Every year, Elite Prospect puts out their top-100 affiliated skaters rankings and this year, it’s a fascinating read for Montreal Canadiens’ fans. It should be noted that players who are no longer Calder eligible are not eligible for this ranking either.
This year, the Habs have seven prospects on the list, four forwards, and three defensemen. The highest prospect is of course fifth-overall pick from the 2024 draft Ivan Demidov who comes in at third behind Philadelphia Flyers’ Matvei Michkov and San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini. This is brilliant news for a fandom that has been starved of pure offensive talent for so long.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Next on the list is right-shot defenseman David Reinbacher who comes in at 13th (up from 18th last season). The blueliner finished his season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL last year and showed great poise and mobility.
The Canadiens have another defenseman at number 27 in Lane Hutson (up from 34 last season). This is one of the most exciting prospects the organization has had in a long time. An electrifying defenseman who although small can evade bigger slower skaters. If his game translates to the NHL as well as it seemed to in the two games he played in Montreal at the end of the season, Canadiens fans are in for a treat.
Related: Montreal Canadiens Make the Dream Come True
We have to go down to number 52 to find another player from the Sainte-Flanelle, Joshua Roy. The youngster failed to make the list last season, but was listed as an honorable mention. How much can he achieve? The answer to that question is highly dependent on the ice-time and opportunities he is given. If he does get to ride shotgun on the second line with Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook for instance, he could cause quite the surprise.
Then, we have the Canadiens’ second first-round pick at the last draft Michael Hage who comes in at 72nd. There’s still plenty of development to be made there and it will be interesting to follow him in the coming years. He is now committed to play in the NCAA with the Michigan Wolverines.
Owen Beck then comes in at number 76, down from 65 last season. This is hardly surprising considering the quality of the players drafted in June. He’s still on the list though and he kept on steadily improving this past year, leading his team to a Memorial Cup championship and being named the tournament’s most valuable player.
Related: Canadiens Prospect Owen Beck Will Climb the “Becking” Order This Fall
Finally, Logan Mailloux comes in at number 95. After a year of pro hockey, he’ll be looking to graduate to the NHL this season and judging by the game he played at the end of last season, he may well do it. Although he could of course be a victim of the numbers game since he’s one of the blueliners who could be sent to Laval without going through waivers.
There you go Habs fans, the future is very bright! Try and keep that in mind especially if the Canadiens fail to make the playoffs for a fourth year in a row. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Related
Canadiens: More About Demidov
Canadiens: Ivan Demidov clears medicals with SKA St Petersburg
Canadiens: A New Ivan Demidov Interview
Canadiens: Demidov the 13th Forward
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens’ page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens
