at number #1 we have
Nick Suzuki - I feel Nick is our best prospect U20 because Nick has what it takes to be a star in the NHL. He’s not the best skater, but his skill and hockey IQ are both off the charts, I personally think he plays a lot like Crosby and Marner. He narrowly missed his second straight 100 point season and his third straight 40 goal season. Suzuki has the ability to take over games with his offense.
#2 Ryan Poehling - I have Ryan at number 2 because Poehling is the most NHL ready prospect in the Montreal Canadiens system. There’s a good chance he’ll be on the Opening Night roster. He’s already made his NHL debut, and got a hat trick during it. Poehling isn’t the best skater, but he’s got enough skill and size to make up for it. I’d rank him slightly above-average at skating.
#3 Jesperi Kotkaniemi - I have Kotkaniemi at #3 because he just finsihed his rookie season and the center was the youngest player in the NHL this season and he played in 79 of the 82-game schedule. He finished with 11 goals and 34 points, which put him ninth in rookie scoring and fourth among players drafted in 2018, while only playing 3rd line minutes. I watched almost all Jesperi's games this season and I honestly believe he should have played one more season in Finland. I'm not bashing him for what he did in Montreal this year but there was moments when he looked confused and looked gassed/tired.
#4 Cole Caufield - Cole is personally my favorite prospect of ours as he reminds me of Alex DeBrincat. Cole Caufield can score goals like a mad man. He’s got terrific offensive instincts and knows how to get open. His shot is obviously terrific. But what I love is how he thinks about the game. Caufield gets to open areas before they exist. He knows where he needs to be. His hockey IQ, combined with his shot, is almost unfair. Plain and Simple, we got a steal at #15 when some rankings had him as high as #5.
#5 Cayden Primeau - At Northeastern, Primeau has been quite dominant. He won the Mike Richter Award as the top collegiate goaltender. Primeau did great during the WJC as well, posting a .936 save percentage in five games. He recently signed his entry-level contract, so expect him to get some time in the ECHL or AHL this season. Primeau’s athleticism stands out to me. His positioning is very good for someone who’s about to turns 20 years old, but he’s still a few years away from being NHL ready. Having Carey Price to mentor for the next 6+ years will help his develompent for sure also.
Here is my list of my personal list of Montreal's best prospects of the age of 20 or below. Starts at the top left of the lineup and goes horizontally to the right. Let me know what you think, what i'm missing, who i'm underrating and overrating.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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