Like their draft team, none of the Montreal Canadiens prospects are still playing in any of the CHL playoffs this season. The Canadiens only had 6 prospects in the CHL this season, 5 were drafted and 1 signed as a free agent. The group is headlined by their 2015 1st round draft pick, defenceman Noah Juulsen who played with the Everett Silvertips in the WHL.
Noah Juulsen: 6’2…, 185 lbs - D - WHL Everett Silvertips:
It might appear that Juulsen took a step backwards this season as he recorded 28 points in 63 games compared to 52 in 68 games last season. However, stats only tell one small part of the story. In reality, Everett was a team starved for offense and goals. They should have bee one of the offensive dynamos this season but potential #1 overall pick Auston Matthews spurned them to go to Switzerland and another potential top ten pick Tyson Jost elected to remain in the BCHL. The Silvertips needed to replace the void in absence created by Canadiens 2014 1st round draft pick Nikita Scherbak turning pro and the were unable to do so. Head coach Kevin Constantine had his team playing defence first and Juulsen excelled in this area. Despite the lower point totals, Juulsen was named to the WHL’s 2nd all-star team at the end of the season. Juulsen was also Team Canada’s last cut at the 2016 World Junior Championships. Juulsen should hopefully make the team in 2017. Injuries and concussions are a bit of a concern with Juulsen. He missed most of the Canadiens training camp last year and recovered just in time to play in the final exhibition game, where he did not look out of place. In game 2 of the second round of the playoffs this April, Juulsen suffered another injury with the speculation being another concussion.
Matthew Bradley: 5’11…, 188lbs - C - WHL Medicine Hat Tigers
Bradley often seems to be the forgotten prospect, despite being drafted in the 5th round of the 2015 draft by the Canadiens. He was the only draft pick that seemingly was not invited to training camp last Fall. Bradley had to recover from a benign tumour in his nose early in the season, causing a slow start to the year for him. However, he bounced back with 51 points in 68 games, a career high. Bradley was named the team’s hardest working player at the end of the season, not a surprise for Trevor Timmins/Marc Bergevin draft pick. He will return to play with the Tigers in 2016-2017.
Jeremiah Addison: 6’0, 189 lbs - LW - OHL Ottawa 67’s:
Addison was the Canadiens 7th round draft pick in 2015. Addison is a physical, energy style of player with the potential to contribute offensively. He was able to improve on his numbers, recording 56 points in 66 games, up from 47 points in 63 games the season before. Addison also has the ability to raise his game in the playoffs as he has 13 points in 10 CHL playoff games over the past two seasons. After the 67’s season came to an end, Addison joined the St. John’s Ice Caps for their final two weeks of the season. Addison recorded his 1st professional point with an assist and did not look out of place. Next season, look for Addison to either remain with the 67’s as an overage player or join the Ice Caps and become a professional player. As of now Addison is unsigned.
Michael McNiven: 6’1…, 215 lbs - G - OHL Owen Sound Attack
McNiven was signed as a free agent last Fall by the Canadiens. Undrafted, McNiven attended the Canadiens development camp last July. He took their advice from the camp to get fit and returned a much improved goalie at the Canadiens rookie camp in September. He impressed enough to earn a contract, helping to shore up the Canadiens depth at goaltender. McNiven’s numbers this season took a bit of a hit but it is hard to judge solely on numbers as the Owen Sound Attack as a whole had a difficult year. At 19 years old, McNiven still has one more year left of junior eligibility and will look to continue to improve his technique and play in net.
Daniel Audette: 5’9…, 188 lbs - C - QMJHL Sherbrooke Phoenix
Audette was drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 draft by the Canadiens. Son of Donald Audette, Daniel has had question marks as to how his game will translate to the pros due to his height. Audette seemed to have taken a step back this season, recording 59 points in 52 games compared to 73 points in 60 games the season before. However, he finished strong adding 6 points in 5 playoff games. His offensive skills might be better suited as a winger as a professional player. Like Addison, he got a taste of the pro game as he joined the Ice Caps after his season ended. He has already signed a professional contract with the Canadiens and so expect him in St. John’s come the 2016-2017 season.
Simon Bourque: 6’1…, 184lbs - D - QMJHL Rimouski Oceanic
Bourque was drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 draft by the Canadiens. He was one of the few CHL prospects to improve his numbers, recording 46 points in 66 games compared to 38 points in 68 games a season before. He also added 5 assists in 6 playoff games. Full of character and leadership capabilities, as an 18 year old Bourque was named the Oceanic’s captain. Although his team lost in the first round, he was rewarded with a taste of the pro’s signing an amateur tryout with the Ice Caps in order to keep his junior eligibility. Although Bourque only dressed for one game, he earned an assist and held his own playing against men. The return of Joel Hanley, Darren Dietz and Ryan Johnston from the Canadiens to the Ice Caps forced Bourque to the sidelines for the last two games of the season. Bourque will return to the Oceanic in 2016-2017. While Bourque has offensive instincts, he is more of a natural playmaker and needs to work on his shot.
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