As the Montreal Canadiens eye the future after a season that saw promise but ultimately led to preparing for an early offseason, the focus intensifies on building a solid foundation for success. The unexpected twists of this NHL season, marked by injuries and trades, have solidified the need for depth and talent that can sustain the rigors of the NHL and elevate the team into playoff contention.
With a treasure trove of prospects on the horizon, ready to bolster both the offense and a potentially formidable defense, the Canadiens must secure the talent that promises to shape the future of the franchise.
Here are five prospects that Montreal cannot afford to lose and must sign as soon as possible to ensure the team’s competitive edge for seasons to come.
Oliver Kapanen
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Canadiens, Oliver Kapanen has evolved into a promising prospect while playing in Liiga, Finland’s premier hockey league. Demonstrating a compelling two-way game, Kapanen has become a notable figure on the ice.
With a captaincy in the 2023 World Juniors, he showcased leadership and skill, contributing three points in five games and securing a silver medal for Finland.
This season, he made significant strides by scoring 14 goals and totaling 34 points over 51 games, marking an improvement from the previous season. His postseason performance has been even more impressive, with seven points in just five games, playing a pivotal role in Kalpa’s advancement.
At 20 years old, Kapanen’s success in Liiga is a testament to his potential in the NHL. With the Canadiens holding his rights for another year, it’s critical they bring him to North America soon to unlock his full potential and secure his future with the team.
Adam Engstrom
Adam Engstrom, selected in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Canadiens, has been a dynamic presence in Sweden’s top hockey league, the SHL. With an impressive skating stride and a knack for the offensive game, Engstrom showcased his talents at the 2023 World Juniors in Halifax.
Playing as a left defenseman for Rogle, he has consistently improved, netting six goals and totaling 16 points over 43 games in the 2022-23 season, followed by an increase to four goals and 22 points in 51 games. His robust performance has helped Rogle on a surprising playoff run despite outlooks predicting otherwise.
Engstrom’s team exceeded expectations by advancing past the qualification round and currently leads their series 3-0 against the top seed. While rumors suggest Engstrom might head to North America soon, his contribution in Sweden continues to turn heads. The Canadiens hold his rights until 2026, offering ample time to further assess his development.
Luke Tuch
Luke Tuch, a robust forward for Boston University, has found himself at a critical juncture with the Montreal Canadiens. Chosen in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Tuch has since displayed a mix of physicality and moderate scoring touch, netting nine goals and 28 points in 36 games this season.
Despite not showing a tremendous leap in offensive production since his freshman year, Tuch’s value extends beyond scoring. At 6’2″ and over 200 pounds, his physical forechecking style and excellent board play make him a daunting presence. His ability to win battles down low and create opportunities in front of the net exemplifies his potential as a unique asset to the Canadiens.
With his eligibility to become an unrestricted free agent by August 1, 2024, Montreal faces a pressing decision. To leverage Tuch’s distinct blend of size and physicality, they must secure his signature, avoiding the risk of losing a promising prospect without compensation.
Jared Davidson
Jared Davidson, already a member of the Laval Rocket, faces a critical summer as his NHL rights with the Montreal Canadiens are set to expire.
Drafted two years ago from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, the Canadiens have a limited window to sign him or risk losing their rights. Davidson’s situation was unique; after being drafted, he was too old for Junior hockey but too tied to the Canadiens to sign elsewhere, leading to his current AHL-only contract.
Despite this, his performance for the Rocket this season—11 goals in 38 games before injuries, shows promise. Davidson’s playstyle, echoing the tenacity and offensive prowess akin to Brendan Gallagher, suggests he could be a valuable asset for the Canadiens.
His progress indicates that securing Davidson with an entry-level contract for the next season should be a priority for the franchise, with the potential to grow into an impactful player in the NHL ecosystem.
Lane Hutson
Lane Hutson is undeniably the jewel the Montreal Canadiens must secure this offseason. Drafted 62nd overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Hutson is not just a player; he’s a game-changer.
His freshman year stats at Boston University are impressive, with 15 goals and 48 points in 39 games. In his sophomore year, he continued to impress with 13 goals and 46 points in 35 games. What sets Hutson apart is not merely his scoring ability but his exceptional skating and offensive creativity.
His agility and edgework can leave defenders scrambling, showcasing his potential to significantly impact the Canadiens’ fortunes. With Montreal holding his rights until 2026, the urgency to have him play professionally as soon as possible is palpable.
Hutson possesses the talent to transition directly into the Canadiens’ lineup next season, underscoring the importance of signing him this summer to usher in his promising pro career.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Montreal Canadiens have a pivotal offseason ahead. Securing the signatures of these promising talents, from Oliver Kapanen to Lane Hutson, is paramount. Each player offers unique strengths that can shape the Canadiens’ future and ensure their competitiveness in the NHL. The time to act is now to foster the development of these players within the Canadiens’ system and capitalize on their potential contributions to the team.
And if you embrace the excitement and unpredictability of the coming seasons, it’s worth considering the future not just from a team development perspective but also from a fan engagement standpoint. FanDuel live bets provide a unique way to engage and celebrate your favorite team’s progress, watching as these players make their mark.