Top 10 Habs Prospects, end of season edition.
Nathan Beaulieu, Greg Pateryn & Jacob De la rose are expected to start the 2015-16 season in the NHL so they won't be included.
1. Nikita Scherbak
The best prospects the Montreal Canadiens have. If there's anyone who can become an impact offensive forward in the NHL, it's him. He had another solid season in the WHL. He has a good mix of size and skill. Could possibly make the NHL out of training camp next season.
2. Charles Hudon
The biggest surprise. Everyone knew he was a solid two way forward with good hockey IQ. He scored closed to a point per game rate in his first AHL season. He should battle for an NHL job this fall or at the very least get a call up midseason.
3. Michael McCaron
The most improved. Big Mac had a hard time adjusting the OHL game in his first season, but this year he didn't have no trouble. He is currently playing for the memorial cup with the Oshawa Generals. McCaron has been an impact player for his Junior team. He plays all sorts or role, he was given defensive tasks and also plays center.
4. Sven Andrighetto
The player with the most raw talent. He isn't called the Swiss Prince for nothing. He showed what he can do in 12 games in the NHL. He scored a goal in his first game and completed his stay with 3 points. Should get a hard look to earn a scoring line spot in the NHL. Can't play in the bottom 6.
5. Jarred Tinordi
The Giant defenseman has a roller coaster season. He started the season in the NHL out of training camp, it looked like he had it in the bag. Unfortunately for him, he struggled and was sent down. Out of luck, he got multiple injuries down in Hamilton. 2015-16 season will be a big one for him. He will turn 24 next season and if he doesn't show that he can play, Habs management might lose confidence in him.
6. Zach Fucale
When drafted, he was thought to be the next top young goalie. He's development was going so well until this season. He played on a weaker Halifax Mooseheads team with Nathan Mackinnon and Jonathan Drouin gone. He was drafted to the Quebec Remparts at the end of the season and played for them during the memorial cup until they got eliminated. He's play wasn't always solid, he had a lot of ups and downs. Next season he is expected to make his pro debut with the Ice Caps.
7. Jeremy Gregoire
The hardest worker. Missed most of his QMJHL season due to injury, came back on fire. Not the most talented player, nor the fastest or the biggest but if he is gonna have a shot at the NHL, he's gonna do it with hard work and character. Should start his pro career with the Saint John Ice Caps this fall. If he keeps developing, he should have a bottom 6 spot in the NHL in the 2 or 3 seasons.
8. Arturri Lehkonen
Another talented small forward. Lehkonen had a good season in Europe. He should keep playing there next season unless he decides to come to NA. Lehkonen is an interesting case, he has a lot of talent but will he be able to adjust to the North American game has yet to be seen.
9. Brett Lernout
The most physical player on this list. I'm salivating at the thought of the scary D pair he would make with Greg Pateryn. Lernout had a great season in the WHL. He should be back in Juniors for one last season before turning pro. Lernout was touted as a 'long term' prospect last year when he got drafted, might not be such a long term prospect after all.
10. Martin Reway
The biggest question mark. One of the most talented players in the organization. Reway played the 14-15 season in Europe. And should play in Europe next year as well. Should he decide to make the jump in North America in the 16-17 season, he would need to go play at least one season in the AHL before even thinking about trying to make it to the NHL.
Daniel Carr is another forward who has caught the attention of many. Signed from college, Carr wasn't expected to do much in his first AHL season. He led the team in goal scoring and and also lead all the AHL rookies in goals. He is yet another interesting forward, Carr has decent size, unlike other forwards in this list. He should play next season in the AHL, should at least get a call up with guys like Dumont, Tangradi and others not coming back next season.
Notables:
Christian Thomas, Daniel Carr, Darren Dietz, Mac Bennett, Mike Condon, Tim Bozon & Daniel Audette.