Many would argue that the Montreal Canadiens are in dire need of adding forward depth to their prospect pool. However, it is impossible to look into a crystal ball and predict which players will still be available when it is time for the Canadiens to make their first selection at # 26. If certain top defencemen have fallen into the Habs laps, the Canadiens will need to decide whether they pick based on organizational needs or the best player available. Here is a look at some of the defencemen that could be available when it is time for Trevor Timmins to announce the Habs first round selection:
Jeremy Roy - D - 6’0, 188 lbs, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) 2015 Draft Rankings: NHLCS/NA #21, ISS #23, McKeen’s #24, Bob McKenzie #29 2014-2015 Totals: QMJHL GP 46, G 5, A 43, PTS 48
At first glance one might think that Jeremy Roy did not improve his point totals from last year to this season as he previously recorded 44 points in his rookie year. This year though, Roy recorderd his 43 points in just 46 games, performing at nearly a point a game pace which he continued into the playoffs as he scored 5 points in 6 games. Roy is just as impressive in his own zone, where he more than holds his own as he is in an offensive where he is able to quite capably quarterback a power play. His mobility is one of his greatest strengths, as is his hockey IQ and leadership skills. At the past Ivan Hlinka U-18 World Championship, Roy was named an Assistant Captain and had 3 points in 5 games. Roy encompasses everything that GM Marc Bergevin likes in his players. The Canadiens haven’t drafted a defenceman in the first round since the back to back years of Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Bealieu in 2010-2011. If Roy is still available, do not be surprised if you hear Trevor Timmins call Jeremy Roy’s name.
Brandon Carlo - D - 6’5…, 196 lbs, Tri-City Americans (WHL) 2015 Draft Rankings: NHLCS/NA # 25, ISS # 21, Bob McKenzie # 22 2014-2015 Totals: WHL GP 63, G 4, A 21, PTS 25
Brandon Carlo has imposing size at 6’5…. Carlo is a very good skater for someone of his stature though and chances are he will still fill out adding muscle and strength. His defensive play has scouts drooling and was a big part of him being chosen to play at the World U-20 Junior Championships, a tournament where he logged some big minutes. In Tri-City Carlo sported an ‘A’ and also was able to improve his points totals from the previous season (13 pts in 71 games). Improving his offence and shot would help make him a complete two way defenceman but chances are it is his play in his own zone that will get him to the NHL sooner rather than later.
Oliver Kylington - D - 6’0, 185 lbs, Farjestad J20 & SHL (Sweden) 2015 Draft Rankings: NHLCS/EU #6, Bob McKenzie #24, Future Considerations #28 2014-2015 Totals: (SWE) J20 GP 10 G 4 A 3 PTS 7 (SWE) SHL GP 18 G 2 A 3 PTS 5
Oliver Kylington is an intriguing prospect on Defence. This past season he bounced around from the Farjestad J20 to the top SHL to being on loan even to AIK of Sweden’s second division. Kylington is amongst the best skaters of this NHL draft and has excellent offensive instincts. Unfortunately Kylington was injured in an exhibition game against Canada and was not able to compete or display his skills at the World U-20 Championships. His mental game will need to get a little stronger as it took a hit going back and forth between the various leagues. His stock has fallen during the year, as at the midterm ranking he was ranked # 1 by the NHL Central Scouts for European Skaters. He might fall a bit on a draft day but could be a high risk high reward player.
Thomas Chabot - D - 6’2…, 180 lbs, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) 2015 Draft Rankings: NHLCS/NA # 16, ISS # 16, McKeen’s # 21, Bob McKenzie # 25 2014-2015 Totals: QMJHL GP 66 G 12 A 29 PTS 41
Chances are Thomas Chabot will be off the draft board when it comes time for the Canadiens to make their pick. Chabot showed great improvement from his rookie year, from his commitment to defence to nearly doubling his totals from 22 to 41 points. He has proven to be a very versatile two way defender, boasting excellent mobility and transitioning from defence to offence with ease. Chabot is said to be a keen student of the game and has displayed great hockey sense. If Chabot keeps developing at this pace he will have a very high ceiling.
Jakub Zboril - D - 6’1…, 184 lbs, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) 2015 Draft Rankings: NHLCS/NA # 12, ISS # 22, McKeen’s # 18, Bob McKenzie # 14, Craig Button # 26 2014-2015 Totals: GP 44, G 10, A 23, PTS 33
Chances are Jakub Zboril will be off the NHL draft board before his teammate Thomas Chabot. If he has dropped for some reason, the Canadiens should jump at the chance to get him. Zboril is the total package, a complete defenceman who is very responsible in his own end, physical, and can contribute offensively as he recorded 33 points in his first year in North America playing in the QMJHL. His coming out party before arriving in the Q was at the Hlinka U-18’s where he scored 4 goals totaling 6 points in 5 games. Zboril has an accurate shot and enjoys jumping in when the opportunity presents. His skating is good but can be improved upon. According to his draft page on the NHL website, Zboril’s favorite team is the Montreal Canadiens and favorite player is P.K. Subban. With any luck the Habs will be able to make Zboril’s dreams come true.
While I agree with many that the Canadiens need to improve on Offence and add top 6 talent to the depth pool, if either Jeremy Roy or Jakub Zboril are still available when the Canadiens draft it would be foolhardy to pass on these players. With an aging Andrei Markov, inconsistent Alexei Emelin and questions remaining on the future of Jarred Tinordi, drafting a potential top 3 defenceman would be a prudent thing to do. And as we know, Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin believes that you can never have too many defencemen...
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