A prospect of the Canadiens on the way to being released by Kent Hughes soon?
When the Montreal Canadiens traded Ben Chiarot to Florida around the 2021 trade deadline, the organization acquired a first-round pick, but also an interesting young prospect, in Ty Smilanic.
This third-round pick, in 2020, performed well in his first season in the NCAA, accumulating 21 points, including 14 goals, in 28 matches. However, he noticeably slowed down in his second university campaign, producing 13 goals and 23 points, but in 41 games.
With the aim of boosting his performance, the 21-year-old forward decided to leave his Quinnipiac University team last year to join Cole Caufield's former team, the University of Wisconsin.
Unfortunately for the young man, the result was catastrophic, both for him and for the team in general. He only scored one goal and two points, in 14 games.
Knowing this context where he did not really experience the anticipated progression at the time of his acquisition by the CH, we recently learned that he is leaving the NCAA to join the professional ranks.
- Marc Antoine Godin
However, although he wishes to play in the pros, there could be a significant turnaround involving him in the coming weeks. As pointed out by the excellent Marc-Antoine Godin, he could reach a crossroads, sooner rather than later with the Canadiens.
But I don't see why he wouldn't start by helping out the T-R Lions."
- Marc Antoine Godin
According to the Radio-Canada journalist, if he fails to make a good impression in the coming days, Kent Hughes might put an end to Smilanic's experience in the Montreal organization.
Considering that the Canadiens are not likely to have many rookies in their lineup this season, coupled with the fact that many more promising young players will be joining the Laval Rocket roster, Smilanic's fate may be with the Trois-Rivières Lions, in the ECHL.
He will be a case to watch closely during the Canadiens' rookie camp.
Credit : Habs et LNH
| POLL | ||
What would you do with the prospect Ty Smilanic, looking forward to the next season? | ||
| I would sign him for the Laval Rocket | 29 | 50 % |
| I would sign him for the T-R Lions | 20 | 34.5 % |
| I would not sign him | 9 | 15.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
