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Top 10 Prospects: Montreal Canadiens |
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A couple weeks ago many were concerned about the pipeline in Quebec. The system was lacking much in the way of a blue-chipper, and it's depth was depleting quick. Along came the 2012 Draft, and those concerns are gone. Along with getting an elite talent in Galchenyuk, Montreal was able to snag a lot of value in their draft with some high end offensive players, with a dash of character and two-way ability. Montreal now owns a well rounded system at forward and defense. They will want to address the lack of goalies in the system at some point, however.
1. Alex Galchenyuk, Center
Sarnia Sting, OHL
3rd Overall, 2012
6'1, 200 lbs
A high end offensive player who shows the ability to play in all-zones, Gally is a complete player who's stock fell a bit after missing his season with a knee injury. Gally raises the play of his linemates with slick passing to the point of over-passing at times. He's a hard working character kid, who plays with some tenacity to his game. He's a tremendous skater and could be an All-Star level player for years.
Upside: Franchise Center
NHL Comparable: Marian Hossa, if he were a center
2. Nathan Beaulieu, Defense
Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
17th Overall, 20121
6'2, 190 lbs
A tremendous skater, Beaulieu can burn defenses in a multitude of ways. He makes slick passes to an open man, or can cut to the outside with the puck, beating defenders with his speed. He's at hi sbest in the transition game and on the PP where his offensive tools come to the foreground. He has some issues with decision making which could correct themselves with maturity. Beaulieu shows some real hustle and plays with a slight edge to his game.
Upside: #2-#3 Rushing Defender
NHL Comparable: Jack Johnson
3. Sebastian Collberg, Right Wing
Frolunda, SEL
33rd Overall, 2012
5'11, 175 lbs
Speed, speed and more speed. Collberg flies down the wing and has the quick release shot to make goalies look foolish. He's a creative player, with good puck skills and an explosive stride. He's got some strength issues with his size and can go invisible as teams check him harder. The worry is how he'll produce going forward.
Upside: Top Six "Sniper"
NHL Comparable: Phil Kessel
4. Brendan Gallagher, Right Wing
Vancouver Giants, WHL
147th Overall, 2010
5'9, 180 lbs
Gallagher is a quick skater who shows some offensive abilities with leadership abilities and a whole lot of "intangibles" to his game. He's a hard working forward who goes to dirty areas and outworks men for the puck. Beyond his size, some question how high end his offense really is, but he works hard for every point.
Upside: Top Nine Scoring Pest
NHL Comparable: Brad Marchand, without the dirty
5. Louis Leblanc, Center
Hamilton Bulldogs, AHL
18th Overall, 2009
6'0, 180 lbs
Leblanc utilizes speed and two-way ability in a package that makes him valuable to many teams. A strong defensive game with a competitive attitude, Leblanc plays a simple game, taking the puck to the net hard. A good cycling forward along the boards, Leblanc lacks the ability to create offense, but makes up for it on the PK. Going forward, Leblanc should settle into a complimentary role.
Upside: #2-#3 Two-way Center
NHL Comparable: Patrice Bergeron-lite
6. Danny Kristo, Right Wing
North Dakota, NCAA
56th Overall, 2008
5'11 190 lbs
Kristo is a gifted skater who makes it look effortless. He has the ability to play with the puck on his stick and draw in defenders to himself. He makes slick passes from the outside and can play well with other creative players. At times almost slippery, Kristo needs to add strength.
Upside: Top Six Winger
NHL Comparable: Simon Gagne
7. Jarred Tinordi, Defense
London Knights, OHL
22nd Overall, 2010
6'7, 220 lbs
Big and at times mean, Tinnordi is a mammoth on the ice. He makes himself bigger with his wingspan, forcing offensive players around him should they want to make a play. His reach breaks up plays, and he has the ability to finish plays by leaning into a puck carrier. Tinordi's year went much better than last, as his puck handling didn't look so grenade-like. He led his Knights to an OHL Championship this past year as Captain.
Upside: 4-5 Shutdown Defender
NHL Comparable: Matt Greene
8. Dalton Thrower, Defense
Saskatoon Blades, WHL
51st Overall, 2012
6'0, 190 lbs
Able to rush the puck, Thrower is a hard-nosed kid. Able to make quick passes in transition, or skate it up the ice, Thrower has a good offensive side to his game. Aggressive on the ice, Thrower likes to dummy forwards with big hits, and is even willing to drop them at a moment's notice. He brings a cannon of a shot offensively, too. He's a willing defensive player, and will sacrifice the body to block a shot.
Upside: 3-5 Two-way "Truculent" Defender
NHL Comparable: Kevin Bieksa
9. Tim Bozon, Left Wing
Kamloops Blazers, WHL
64th Overall, 2012
6'0, 175 lbs
Bozon utilizes quick hands and puck skills to back defenders off when he has the puck. He can make plays well and is a tremendous player along the boards, willing to fight for a puck. He has an edge to his game and will take the puck to the net hard. A decent finisher, Bozon lacks that one skill to make people go 'wow' with him.
Upside: Top Nine Gritty Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable: Mason Raymond, with an edge
10. Charles Hudon, Left Wing
Chicoutimi Saugeens, QMJHL
122nd Overall, 2012
5'10, 170 lbs
The best thing about Hudon is his high end puck skills. He thinks the game well and can play with the puck like it's on a string. He's a gifted playmaker who can thread the puck through legs and dense coverage. He's lethal on the PP, moving the puck from the outside along the half wall. However, he is very tiny and lacks the speed that most smaller players tend to have to beat out checkers.
Upside: Top Six Creative Forward
NHL Comparable: Derek Roy
System Graduates: Alexei Emelin
Honorable Mentions: Michael Bournival, Morgan Ellis
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