Assessing the Depth: Right Wing
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If there’s one forward position that doesn’t have many questions heading into the summer for the Habs, it’s the right wing. The same, however, can’t be said for their prospect base at that position.
If there’s one forward position that doesn’t have many questions heading into the summer for the Habs, it’s the right wing. The same, however, can’t be said for their prospect base at that position.
With the youth cupboards looking pretty bare on defence, the Canadiens may have a shot at a hot commodity on the backend in Czech defenceman Jakub Zboril. He could be a steal as the 26th pick by the Canadiens, should he last that long in the draft.
An exciting scoring forward by the name of Jake DeBrusk may be available for Montreal to select at the #26 position at this month’s NHL Entry draft. DeBrusk is another draft eligible player who has bloodlines to the NHL, as his father Louie DeBrusk played for over 400 games in the pros.
One of the players that the Canadiens may target with the 26th overall pick in the upcoming draft is Jansen Harkins, a centre for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. Jansen is one of the prospects who comes from a hockey family as he is the son of former NHL’er Todd Harkins, the current GM of the Cougars.
For the second time in three days, the Habs announced a re-signing in the hours leading up to puck drop in the Stanley Cup Final. This time, it’s Torrey Mitchell receiving a new three year contract through the 2017-18 season, foregoing free agency in the process. The deal carries a cap hit of $1.2 million.
The logjam at centre for the Montreal Canadiens is well known and many expect something to be done about it this offseason. What’s the situation down the middle like for the rest of the organization though?
On Saturday afternoon, the Habs locked up another part of their blueline, signing Nathan Beaulieu to a two year contract. Although financial terms were not disclosed, Beaulieu’s deal will reportedly carry a cap hit of $1 million per season.
The Habs have not been known to take too many risky picks in the first round over the years but with the team picking at the back yet again, the time may be right to make a ‘home run swing’. One of the players who fits the description of a potential boom or bust selection is forward Thomas Novak.
We all know the top end of Montreal’s depth chart on the left wing is strong due to the emergence of Max Pacioretty as a high quality front liner. Beyond him though, how does that position stack up in the rest of the organization?
With the emergence of Nathan Beaulieu and the long-term signing of Jeff Petry, the defence situation for the Habs is looking good. Can the same be said for the rest of the organization? Our depth series continues with a look at the blueline.