Hey, Hi, How Are Ya!?
It's been awhile since I have been able to venture into these parts, what with having to pay a whole lot more attention to real life than normally used to, but I thought it would be nice to check in with an update of sorts on how your Montreal Canadiens players and prospects have been faring through this disturbing lockout.
Habs Players
Tomas Plekanec:
- What really needs to be said here? Tommy two-tone is lighting it up in Kladno with a mere 42 points in 28 games played. Skating alongside Jaromir Jagr, it's like Habs fans watching yet another "what could have been scenario" - reminiscent of those Selanne-Koivu dreams of years past. Even though its a dream that will never come to fruition as JJ stands to be a member of the Stars should there be an actual season, it's still astonishing to watch a Hab thrive outside the NHL knowing full well that he is not likely to tear it up the same way when he returns. Still, there's no hiding that Plekanec is playing at a high level and would be ready should an NHL season break out.
Andrei Markov:
- Still battling the occasional simple (though frightening to Hab fans) injury, the Habs veteran rear-guard is slowly getting his game back on track with Vityaz Chekov in the KHL. Though he has only 5 points in 14 games, it sounds like each passing game sees him taking strides forward. It's hard to tell from all the way over here in North America, but colour me skeptical that he's even close to 100%. I can only imagine how he would be handling a season right now!
David Desharnais:
- Playing in Swtizerland, Desharnais has 7 points in 10 games with Fribourg. It seems like he is lighting it up when he wants to and, in my opinion, may not necessarily be up to challenging himself in the same way he is used to. Considering his perennial underdog story, I am not quite sure if play in the Swiss Elite League is cutting it for him. Nevertheless, the longer he stays out there, the more points I expect he will rack up.
Lars Eller:
- He is definitely among the few players I am jonzing to see play. Through 9 games played in Finland, the Habs Great Dane has 5 goals and 8 assists, at times playing like a man among boys. And while its hard to judge what his play thus far means, it's easy to see what a healthy off-season has done for the promising Habs center. This was truly to be a breakthrough year for Eller as he was still looking to pick up on his incredible performance from the playoffs two years ago. There's a lot to like in Eller and it seems like the time may be drawing near where folks finally realize he wasn't that bad a haul for Jaro "stop sign" Halak.
Alexei Emelin:
- Another Hab poised to take a big step forward this year, it would seem the hard-hitting Emelin is cruising along in his comfort zone patrolling the blue line for AK Bars Kazan in the KHL. With 7 points in 20 games, there isn't all that much excitement swirling around the defenseman. Much like DD, I have to wonder if Emelin isn't feeling a tad underwhelmed about his current challenge as, after finally making the jump last year, he finds himself right back where he started from. Not to say he isn't happy to be home, but it is a bit of a regression for him, especially mentally as he had committed to sticking it out in Montreal for the foreseeable future. Hopefully when he does return, he will regain that step in his stride which had a penchant of stopping offenders dead in their tracks.
Raphael Diaz:
- Happy to be home may be a bit if understatement for Diaz as, after his quietly successful campaign as an NHL rookie, he is tearing it up in the Swiss League with 27 points in 26 games, not to mention his +21. Perhaps a bit astonishing to some fans, the truth is that Diaz's production was the reason the Habs were interested in the first place. It's tough to tell if the smooth skating blue liner will ever light up the NHL the way he does at home, but you can certainly see why there was interest in him! If anything, it would be great to see Diaz continue to light it up as, if the season is to return, he will need to be playing his absolute best to secure a spot on the blue line.
Scott "Scooter" Gomez:
- An ace among spades, Scooter has potted 10 points in 8 games with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. Surprised? Don't be. He did the same thing last time there was a lockout, though I have to admit, it's hard to imagine he is only 32 years old. If anything, it's great to see he is playing. Perhaps the long time off and playing at home is helping restore his love of the game. There's no hiding his laziness of the past few years, a sign that perhaps the vet was bored with the challenge. We are talking about a multi-millionaire Cup winner who had been there, done that. I am definitely not trying to make amends for his horrid play, only offering up the fact that his production in Alaska, at the very least, suggests he is having fun. Hard to say if he will ever find that kind of fun under the bright lights and heavy pressure of MTL and the NHL though...but ya never know. (*cough, cough, compliance buyout, cough cough*)
Yannick Weber:
- Gulp. Is that accurate enough? The once promising draft pick, we are talking about a guy who lit up the OHL alongside guys like PK Subban and John Carlson, is faring decently in Switzerland. Though, at this point, if he isn't lighting it up, you have to wonder if he ever will in a Habs jersey? He has certainly hung around long enough due to his implied promise, but with each passing day it seems like other prospects are clawing their way past him on the depth chart. And this is without NHL hockey, imagine if there was a season? Anyways, Weber has 17 points in 27 games so far, but is also a -3 - a far cry from the +21 his fellow Swiss Hab is posting in the same league. Thoughts? Fading trade bait would be about all I've got...
