Building a strong team starts with solid prospects. The Canadiens are no exception, of course. So let’s take a closer look at their young players — what they already have and what they still need to work on. Below, I review Montreal Canadien’s talent pipeline, including the defensive and offensive prospects, goaltending, and there’ll be also a few words about Logan Mailloux and Owen Beck.

Montreal Canadiens’ Talent Pipeline Review

• Defensive Prospects

Lane Hutson, a standout at Boston University, was underestimated by many at first. Now, however, few can argue that some of his qualities are actually unique. By this, I, first and foremost, mean the combination (a pretty rare one) of agility and intelligence on the ice.

Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-10, Hutson is exceptionally good at creating plays and navigating through tight spaces. We’ve seen many times how he outmaneuvers larger opponents (the aforementioned intelligence at play) and moves super fast.

I’d also mention that Lane’s offensive skills are nicely complemented by a strong ability to read plays defensively. If you Play online poker, you know this skill as opponent reading. In sports, it’s an equally valuable asset. This makes Lane a potential dual threat as a defenseman. All in all, there are good reasons to expect that Hutson’s development with the Canadiens will be impressive and will, in the long run, turn him into a top-tier NHL defenseman.

Now, there’s also David Reinbacher. I shouldn’t probably tell you how competitive the environment of Switzerland’s top league is. But David has been a pillar of reliability which is no easy task when you are only 19).

What I really like about Reinbacher is how he manages big minutes against professional players. If you ask me, that’s the first sign of a player’s maturity and readiness for the NHL. Reinbacher also maintains control over the puck and effectively shuts down opposing forwards. Returning to the analogy to cards, you can get a generous Poker Bonus but your wins still depend on self-control and reaction. Just as in hockey, right?

Overall, I agree that his style isn’t exactly flashy, but it’s incredibly effective. So it wouldn’t probably be an exaggeration to suggest that he could be a key piece of Montreal’s defensive strategy soon enough.

• Goaltending

Again, if we draw parallels to poker, good performance at the table is part of success. Another part is luck. And then, there’s also security — under any scenario, you depend on the safety of the JackPoker deposits & withdrawals money procedures. The same is relevant to goalkeepers. They help you secure the achieved results. Of course, that’s only relevant to good goalkeepers. But Jacob Fowler is certainly a good one.

To me, his performance at Boston College has been remarkable. Most importantly, he has already shown he can be the mainstay goaltender his team relies on. Speaking about his skills, I’d especially emphasize

• technical skills (top-notch positioning and reflexes)
• and emotional skills (his performance remains the same under pressure). 

Of course, we’ll see how things are going as he’ll be managing the challenges of the NHL. Nevertheless, I am sure that his skill set will make him a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ goaltending future.

Offensive Prospects

Joshua Roy’s development trajectory has been impressive for me. I’d especially point out his ability to control the game and make significant plays. His time with the Laval Rocket has allowed him to refine his skills. At least, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in

• puck protection,
• offensive creation,
• and situational awareness.

I know that not all fans agree with it but in my view, Roy’s ability to adapt and improve suggests he could play a vital role in the Canadiens’ offensive lineup (potentially on one of the top two lines).

Physicality and Pace

Finally, my review of the talent pipeline wouldn’t be complete without Logan Mailloux and Owen Beck, right? The biggest advantage of the former is that he brings a robust physical presence to the defense. And this physical presence is complemented by a strong skating ability and a powerful shot from the point. Yes, I admit that his decision-making needs to evolve. But his physical tools are undeniable. I easily envision him becoming a key enforcer-type defenseman for Montreal one day.

As to Owen Beck, my two major associations with him are speed and work ethic. In my opinion, he has the potential to be a valuable asset in Montreal’s lower lines. He’d bring energy and this relentless pursuit of the puck. Plus, he can pressure the puck (we’ve seen it many times) and drive the play forward. So this sounds like an ideal candidate for a role that balances offensive push and defensive responsibility.

Final Thoughts

As you see, the Montreal Canadiens’ talent pool is rich with potential. And that’s a lot thanks to Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher. The former must now focus on bulking up to handle the NHL’s physical demands without losing speed. The latter, on the other hand, must enhance his offensive capabilities to become a more versatile defenseman. Overall, I’d say that the Canadiens’ prospects have the foundational skills to succeed and that’s the most important thing of all.