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With Montreal’s rookie camp set to start in the coming days, it’s time to unveil
HabsWorld’s annual prospect rankings.  As always, these are voted on by
members of our staff.  A total of 41 prospects have been ranked, making
this the most comprehensive ranking list around.  Did Max Pacioretty retain
his top spot or did someone sneak up and take 1st place?  Read on to find
out.

This year, a total of 11 members of the HW staff cast their ballots.  To
avoid having one person skew the rankings too much, the high and low were
dropped for each player, so the rankings are determined based on the average of
the other 9 votes.  Note: The High/Low and Range columns may be the
same, as sometimes players received multiple highs and/or lows.  Where
applicable, the previous rating is noted for players who were in the Habs’
system last season.

Gone from last year’s list are the following:

Graduated: Matt D’Agostini
Released: Mathieu Aubin, Loic Lacasse, Olivier Latendresse, Phillipe
Paquet 
Traded: Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko

Criteria: Eligible players must…

1) Be 24 years of age or younger as of October 1st, 2009
2) Have less than 50 games NHL experience (regular season + playoffs)
3) Have NHL affilation to the Canadiens, AHL only contracts
were not eligible

The Rankings:

1

LW Max Pacioretty, 1st
round (22nd) in 2007
Hamilton (AHL) –
37 GP, 6-23-29, 43 PIMS

Virtually a unanimous selection for #1, he has a shot at cracking Montreal’s
lineup full time this year.  If sent to Hamilton, he’ll have
to play a much bigger role than during his stint there last season. 
Previous:
1st		 High/Low: 1, 3 Range: 1-3 Average: 1.33

2

D P.K. Subban, 2nd round (43rd) in 2007
Belleville (OHL) –
56 GP, 14-62-76, 94 PIMS
Offence
is not the question for this smooth skating blueliner.  How quickly he
improves his defensive game will ultimately decide just how quickly he will
make the jump to the NHL.
Previous:
5th		 High/Low: 1, 3 Range: 1-2 Average: 1.89

3

D Yannick Weber, 3rd round (73rd) in 2007
Hamilton (AHL) –
68 GP, 16-28-44, 42 PIMS
Had a
strong professional debut last season, capped by a late call up that saw him
score his first NHL goal in the playoffs.  Still needs lots of work on
his defensive game, but he’s close to making it.
Previous:
7th		 High/Low:  2, 6 Range: 3-4 Average: 3.56

 

4

C Louis Leblanc, 1st round (18th)
in 2009
Omaha (USHL) –
60 GP, 28-31-59, 78 PIMS
When he
fills out, many feel he has a shot of being the big centre the Habs have
coveted for years.  His learning curve will be steeper as a result of
taking the college route as he is Harvard bound.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 1, 6 Range: 3-5 Average: 3.67

5

C Kyle Chipchura, 1st round (18th)
in 2004
Hamilton (AHL) –
51 GP, 14-21-35, 65 PIMS
Just 1
NHL game shy of not being eligible for the rankings, the defensive minded C
is in a make it or break it year with the organization.  Should lock
down a roster spot with a solid camp.     
Previous:
3rd		 High/Low: 4, 36 Range: 5-11 Average: 6.89

 

6

D David Fischer, 1st
round (20th) in 2006
Minnesota (NCAA) –
31 GP, 2-11-13, 16 PIMS

Continues to slowly improve while filling out his frame.  Although he
likely won’t play on the top pairing down the road, the smooth skating
blueliner should fit in nicely in the Habs’ top 4.
Previous:
6th		 High/Low: 6, 15 Range: 6-10 Average: 7.67

7

C Ben Maxwell, 2nd round (49th)
in 2006
Hamilton (AHL) –
73 GP, 22-36-58, 58 PIMS
Earned a
midseason call up and didn’t look all that out of place.  When he was
picked, many felt his offence would prohibit him from being a top-2 C, but a
strong AHL campaign turned some heads.   
Previous:
9th		 High/Low: 4, 14 Range: 5-12 Average: 7.89

8

D Alexei Emelin, 3rd round (84th)
in 2004
Ak Bars Kazan (KHL) –
51 GP, 0-3-3, 58 PIMS

Questions about his commitment to come to North America have surfaced after
spurning the Habs’ offer for 2 more years overseas.  His play is
regressing with limited ice time in the KHL. 
Previous:
8th		 High/Low: 2, 13 Range:  5-12 Average: 9.11

 