Of Note:
- Colby Armstrong is now skating for Utah in the ECHL, though he has only played 1 game (no points).
Habs Prospects: Bulldogs
Blake Geoffrion:
- The young descendant of Habs legends was cast a rough blow on his course towards a career in the NHL as he suffered a fractured skull early in November. Being there to witness the massive check Blake sustained, it's safe to say I was beyond blown away when I learned he skated off the ice with a cracked skull. There I was thinking he'd injured his shoulder. Incredibly, and quite fortunately, Geoffrion is slated for full recovery, though there is no telling if a return is a certainty. Given the magnitude of the injury, it's hard to blame him for taking the time to take stock of his life. Recovery and decisions aside, Geoffrion was playing very good hockey in Hamilton and was showing that Hobey Baker promise that lured the Canadiens into making the deal in the first place. Best of luck in your journey, Blake.
Brendan Gallagher:
- The Dogs leading scorer since Geoffrion's injury, the small sniper is putting the fears that he wouldn't be able to transfer his game to the pro level to rest. With 6 goals and 6 assists in 20 games, it's easy to tell the young Bulldogs are struggling to make a dent in a very talented AHL, but Gallagher's promise is still shining through. I am constantly impressed with his play and work ethic and can't imagine how he won't continue to get better. Clearly those around him need to get better as well, but he is certainly leading the pack in terms of Dogs prospects who are impressing.
Nathan Beaulieu:
- Sure, there was a point earlier this year where Beaulieu was on the ice for something like 11 consecutive goals against, but who said turning pro wasn't a learning experience? Fortunately, from that point on, the Habs 1st rounder is starting to find his groove. With 5 points in his last 3 games, it is starting to seem like some of those early season lessons are starting to sink in. Gaining hs coaches trust is paramount for the young defender and with his recent play, it's easy to see he is starting to earn it.
Jarred Tinordi:
- The behemoth defender hasn't exactly found his offensive touch through his first 20 games as a pro, notching only 2 points and posting a -8, but that hasn't stopped the talk of his progress from making the rounds. It sure would be nice to see better totals, but knowing full well that Hamilton is the youngest team in the AHL, you have to cut the youngsters some slack as they catch up to the pack. Speaking of catching up to the pack, recent word has Tinordi truly finding his form. For such a big player, there's no hiding it can often be a bigger transition from Junior to Pro, but like his fellow first round pick, Nathan Beaulieu, it seems the former London Knights captain is finding his rhythm.
Morgan Ellis:
- Struggling like his fellow rookie blue liners, Ellis is also enduring a transition phase. With 4 points in 17 games, Ellis has yet to make too much of an impact, but knowing his work ethic and his past rise through the ranks, I expect it won't be long before he follows Tinordi and Beaulieu in getting on track. Having been unable to catch much of his progress in person with the Dogs, it would be great to hear a few thoughts from those of you fortunate enough to watch these guys play.
Patrick Holland:
- A top ten scorer in the WHL last year, Holland has been hot and cold through the early stages of his pro debut. With 7 points in 20 games, the smooth passing winger is still looking to find better chemistry with his fellow prospects, but it's coming. I am especially interested in seeing how he winds up working with Gallagher. Given his set up abilities and BGally's speed and sniper abilities (not AGally), I have high hopes they can click as a duo in the future. Again, like with Ellis, I'd love to hear some thoughts on his progress from you all.
Louis Leblanc:
- Thanks to a high ankle sprain, Leblanc saw his quick start to the season cut short for 6 weeks, forced to take a month off to recover. Since his return, LL has put up a couple points (that would be 2) in 5 games. Despite the hindrance of his injury, big things will be expected out of Leblanc this year. Destined to be a strong candidate to make the Habs roster, should there be a season, it will be key for him to demonstrate he is ready to management - who are constantly watching. I am still excitedly waiting for the day when Leblanc can be reunited with Danny Kristo...hopefully that finally happens this spring.
Michael Bournival:
- Last year's captain of the Memorial Cup winners, Bournival finds himself tied with fellow prospect Patrick Holland with 7 points through 18 games played. More so than most prospects mentioned to date (apart from BGally), Bournival seems to be the most at home in making his transition to the pros. Though that may not necessarily be represented in his totals, word is his heads up and play and ability to keep up are where they need to be. Hopefully that will shortly translate into a bit more production, but given his reputation for also being a strong checker, I take that the mentions of his ability to fit in mean he is not lagging on the south side of the puck.
