIN]

1. McCarron
2. Juulsen
3. Scherbak
4. Hudon
5. Lehkonen
6. Andrighetto
7. JDLR
8. Reway
9. Nygren
10. Tinordi
11. Lernout
12. Fucale
13. Vedejmo
14. Carr
15. Thomas
16. Dietz
17. Ellis
18. Mcniven
19. Evans
20. Hawkey

Biggest risers for me this season have been Ellis, Lehkonen and Evans.

 

[Teufelsdreck]

So here's my list:

1. Michael McCarron
2. Noah Juulsen
3. Nikita Scherbak
4. Sven Andrighetto
5. Zachary Fucale
6. Charles Hudon
7. Jarred Tinordi
8. Brett Lernout
9. Jacob De La Rose
10. Darren Dietz
11. Artturi Lehkonen
12. Lukas Vejdemo
13. Christian Thomas
14. Morgan Ellis
15. Michael McNiven
16. Martin Reway
17. Daniel Carr
18. Hayden Hawkey
19. Mac Bennett
20. Daniel Audette

I find it interesting that Nos. 1-3 were taken late in the first round, after the shining stars were gone.

 

[montreal]

I still have Scherbak as our #1, just think he's so skilled, but McCarron as a #2 gives us a nice combo with Juulsen and Hudon right there as well. While it's hard to say how good they will become in the NHL, it's a nice top 4 group to have for one of the top teams in the NHL. At this point I had Grégoire, Lernout, Bozon, Crisp, Bradley too high. Evans, Ellis, Nygren, Lehkonen, Ghetto, too low.

 

[Riggins]

Here's my list:

1. Michael McCarron
2. Noah Juulsen
3. Nikita Scherbak
4. Charles Hudon
5. Sven Andrighetto
6. Artturi Lehkonen
7. Jacob De La Rose
8. Jarred Tinordi
9. Zachary Fucale
10. Lukas Vejdemo
11. Martin Reway
12. Magnus Nygren
13. Daniel Carr
14. Christian Thomas
15. Brett Lernout
the rest

We definitely need to get some left defencemen in the system.

 

[Subbanned]

No high end talent, although that's to be expected I guess based on our performance in past years. It just kind of sucks that if we don't win anything with the current core it's not like we can look to the pipeline for a saviour, just some solid pieces that hopefully pan out.

 

[Wats]

Here's my list:

1. Michael McCarron
2. Noah Juulsen
3. Nikita Scherbak
4. Charles Hudon
5. Sven Andrighetto
6. Artturi Lehkonen
7. Jacob De La Rose
8. Jarred Tinordi
9. Zachary Fucale
10. Lukas Vejdemo
11. Martin Reway
12. Magnus Nygren
13. Daniel Carr
14. Christian Thomas
15. Brett Lernout
the rest

We definitely need to get some left defencemen in the system.

I'd say they focus on adding talent in general since the turnover to NHL rate has been pretty mediocre over the years.

 

[sharks9]

No high end talent, although that's to be expected I guess based on our performance in past years. It just kind of sucks that if we don't win anything with the current core it's not like we can look to the pipeline for a saviour, just some solid pieces that hopefully pan out.

You never really know though, guys like Pacioretty and Subban weren't drafted as saviours and there's always the chance of a Gallagher in the later rounds.

Our call-ups have looked pretty good so far, hopefully 1 or 2 of them can surprise in the same way.

 

[FireBurningBin]

No high end talent, although that's to be expected I guess based on our performance in past years. It just kind of sucks that if we don't win anything with the current core it's not like we can look to the pipeline for a saviour, just some solid pieces that hopefully pan out.

Scherbak definitely has "high end talent". He still has a lot to work on in his game though.

 

[Subbanned]

You never really know though, guys like Pacioretty and Subban weren't drafted as saviours and there's always the chance of a Gallagher in the later rounds.

Our call-ups have looked pretty good so far, hopefully 1 or 2 of them can surprise in the same way.

Yeah no doubt, and probability doesn't actually work like this but I worry we've had our fair share of luck with getting superstars in Patches and Subban from non-superstar drafting slots. Not to mention the ridiculous luck involved in Gallagher. With that in mind will we continue to get lucky with these picks panning out to that level? We'll see and hope but it's definitely not likely.