9

RW Danny Kristo, 2nd
round (56th) in 2008
Omaha (USHL) –
50 GP, 22-36-58, 18 PIMS
The
speedy, crafty winger exceeded expectations last season, including being
named to the USA’s World Juniors team.  Like his Omaha teammate in
Leblanc, he needs to bulk up before going pro.
Previous:
13th		 High/Low: 5, 16 Range: 5-16 Average: 10.00

10

D Mathieu Carle, 2nd round (49th)
in 2006
Hamilton (AHL) –
59 GP, 7-22-29, 43 PIMS
Despite
the injury bug striking yet again, he improved notably during his 2nd season
in Hamilton.  Though still young, this is his make or break year with
Subban and Weber ahead in the pipeline.   
Previous:
10th		 High/Low: 7, 27 Range: 8-22 Average: 11.67

11

RW Alexander Avtsyn, 4th round (109th)
in 2009
Dynamo-2 (RUS) –
76 GP, 56-54-110, 130 PIMS
Put up
incredible numbers playing in a lower division last season.  He has the
whole package, but needs to be tested against better competition.  Many
feel getting him at 109 was a huge steal.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low:  5, 22 Range:  7-20 Average: 11.89

12

RW Maxim Trunev, 5th
round (138th) in 2008
Cherepovets (KHL) –
32 GP, 4-1-5, 8 PIMS
Selected
with the pick acquired with Alex Tanguay, he made the jump full time to the
KHL last season.  Highly skilled offensively, he could be a big
steal…provided he actually comes to North America.
Previous:
16th		 High/Low:  5, 27 Range:  7-19 Average: 13.00

13

LW Gregory Stewart, 8th round (246th)
in 2004
Hamilton (AHL) –
51 GP, 7-10-17, 170 PIMS
Yes,
he’s an NHL’er, but many of us agreed that he’s essentially hit his ceiling,
there’s very little upside to his game.  He has a fighting chance (pun
intended) to stick with the Habs full time this season. 
Previous:
17th		 High/Low: 6, 26 Range: 9-19 Average: 13.33

14

D Mac Bennett, 3rd
round (79th) in 2009
Hotchkiss (USHS) –
15 GP, 2-9-11, 10 PIMS
A mobile
puck moving defenceman, Bennett slipped in this year’s draft due to injury
concerns.  Believed to be a long-term project, he may very well be 4 or
5 years away from the NHL.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 8, 26 Range: 13-18 Average: 15.11

15

C Ryan White, 3rd round (66th)
in 2006
Hamilton (AHL) –
80 GP, 11-18-29, 68 PIMS
Had an
up-and-down year in his pro debut.  The gritty pivot will likely have
to take on a bigger role with the Bulldogs this year which should give him a
chance to improve his offensive production.
Previous:
12th		 High/Low: 9, 37 Range: 11-20 Average: 15.11

Note: Bennett is ranked ahead of White as he
had the highest non-eliminated ranking of the two.

16

C Andreas Engqvist,
Signed as UFA in 2009
Djurgården (SEL) –
31 GP, 9-7-16, 12 PIMS
Will
come to North America after this season and will bring with him good size
and an adept defensive game.  Needs to become more physical and bring
more of an offensive game to the table. 
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 12, 28 Range: 16-27 Average:
20.67

 

17

C Olivier Fortier, 3rd round (65th)
in 2007
Rimouski (QMJHL) –
29 GP, 8-27-35, 12 PIMS
Injuries
ruined what started out as a promising year for Fortier.  Believed to
be in the Maxim Lapierre mold, he’ll be battling for ice time with the
Bulldogs this year, but could start with the Cyclones.
Previous:
19th		 High/Low: 13, 35 Range: 14-30 Average: 20.67

Note: Engqvist is ranked ahead of Fortier as he had
the highest non-eliminated ranking of the two.

18

C Mikael Johansson,
Signed as UFA in 2009
Färjestad
(SEL) –
49 GP, 6-28-34, 20 PIMS

Detroit’s 9th rounder in 2003 (289th) appears to be a late bloomer. 
The undersized playmaker needs to hone his skills and adapt to the North
American game, which is why he’s Hamilton bound this year.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 11, 29 Range: 16-26 Average:
20.89

19

C Joonas Nattinen, 3rd
round (65th) in 2009
Blues U-20 (FIN) –
30 GP, 9-29-38, 6 PIMS
Saw some
action in the SM-Liiga as an 18 year old, as well as in both the U-18’s and
U-20’s.  Despite his large stature, physical play isn’t his strong
suit; aside from that, he’s a solid two-way player.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 8, 36 Range: 12-33 Average: 21.56