- As for the rest of the Dogs, I haven't got much time to run down the maybe prospects, like Palushaj and Desjardins, but from all accounts there is still much to be desired from Palushaj while, I have to say, I am pleased to have Desjardins back in the fold as a Habs prospect. Not great, but definitely not terrible. Hopefully Palushaj awakens a bit...
Habs Prospects: QMJHL
Charles Hudon:
- A hugely impressive reward for Montreal's most recent 5th round pick, Hudon is having an absolutely terrific season in the Q, having notched 18 goals and 18 assists in 27 games. The impressive totals have not gone unnoticed as Hudon appears to be all but a lock as a winger for the second line of Team Canada. One of the shining gems from this past summer's draft, there is nothing not to like about what Hudon is bringing to the table. Very excited to see him play at the WJC.
Olivier Archambault:
- With 29 points in 31 games, the 4th round pick from 2011 has yet to play up to his promise. While near point a game pace isn't exactly terrible, he is going to have to continue to get better.
Habs Prospects: OHL
Alex Galchenyuk:
- 52 points in 31 games. Dy. No. Mite! Safe to say, were there NHL today, he'd be fighting it out for a spot on the Habs. That said, there is no hiding the value gained in being healthy and playing regularly (not to mention dominating)! Haven't seen him play in person yet, but with WJC on the horizon, I will be keeping my eyes Team USA without a doubt.
Brady Vail:
- Snapped up a round before Hudon, Vail was lighting it up at the start of the season for the Spitfires, but has since cooled off. That said, with 31 points in 32 games, he is proving to be another great catch...especially if he can get back on track to the form he showed earlier in the season.
Habs Prospects: WHL
Tim Bozon:
- Following the trend of stellar picks from the summer of 2012, Bozon, the Habs 3rd round pick has been having a great season with the Kamloops Blazers, posting 17 goals and 42 points in 32 games. Though he, like Vail, has fallen off slightly from the start of the season, Bozon is playing on a monster of a team in Kamloops and should continue to put up big points.
Darren Dietz:
- Things aren't rolling along in Saskatoon for the Blades, but Dietz is still plodding along. While he has put up 16 points in 30 games, a sign of how things have gone for Dietz and the Blades is his matching -16. Beyond the team struggles, hopes are still high that Dietz will round into a solid prospect.
Dalton Thrower:
- One of Trevor Timmins' second round steals this past summer, Thrower just returned from a prolonged absence to injury. Playing on the same troubled Blades team as Dietz, Thrower has fared a bit better, posting 9 points in 15 games, with a notable +9. Hoping the injury is behind him, both Habs and Blades fans will likely keep a close eye on Thrower as he picks up his play.
Habs Prospects: NCAA
Danny Kristo & Mark McMillan:
- Kristo, a highly regarded prospect for quite some time, is in his final season with UND and is playing well, though as always, there's room for more. He has 15 points in 14 games and has been helping fellow Habs prospect, Mark McMillan, find his feet in NCAA competition. McMillan, for his part, has 12 points in 16 games and is coming along nicely after his 23 point rookie season last year. Both UND prospects are very interesting and I think will have an impact sometime down the road.
- Other college prospects, like Dustin Walsh and Mac Bennett are playing well for their respective universities, while guys like Mike Cichy, Colin Sullivan and Josiah Didier have plenty of room to grow.
Habs Prospects: Europe
Magnus Nygren:
- The 2011 4th rounder is making headway with Farjestad BK this season, racking up 17 points in 28 games. Though I can't speak to what that means for the youngster, it is nice to see him holding his own at a professional level. Thoughts are that a trip to North America may be in the cards for Nygren next season.
Sebastien Colberg:
- Rounding out the 2012 summer steals, Colberg is having his ups and downs but is still managing to produce. With 8 points in 15 games, I'm not overwhelmed, though the highlights leave me excited to see more. Hopefully his development continues to take strides and fans in North America get to see some of that in the near future. Any updates on Colberg's play from those who have gotten a better look would be very welcome.
Erik Nystrom:
- With 24 points in 22 games, the 2012 6th rounder is fitting in great with Karlskrona in Sweden's J20 league (on loan from Modo). Though I'm not sure if he isn't just playing at a level where he isn't all that challenged, I will be looking forward to see how that production transitions moving forward.
- Other euro prospects, like Kyle Klubertanz and Daniel Prybil haven't been doing all that much worth noting, though if anyone has a more info on those prospects, feel free to chime.
That's about it for now.
While not much, at least it's all Habs related. ;)
I will try to check in more often with updates as I can.
Hope you're all doing well!
www.twitter.com/StevenHindle
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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