The Habs turn their back on one of their prospects compared to Jake Guentzel

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David St-Jean
August 6, 2024 (11:47)

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Jake Guentzel is a formidable hockey player, and the Canadiens were quite pleased to have a forward of that caliber in their ranks.

That was their hope in 2019 when they selected Rhett Pitlick in the 5th round. The young man showed very promising signs.

"When Timmins and Shane Churla drafted Rhett Pitlick, they were hoping that, in the best-case scenario, the young man would become a player with a style similar to Jake Guentzel's."

- Nicolas Cloutier

However, this was not enough to convince the new administration of the Canadiens, who have just let him go.

After two seasons in the USHL and three in the NCAA since his draft, the young prospect is now free to sign with the team of his choice.

"The Canadiens confirm to me that Rhett Pitlick is no longer a prospect for the organization."

- Nicolas Cloutier

Despite a strong performance in his final NCAA season, where he had a campaign of 36 points in 39 games, Rem Pitlick's younger brother falls victim to the depth of the Canadiens' prospect pool.

"Rhett, brother of Rem, former Canadiens forward, just completed his best season in the NCAA, but it evidently didn't convince the management given the number of forward prospects. 5th-round pick in 2019."

Now 23 years old, Rhett will be motivated to prove to the Canadiens that they were wrong to let him go.