The Montreal Canadiens might lose several quality prospects soon
Since becoming the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Kent Hughes has started a rebuilding process aimed at injecting youth into the lineup. He has notably acquired numerous draft picks in hopes of replenishing the team's prospect pool, bringing fresh energy to the organization.
However, every NHL team faces a 50 contract limit. This stipulation could surely disadvantage many young players. Indeed, prospects like Luke Tuch, Jared Davidson, Miguel Tourigny, Cedrick Guindon, Blake Biondi, Ty Smilanic, and Petteri Nurmi have one last chance to impress the Canadiens' brass to earn a new deal next summer.
All in the final year of their contracts, this season is undeniably crucial for them, as their future with the Habs isn't guaranteed. It wouldn't be surprising if some end their affiliation with the Canadiens in just a few months.
Luke Tuch
Selected in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft, the 6'2", 203-pound forward had an impressive first season with Boston University, scoring 11 points in 16 games. However, Tuch struggled to enhance his offensive output, gathering only 9 goals and 11 assists in 40 games last season.
Jared Davidson
The 130th overall pick in the 2022 draft shone last season with the Seattle Thunderbirds in junior ranks. Davidson tallied an impressive 38 goals and 44 assists (82 points) in just 60 games, adding another 23 points in 19 playoffs games. The centerman will make his debut with the Laval Rocket in 2023-2024.
Miguel Tourigny
After an outstanding season in the QMJHL, recording 80 points in 65 games with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Acadie-Bathurst Titans, Tourigny was drafted in the 7th round by the Habs last year. Unlike many young players, the defenseman chose to further his development in Europe. This decision paid off as he performed well with Dukla Trencin in Slovakia, tallying 26 points in 44 games. He will also make the jump to the Canadiens' farm team this season.
Cedrick Guindon
The centerman from the Owen Sound Attack impressed many in the OHL last season, recording 27 goals and 42 assists (69 points) in 68 games. His strong performance earned him an invitation to the Canadian team for the upcoming World Junior Championship. The 19-year-old aims to continue his momentum in junior ranks this year.
Blake Biondi
A fourth-round pick in 2020, Blake Biondi unfortunately suffered a severe injury, sidelining him for much of the 2022-2023 season. The University of Minnesota-Duluth forward only recorded three goals and three assists in 17 games.
Ty Smilanic
Acquired in the trade that sent Ben Chiarot to the Florida Panthers last year, the 2020 third-round pick seemed to struggle this year, garnering only two points in 14 games with the University of Wisconsin. However, he previously performed well in his first year at Quinnipiac University, amassing 21 points in just 29 games.
Petteri Nurmi
The Finnish defenseman, drafted in the 7th round in 2022, has made significant strides over the past twelve months. After recording only four points in 58 games, Nurmi nearly quadrupled his offensive output with 15 points in 48 games with HPK Hameenlinna last year. His progression will be interesting to follow this season.
In your opinion, which players deserve a contract extension next summer?
| POLL | ||
Which prospect deserves a new contract with the organization? | ||
| Luke Tuch | 32 | 40 % |
| Miguel Tourigny | 10 | 12.5 % |
| Jared Davidson | 33 | 41.3 % |
| Cedrick Guindon | 5 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