20

RW Steve Quailer, 3rd
round (86th) in 2008
Northeastern (NCAA) –
41 GP, 10-15-25, 12 PIMS
Tall and
lanky, he uses his speed to get to the high traffic areas and has a goal
scorer’s touch.  Needs to fill out his frame before he can become the
effective power forward many expect he will be.
Previous:
25th		 High/Low: 12, 32 Range: 15-32 Average: 22.22

21

C Tom Pyatt, Trade with
New York (R) in 2009
Hartford (AHL) –
73 GP, 15-22-37, 22 PIMS
The
2-time World Junior gold medalist has had a slow start to his pro career. 
He’s sound on the defensive end, but his offence hasn’t come around. 
Earmarked for the Bulldogs’ checking line this year.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 12, 40 Range: 13-40 Average: 23.67

22

C Brock Trotter, Signed
as UFA in 2008
Hamilton (AHL) –
76 GP, 18-31-49, 32 PIMS
Posted
solid numbers in his first full pro season and received added
responsibilities as the year went on.  Size and lack of physicality are
a concern, as is his defensive play which still needs some work.
Previous:
14th		 High/Low: 13, 41 Range: 15-39 Average: 24.33

23

D Nichlas Torp, 6th round
(163rd) in 2007
HV71
(SEL) –
44 GP, 0-2-2, 43 PIMS
You’ll
never see this Swedish blueliner anywhere near the top of the scoring list,
as he’s a pure stay-at-home player.  He’s very physical considering his
size, but can he play that game at the NHL level?
Previous:
20th		 High/Low: 12, 39 Range: 13-37 Average:
24.67

24

C Gabriel Dumont, 5th
round (139th) in 2009
Drummondville (QMJHL) –
51 GP, 28-21-49, 63 PIMS
He’s the
heart and soul player everyone wants on their team.  Even better, he
was often clutch for Drummondville this past year.  Size is a concern
for him, some feel it will really hinder his NHL chances.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 11, 36 Range: 21-34 Average: 25.78

25

LW Andrew Conboy, 5th
round (142nd) in 2007
Michigan State (NCAA) –
21 GP, 3-2-5, 76 PIMS
Will
begin his first full pro season as one of Hamilton’s enforcers but needs to
add to his repertoire in order to make the NHL.  He’s willing to stand
up for his teammates, which is in his favour.
Previous:
24th		 High/Low: 18, 39 Range: 19-39 Average: 26.00

26

G Cedrick Desjardins,
Signed as UFA in 2006
Hamilton (AHL) –
30 GP, 2.55 GAA, .919 SV%
He was
the more consistent of Hamilton’s goaltenders this past season and put up
respectable numbers as a result.  His NHL prospects took a hit with
July’s signing of veteran G Curtis Sanford.
Previous:
18th		 High/Low: 11, 40 Range: 15-40 Average: 26.11

27

C David Desharnais, Signed
as UFA in 2008
Hamilton (AHL) –
77 GP, 24-34-58, 20 PIMS
Finished
3rd in AHL rookie scoring this past year, and proved he could play at that
level despite his size.  He has the offensive skills, but is that
enough to allow him to succeed at the NHL level?
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 17, 34 Range: 21-30 Average: 26.11

Note: Desjardins is ranked ahead of Desharnais as he had
the highest non-eliminated ranking of the two.

28

D Greg Pateryn, Trade
with Toronto in 2008
Michigan (NCAA) –
28 GP, 0-5-5, 34 PIMS
Another
pure stay-at-home defender, there’s nothing flashy about him. 
Defensively responsible, with a strong physical game, but will need to
improve his offensive instincts to get a sniff in the NHL.
Previous:
23rd		 High/Low: 19, 39 Range: 19-36 Average: 26.89

29

C Michael Cichy, 7th
round (199th) in 2009
Indiana (USHL) –
56 GP, 33-42-75, 12 PIMS
A gifted
offensive player, but rarely plays on the opposite side.  He acquitted
himself well during the USA’s World Junior camp this offseason.  He
could be a darkhorse if he can learn to play some D.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 9, 38 Range: 18-37 Average: 27.78

30

C Ryan Russell, Trade
with New York (R) in 2007
Hamilton (AHL) –
79 GP, 20-19-39, 24 PIMS
Started
off slow, but finished the season as a key cog on Hamilton’s checking line. 
Like others already, his size is concerning, but if he can keep up his sound
positioning, he could get an NHL look soon.
Previous:
27th		 High/Low: 14, 38 Range: 16-37 Average: 27.89

