Is the Canadiens about to piss off Filip Mesar?

PUBLICATION

Julien Trekker
August 19, 2023 (9:38)

SHARE THIS STORY

Is the Montreal Canadiens about to sour relations with Filip Mesar?

The Canadiens' prospect, selected 26th overall in the 2022 draft, Filip Mesar, recently made a statement that raised eyebrows among many.

During the organization's development camp at the beginning of July, the 19-year-old Slovak had this to say to the media:

"When the Rocket sent me back to the Kitchener Rangers in October, I spoke with the Canadiens' management, and they told me I was going to play in Kitchener for just one season. They want to see me in Laval this year. My agent had the same message.

I played against men for two seasons in Slovakia before my draft, so I already have that experience. For my first year in North America, I wanted to adapt to the hockey here. The ice is smaller in Canada. I really hope to play with the Rocket this year." - Filip Mesar

From that moment, everyone assumed Mesar would automatically head to Laval, despite not having performed as well as expected during the last season in the OHL.

His transition to North American hockey was somewhat challenging in the OHL, with many expecting him to dominate more due to his prior experience playing two seasons in a professional league in his home country before being drafted.

However, that was far from the truth. Despite being regarded as an offensive gem to be polished, he only managed to produce 51 points in 52 games. For a post-draft season, especially for a first-round pick, this was a disappointing output. He also didn't fare well in the playoffs, appearing quite invisible during his team's two rounds, garnering only one goal and four points in nine games.

Given Mesar's lackluster impact in junior hockey, where he didn't dominate as anticipated, the play-by-play commentator for the Laval Rocket, Anthony Marcotte, made a striking statement regarding the young CH player's remarks.

"I don't see Mesar in Laval despite what he thinks." - Anthony Marcotte

Marcotte couldn't have been clearer, and I must admit that I share the same sentiment. Even if Mesar wants to move up to the next level immediately, based on his performance last year, he certainly isn't ready for AHL caliber.

Could the Canadiens risk pissing off their young prospect by sending him back to junior despite what he wants?

Frankly, I hope so, as I'd prefer to see him excel in junior hockey rather than barely survive in the American Hockey League. Despite playing two seasons in a professional Slovak league, the AHL is a different beast altogether.

It will all depend on his progress over the summer. It's still possible he has taken a significant step in his development and shines during the Canadiens' training camp. However, he'll have everything to prove to stay in the AHL, and I hope his place isn't already assumed by default.