Scott Wheeler publishes his Top 100 list of prospects and Top 20 goalies twice a year. Yesterday, he released the Top 100 which included six Montreal Canadiens, the most for a single team. The San Jose Sharks and the Columbus Blue Jackets also have six players in there.
To make the list, skaters must be less than 23 years old and not be established roster players with their NHL team. Before we get to the chosen six, it’s worth nothing that two other Canadiens’ prospects were amongst the last cuts; Owen Beck and Jayden Struble.
Unsurprisingly, fifth-overall pick at the last draft Ivan Demidov is the highest ranked Montreal prospect coming in at number three, just behind Macklin Celebrini and fellow Russian Matvei Michkov. For Wheeler, Demidov is among those who have the greatest puck skills on the list, but also has to work ethic to match. Furthermore, he sees him as a point-per-game player with first-line upside. To be fair, I don’t think Canadiens fans need to be told much more about Demidov, everyone would be counting the days to his arrival if only they knew the date. Hopefully the youngster does well under pressure.
Next up on the list, at number 26, he’s put defenseman Lane Hutson. Reading his evaluation, he sees the blueliner as a unique player, one that uses his light strides to creates entries and exits. He also mentions that he looked comfortable playing against men at the World Championship and in his first two NHL games. To me, it seems like Hutson has found a way to use his size as an advantage rather than an issue and that must have done wonders for his confidence.
At 38, we find another Canadiens’ blueliner in David Reinbacher. The fifth-overall pick at the 2023 draft makes the list because of his play at both ends of the ice and because of the way he could shine both on a very good team in Kloten the season before last and a struggling one this latest season. Still, he looked very good with the Laval Rocket when he arrived with the AHL team.
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The 41st player is newly drafted Michael Hage who he describes as a natural center who has it all….or almost. He can be the trigger man or set up plays for others, meaning that he can elevate a line all by himself. I believe it will be interesting to see him play in the NCAA this coming season.
Joshua Roy comes in at 68. Wheeler does not consider him as established in the NHL, which is fair considering he didn’t see that much action before suffering an injury. Roy’s got good instincts and he knows where to go when he doesn’t have the puck. Just like Hage, he can also elevate his linemates.
Last but not least, Logan Mailloux comes in at 79 and Wheeler sees him as a second pair defenseman who will be good offensively but will make the odd mistake defensively. While I know we’ve heard a lot about his defensive issue, I believe he’s got plenty of time to learn and I’d say he’s at the top of my list when it comes to interest in seeing what he can do at the highest level.
Finally, Wheeler also released his top 20 goaltending prospects today and while the Canadiens’ only have one prospect amongst the 20, it’s a great one. Jacob Fowler comes in at three and could soon set his sight on Cayden Primeau’s job.
I guess the Canadiens are not kidding when they say the future is bright right? Keep on watching Habs fans, there will still be some dark patches, but what’s to come is worth it.
