The Montreal Canadiens have been enjoying some success in the NHL lately. Some of the team’s top prospects have also seen success in various leagues globally. With one of the best prospect pools in the league, the next wave of Canadiens will indeed have an NHL impact sooner rather than later. Let’s check in on some of the Montreal Canadiens top prospects.
Montreal Canadiens Prospects
Oliver Kapanen, SHL
Oliver Kapanen, 21, is playing his first season in the SHL. He began the year with the Montreal Canadiens after an impressive training camp. Kapanen played in 12 games for Montreal, registering two assists before being returned to Sweden. So far in Europe, however, he has found his offensive touch. He currently has ten goals and 21 points in 21 games for Timra. Kapanen is Finnish but was born in Timra, Sweden.
Kapanen showed flashes of offensive awareness in his short time in the NHL but is a raw player. This season in Europe will allow him to adjust to the pro game and find some confidence offensively in a more significant role than he would have seen in Montreal. Kapanen is a great playmaker with solid awareness at both ends of the puck. He needs to add some size and strength to become a full-time NHLer, as he was knocked off the puck and lost battles frequently. Christian Dvorak and possibly Jake Evans will leave in Free agency this offseason. Therefore, some center spots may be available with the Canadiens next year. A strong finish to the campaign and a solid off-season could see Kapanen back in Montreal this October.
Michael Hage and Jacob Fowler, NCAA
Two Montreal Canadien’s top prospects, Michael Hage and Jacob Fowler, are amid dominant NCAA seasons. Fowler plays for Boston College, while Hage is suiting up for Michigan. Both players were recently nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top college hockey player. Canadiens forward Cole Caufield previously won the award in 2021.
Hage was drafted 21st overall by the Canadiens this past draft. The 18-year-old centreman has 25 points in 23 games during his rookie campaign in the NCAA. He drives the boat offensively on a weaker Michigan team. His exceptional skating and shot are something the Canadiens don’t have down the middle in their system.
As for Fowler, he has arguably been the top goaltender in college hockey this season. He’s posted a 1.63GAA and a .938% save percentage. Fowler has a 17-3-1 record to go along with his stellar numbers. He projects to be the Canadien’s starting goalie of the future, while Hage projects as a future middle-six centreman. Both players likely need another year before they can step into the NHL. Fowler, however, may head over to Laval following the conclusion of the University season, as he has little left to prove at the collegiate level. His composure in the crease should find him success at any level he plays.
Ivan Demidov, KHL
The Montreal Canadien’s top prospect, Ivan Demidov, has been lighting up the KHL this season. The 2024 fifth-overall-pick has 37 points in 47 games. These are some stellar numbers for a 19-year-old in one of the best leagues in the world. What’s even more impressive is what Demidov has managed to do in his limited ice time. For most of the season, he has been used in a bottom-six or extra-forward role with less than five minutes of ice time. He also isn’t featured on either of the team’s powerplay units. Many Habs fans have criticized the usage of Demidov by head coach Roman Rottenburg thus far, seeing it as punishment for his refusal to resign in Russia. However, things shifted for Demidov once Canadiens GM Kent Hughes visited Russia. Since Hughes’ departure, Demidov has been used exclusively in a top-six role for SKA St. Petersburg.
Demidov is expected to be an immediate impact player for the Canadiens next season. His hands and playmaking ability are some of the best we’ve seen from a recent prospect. He is no slouch on the defensive end, as his elite hockey IQ has allowed him to be effective anywhere on the ice. He will step into a top-six that already features the likes of Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Patrik Laine, and Kirby Dach. Head coach Martin St. Louis will undoubtedly have options next year. Demidov’s rookie KHL season has been one of the most impressive in the league’s history. He projects being one of the most dynamic players ever to come out of Russia.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie- Imagn Images
The post Montreal Canadiens Prospects Showing Their skills appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.