Wanted to spark some discussion on the top prospects for each teams that are right now in the AHL.
List the names of players who should reach the big leagues and become NHL regulars in the future. Tell us the role they should play in the NHL. You can also include other informations such as draft pedigree and current stats, etc
It's interesting for Montreal because they recently added a lot of great prospects, but none of them are in the AHL. Suzuki is in OHL, Poehling in NCAA and Kotkaniemi in the NHL, plus a bunch other in CHL/Europe. So there are a lot of average prospects in Laval.
1) Cale Fleury, D - Solid defensive-oriented D with good hockey sense and a knack for physical play. Seems to have top-4 potential in the NHL. Has been one of Laval's best defenseman so far. 3rd round pick in 2017. Stock is on the rise. Probably the only ''blue chip'' guy on Laval, although not elite.
2) Charlie Lindgren, G - Unfortunately hasnt showed to have #1 NHL goalie potential, more of a backup guy. Has been struggling a bit. Good size and skills. Was a free agent signing, so even if he just backs up Price, it's good for MTL. Has a one-way contract next season, should be in the NHL. Only 24 so still time to shine.
3) David Sklenicka, D - Just turned 22, seems to be adapting well to NA. Is physical and can move the puck well. Interesting project. Could be a solid signing by Montreal.
4) Michael McCarron, F - The former first round pick has been good in Laval this year. His size is a big advantage. Will not become a legit scorer at the NHL level. He is definitely in the cards for a 4th line spot, though.
5) Jake Evans, F - Had a great career at Notre Dame, he's adjusting to the pros now, got injured in training camp. Will likely top out as a 3rd for 4th liner.
6) Michael McNiven, G - The free agent signing is starting his second year in the AHL. Doesn't seem to have starter potential but with goalies who knows. He is very young still. Will take time to developp. He has the size for the job. Should be Laval's starter in 2019-20.
7) Brett Kulak, D - Probably should be in the NHL right now, too good for AHL. Solid 3rd pair guy.
8) Gustav Olofsson, D - Unsure what Montreal has with him, seems to be a good skater with defensive skills. Injured right now. Like Kulak, could probably play in the NHL right now. 3rd pair.
9) Lukas Vejdemo, F - Good size, speed and defensive smarts. Could be the next Jacob De La Rose. Doesn't seem to have much offensive upside.
10) Alexandre Alain, F - Another free agent signing, Alain had a huge overage season in the QMJHL and seems to have decent potential if he keeps on improving. A fast two-way smart center with size. A former 9th overall pick in junior. Is playing under his old junior coach right now in Joel Bouchard, which should help him.
List the names of players who should reach the big leagues and become NHL regulars in the future. Tell us the role they should play in the NHL. You can also include other informations such as draft pedigree and current stats, etc
It's interesting for Montreal because they recently added a lot of great prospects, but none of them are in the AHL. Suzuki is in OHL, Poehling in NCAA and Kotkaniemi in the NHL, plus a bunch other in CHL/Europe. So there are a lot of average prospects in Laval.
1) Cale Fleury, D - Solid defensive-oriented D with good hockey sense and a knack for physical play. Seems to have top-4 potential in the NHL. Has been one of Laval's best defenseman so far. 3rd round pick in 2017. Stock is on the rise. Probably the only ''blue chip'' guy on Laval, although not elite.
2) Charlie Lindgren, G - Unfortunately hasnt showed to have #1 NHL goalie potential, more of a backup guy. Has been struggling a bit. Good size and skills. Was a free agent signing, so even if he just backs up Price, it's good for MTL. Has a one-way contract next season, should be in the NHL. Only 24 so still time to shine.
3) David Sklenicka, D - Just turned 22, seems to be adapting well to NA. Is physical and can move the puck well. Interesting project. Could be a solid signing by Montreal.
4) Michael McCarron, F - The former first round pick has been good in Laval this year. His size is a big advantage. Will not become a legit scorer at the NHL level. He is definitely in the cards for a 4th line spot, though.
5) Jake Evans, F - Had a great career at Notre Dame, he's adjusting to the pros now, got injured in training camp. Will likely top out as a 3rd for 4th liner.
6) Michael McNiven, G - The free agent signing is starting his second year in the AHL. Doesn't seem to have starter potential but with goalies who knows. He is very young still. Will take time to developp. He has the size for the job. Should be Laval's starter in 2019-20.
7) Brett Kulak, D - Probably should be in the NHL right now, too good for AHL. Solid 3rd pair guy.
8) Gustav Olofsson, D - Unsure what Montreal has with him, seems to be a good skater with defensive skills. Injured right now. Like Kulak, could probably play in the NHL right now. 3rd pair.
9) Lukas Vejdemo, F - Good size, speed and defensive smarts. Could be the next Jacob De La Rose. Doesn't seem to have much offensive upside.
10) Alexandre Alain, F - Another free agent signing, Alain had a huge overage season in the QMJHL and seems to have decent potential if he keeps on improving. A fast two-way smart center with size. A former 9th overall pick in junior. Is playing under his old junior coach right now in Joel Bouchard, which should help him.