31

D Shawn Belle, Trade with
Minnesota in 2008
Hamilton (AHL) –
60 GP, 3-10-13, 93 PIMS
A steady
defender that has yet to live up to expectations since being a 1st round
pick in 2003.  With several other solid prospects coming up through the
pipeline, his chances are waning quickly.
Previous:
15th		 High/Low: 18, 38 Range: 21-35 Average: 28.11

32

G Jason Missiaen, 4th
round (116th) in 2008
Peterborough (OHL) –
38 GP, 3.81 GAA, .904 SV%
Was
handed the starting role midway through the season and battled inconsistency
throughout.  The Petes will be better this year, he should have a
chance to improve his numbers as a result.
Previous:
21st		 High/Low: 17, 35 Range: 23-35 Average: 28.89

33

C Dustin Walsh, 6th round
(169th) in 2009
Kingston (OJHL) –
44 GP, 32-31-63, 28 PIMS
Flourished after joining Kingston midseason.  Like Avtsyn, the numbers
have to be kept in check considering the competition level.  The
college game should give him a chance to work on his D.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 10, 38 Range: 13-38 Average: 29.33

34

G Petteri Simila, 7th
round (211th) in 2009
Kärpät U-20 (FIN) –
17 GP, 3.61 GAA, .897 SV%
The Habs
moved a 6th rounder in next year’s draft to secure the 6’6 goalie’s rights. 
He has a chance to be the starting goalie for Niagara (OHL) this year which
will kickstart his development.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 18, 37 Range:  24-35 Average: 31.00

35

LW Dany Massé, Signed as
UFA in 2009
Drummondville (QMJHL) –
68 GP, 44-66-110, 52 PIMS
Tore up
the ‘Q’ playing for new Bulldogs coach Guy Boucher.  Like a few others
noted already, he’s all offence and little defence.  Size is also an
issue but others his size have made it work before.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 21, 40 Range: 24-38 Average: 31.44

36

RW/D J.T. Wyman, 4th
round (100th) in 2004
Hamilton (AHL) –
52 GP, 6-5-11, 8 PIMS
Became a
key piece to the puzzle for the Bulldogs when injuries arose as he can play
both defence and the wing.  Knowing the Habs have utilized several D/W
players in the past, he could have a shot.
Previous:
22nd		 High/Low: 27, 38 Range: 29-36 Average: 33.00

37

G Robert Mayer, Signed as
UFA in 2008
Saint John (QMJHL) –
57 GP, 3.25 GAA, .900 SV%
Earned a
contract after last year’s rookie camp but was merely adequate in the ‘Q’
last season.  With the goalies in Hamilton locked in for this year,
he’ll be battling for ice time in Cincinnati (ECHL).
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 24, 40 Range: 26-39 Average: 33.33

38

D Joe Stejskal, 5th
round (133rd) in 2007
Dartmouth (NCAA) –
29 GP, 7-5-12, 68 PIMS
One of
the many long-term prospects in the college ranks, Stejskal has an NHL
calibre shot already with a bit of a mean streak.  Sadly, his defensive
play still needs a lot of work before he turns pro.
Previous:
30th		 High/Low: 25, 40 Range: 30-39 Average: 35.11

39

D Scott Kishel, 7th
round (192nd) in 2007
Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) –
12 GP, 0-2-2, 2 PIMS
Did not
acclimate himself well in his first college season.  Nothing flashy
about his game while size and strength are a concern.  He has 3 years
of college eligibility left; there’s time to turn it around.
Previous:
31st		 High/Low: 23, 41 Range: 26-39 Average: 35.22

40

D Michael Busto, Trade
with New York (R) in 2009
Charlotte (ECHL) –
54 GP, 3-8-11, 41 PIMS
Has not
been able to capitalize on a strong final WHL campaign and has yet to see an
AHL sniff in 2 seasons.  Perhaps an organizational change will do the
trick but we’re not keeping our hopes up.
Previous:
N/A		 High/Low: 27, 41 Range: 30-41 Average: 37.44

41

C Patrick Johnson, 7th
round (206th) in 2008
Wisconsin (NCAA) –
35 GP, 3-4-7, 44 PIMS
Many
felt he was drafted largely due to the fact that former prospect Ryan
McDonagh was to go there.  He has 2 years left of eligibility, and
he’ll need them to get even a shot at the pro level.
Previous:
32nd		 High/Low: 24, 41 Range: 31-41 Average: 38.56

Summary:

Number of Centres: 16
Number of Left Wingers: 4
Number of Right Wingers: 5
Number of Defencemen: 12
Number of Goalies: 4

Number of American-born players: 12
Number of Canadian-born players: 19
Number of Finnish-born players: 2
Number of Russian-born players: 3
Number of Swedish-born players: 3
Number of Swiss-born players: 2