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The month of October wasn’t just a good one for the Habs. Several of their players at the minor league and junior levels also had strong starts to their respective seasons. Here are our 3 Stars for the month.
St. John’s IceCaps
1st Star: Sven Andrighetto – October was a rocky month for Andrighetto. After making the Habs out of training camp, he was quickly waived and cleared (which came as a surprise to many). He didn’t let his disappointment of being back in the minors show though and quickly became the go-to forward for the IceCaps. Andrighetto’s presence really deepened the lineup, giving them a much more balanced attack.
Stats: 6 GP, 4 goals, 3 assists, 7 points, +1 rating, 18 shots, 4 PIMS
2nd Star: Charles Hudon – Last season, Hudon was one of the better goal scorers in the league and there’s no doubt that St. John’s is counting on him to do so again this year. He didn’t disappoint, at least on the offensive side of things, leading the team in goals. Despite being cut fairly early, Hudon should be in the discussion to be one of the next call-ups should further injuries arise in Montreal.
Stats: 8 GP, 5 goals, 2 assists, 7 points, -4 rating, 25 shots, 6 PIMS
3rd Star: Chris Terry – Signed to be this year’s version of Bud Holloway, Terry pretty much did exactly that in October. He led the team in scoring and didn’t do a whole lot else. As someone that has played a checking role in the NHL in recent years, he should be able to adjust to playing against top lines and become a real two-way threat for the IceCaps.
Stats: 8 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, -5 rating, 22 shots, 6 PIMS
Honourable Mention: Mark Barberio – After an absolutely atrocious opening week, Barberio has once again become St. John’s number one defenceman by a considerable margin. He’s playing in all situations and although TOI stats aren’t available, he’s likely up near the top of the board league-wide in that category. If more injuries strike and the Habs need someone who’s going to play a regular role, he’ll be the one getting the call.
Stats: 8 GP, 0 goals, 6 assists, 6 points, -1 rating, 15 shots, 10 PIMS
Other Prospects
1st Star: Noah Juulsen (Everett, WHL) – Juulsen had a good showing in Montreal’s training camp and carried that into a strong start to his final junior campaign. Last year he was expected to be an elite two-way blueliner but the offence wasn’t there with much consistency. That isn’t the case so far this season as he is picking up the points while also carrying the load in his own end. He didn’t make the World Juniors last year but if he continues his strong play over the next month, that won’t be the case this time around.
Stats: 11 GP, 5 goals, 6 assists, 11 points, +4 rating, 10 PIMS
2nd Star: Jeremiah Addison (Windsor, OHL) – The Habs decided to send him back for his junior overage season over trying out with St. John’s, a decision that I’m sure was helped along knowing that Addison is now on the Memorial Cup hosts. He has yet to produce with much consistency so far in his OHL career but this year he’s getting the opportunity to play a key role on a good team and he certainly has made the most of it so far.
Stats: 9 GP, 7 goals, 6 assists, 13 points, +1 rating, 30 shots, 12 PIMS
3rd Star: Michael McNiven (Owen Sound, OHL) – Expectations are a lot higher for McNiven this season. Not only does his team have a bit more firepower, he’s also one of the top returning goalies in the OHL. The extra pressure doesn’t seem to be weighing on him so far as he’s off to a strong start and is among the league leaders in goals against and save percentage.
Stats: 10 GP, 7-3-0 record, 2.17 GAA, .921 SV%, 1 SO
Honourable Mention: Simon Bourque (Rimouski, QMJHL) – The Habs have to sign Bourque by June or lose his rights and he’s making a strong early impression, particularly on the offensive side of things where he’s once again a bit of a power play specialist. He’s far from a one trick pony though and logs a ton of minutes in both offensive and defensive situations for the Oceanic.
Stats: 12 GP, 2 goals, 11 assists, 13 points, +2 rating, 33 shots, 12 PIMS
