Every year in the NHL, young players aim to prove themselves, vying to take spots from seasoned veterans. For the Montreal Canadiens, a team undergoing a “Reset” since 2018 and a full-on rebuild in recent years, this competition is amplified by a deep pool of talented prospects. Injuries and performance challenges have resulted in consistently high draft picks, bringing in some of the league’s most promising young talent.
This past season, rookies Lane Hutson, Emil Heineman, and Oliver Kapanen all started the season with the big club. While Kapanen was returned to Timrå IK in the SHL for further development after a dozen games, Hutson and Heineman solidified their places on the roster.
Hutson is already in a heated Calder Trophy race alongside Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov, while Heineman is thriving, tied for third on the team with 10 goals and ranking third among NHL rookies in goals scored. Meanwhile, Jakub Dobeš has burst onto the scene in net, earning a shutout against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and following it up with a stellar performance against the Colorado Avalanche.
But this is just the beginning for Kent Hughes’ Canadiens. Next season, a new wave of prospects will challenge for roster spots:
The Next Wave of Talent
- Ivan Demidov (6’1”, 192 lbs, W, shoots L, 19)
Demidov is lighting up the KHL with 31 points in 40 games despite limited ice time. His recent surge in opportunities makes him one of the most exciting prospects in hockey. - Logan Mailloux (6’3”, 213 lbs, D, shoots R, 21)
A 2021 first-round pick, Mailloux combines offensive skill, skating, and physicality. Currently in Laval, he’s honing his defensive game and could be NHL-ready soon. - Owen Beck (6’0”, 199 lbs, C, shoots R, 20)
Beck’s strong first pro season reflects his 200-foot game. After an impressive NHL cameo last year, he’s poised to make a seamless transition to the big league. - Oliver Kapanen (6’2”, 194 lbs, C, shoots R, 21)
Kapanen narrowly missed making the Canadiens this season but is thriving as the top-line center for Timrå IK. Expect him to arrive confident and NHL-ready next year. - Joshua Roy (6’0”, 192 lbs, W, shoots L, 21)
Roy, despite a lackluster camp, is producing in Laval with 25 points in 29 games. A stronger effort next preseason could secure him a top-nine role in Montreal. - Jakub Dobeš (6’4”, 215 lbs, G, catches L, 23)
Dobeš’ NHL debut was spectacular, but consistency will determine whether he remains with the Canadiens or returns to Laval for further seasoning.
Looking Further Ahead
Other prospects are likely a year or two away from seriously contending for NHL spots:
- Adam Engström (6’2”, 193 lbs, D, shoots L, 21)
Engström has adapted well to North American ice in Laval, showcasing offensive growth that might earn him a call-up next season. - David Reinbacher (6’3”, 207 lbs, D, shoots R, 20)
Despite missing this season due to injury, Reinbacher’s fifth-overall selection speaks to his high ceiling. Next year will be crucial for his development. - Luke Tuch (6’3”, 215 lbs, W, shoots L, 22)
Injuries have slowed Tuch this season, but the power forward has shown flashes of potential that could lead to a breakthrough. - Jared Davidson (5’11”, 183 lbs, W, shoots L, 22)
After missing time with injuries, Davidson is heating up in Laval with 12 goals in 29 games. - Florian Xhekaj (6’3”, 195 lbs, C, shoots L, 20)
The younger Xhekaj has shown his edge and adaptability but may need another year in the AHL before making a push. - Filip Mesar (5’10”, 184 lbs, W, shoots R, 20)
Injuries have limited Mesar to 11 games this season, but as a first-round pick, his potential remains high. - Michael Hage (6’1”, 190 lbs, C, shoots R, 18)
The Canadiens’ 21st overall pick is excelling in his freshman NCAA season, with 21 points in 17 games for Michigan.
Finally, blue-chip goalie prospect Jacob Fowler is expected to turn pro soon, though he’ll likely need a couple of years in the AHL before becoming NHL-ready.
With this deep pool of talent, management will face tough decisions next season—and even more in the years to come. Exciting times are ahead for the Canadiens and their fans.
