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It would take a crazy good post-Olympic or playoff run for the Habs to find themselves drafting in these ranks. However, perhaps the Canadiens value a player on this list more than others and want to select them early. The Habs have shown a tendency in recent years to find value by picking below a player’s expected draft slot. With a third of the season still to play and then the playoffs, many on this list can improve or completely tank their rankings to line up with spots where Montreal does hold a pick.
#25 – Ryan Roobroeck
Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) – C
Start of season rank: 10
The 6’4 pivot had an outstanding first two seasons in the OHL with 51 points as a rookie, followed by 87 points in 64 games last season. Knowing that, it’s little worrisome for him to be at 58 points in 49 games this season (a 79-point pace) and the result is showing in the rankings. A player who was always in the top ten to start the season, sometimes even top five, Roobroeck finds himself completely outside the first round on certain lists now. The concern for many is that he’s unidimensional with his shooting and that he seems to lack engagement on certain nights this season. Sounds like Cole Eiserman 2.0 to me. If he really slips and the Habs can take that gamble late in the round, they absolutely should. The tools this player possesses can’t be taught and that alone is worth the flyer this late in the round.
#26 – William Hakansson
Lulea HF (SHL) – LD
Start of season rank: 26
This 6’4 defender is already playing against men in the SHL and holding his own there. He excels at blocking lanes with both body and stick, willing to take penalties to kill plays in his own zone. While the offence may never be his calling card at two points in 22 games in the SHL, he moves around well and is a decent playmaker so he won’t be limited to a shut-down role either. Should the Habs want to get tougher on the blue line, this would be a good option for that. Not sure there’s a path for him to land with Montreal given his position though.
#27 – Yegor Shilov
Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) – C
Start of season rank: 32
At 6’1, he should use his size more than he does for success in junior hockey. However, the skills that he shows to win puck battles like his stick and feet are likely more translatable at the next level. He’s over 55% on faceoffs for the season and is a constant threat off the rush and in the small area game. Critics question his work ethic as he tends to take shifts off. He’s committed to Boston University for 26-27 and so far has produced 62 points in 48 games. The talent is there, will the rest of the game follow? This would be an intriguing prospect for the Habs in my opinion.
#28 – Tomas Chrenko
HK Nitra (Slovakia) – C
Start of season rank: 24
At just under 6’, Chrenko started the year rated as a late second-round pick by most. A strong season at Nitra so far, where he’s scored 25 points in 38 games, gave him a slow climb to an early second-round pick. A strong showing at the World Juniors vaulted Chrenko up a few more spots to now be on many late first-round rankings. Chrenko is agile and uses open ice very well, complementing it with an above-average game over all 200 feet of ice. An intelligent centre is never a bad pick, but it’s not exactly the home run pick the Canadiens might want to swing for here.
#29 – Jack Hextall
Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) – C
Start of season rank: 21
Hextall’s numbers are really popping in the USHL this season as he’s scored 43 points in 43 games. His calling card is puck distribution as his offensive vision is well above average, along with his ability to lure a defender close to open lanes around him. He’s a relentless workhorse in chasing the puck and creating mistakes from the opposition. At an even 6’, this is a player who is getting more attention the more the season moves along. However, I believe this isn’t a player profile that will be of much interest for the Habs.
#30 – Niklas Aaram-Olsen
Orebro HK (SHL) – RW
Start of season rank: 23
Aaram-Olsen was a force early on as he scored 34 points in 24 games in the Swedish U20 league. He did this by utilizing a power game to attack the middle of the ice and anticipate turnovers. His 6’1 frame has limited his ability to repeat this success in the SHL as he’s scored no points in 12 games, resulting in a recent trip back to the junior level. This is a player with the right attitude and mindset who needs to figure out how to use his tools against tougher opponents. This would be an interesting gamble for Montreal in my opinion, because with the right coaching, this player appears to have the tools to figure it out.
#31 – Alexander Command
Orebro U20 (U20 Nationell) – C
Start of season rank – 60
According to these rankings and a very similar stat line of 38 points in 25 games with the U20 team, Command was also able to earn a chance to play with Aaram-Olsen in the SHL. The 29-rank upgrade makes a ton of sense for this player. Scouts see a 6’1 centre with a high motor, relentless compete, and excellent vision. This is a project pick that could become a slam dunk and that is what has caused this meteoric rise in the rankings. A sizeable centre with jam to his play is a far safer (or high-floor pick) than a power forward that will need to adapt his game to the best defenders in the world. Still, I will be very interested in seeing how Command reacts to the additional attention he is clearly creating around himself.
#32 – Maddox Dagenais
Quebec Ramparts (QMJHL) – C
Start of season rank: 40
Son of former Hab Pierre Dagenais, Maddox doesn’t really play like his dad. At 6’4, Maddox skates well and works hard. With only 43 points in 48 games in the Q, his offence might not translate to the pros, but his size and work ethic means that at worse, he should become a serviceable bottom-six player. This is a high-floor pick that won’t excite many fans but he could be a good choice.
