Montreal Canadiens Prospect Michael McCarron Enjoying Resurgence in OHL
Michael McCarron, the Montreal Canadiens first round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft is having an exceptional season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. It should not come as a surprise that a former first round pick is excelling in the Junior ranks, but it is quickly becoming an incredible bounce back season for the enormous 19 year old forward.
After being selected out of the United States Hockey League with the 25th pick about a year and a half ago, McCarron decided to renege on his intent to go to Western Michigan to play College hockey, and instead suited up in the OHL for the London Knights.
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Michael McCarron poses for a photo after being introduced as the number twenty-five overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It was expected that his combination of size, (he is 6’6” tall and weighs 225 pounds) and skill would make him an instant hit with the powerhouse Knights who were scheduled to host the Memorial Cup in May, 2014.
However, a down season, combined with an exceptionally deep Knights roster, pushed McCarron down the depth chart throughout the season and while the likes of Max Domi, Christian Dvorak and Bo Horvat filled the scoresheet, McCarron finished the season with just 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points in 66 games.
The playoffs were not much better for McCarron or the Knights, who fell in the second round to the Guelph Storm and struggled through the Memorial Cup, finishing last among the four teams in the tournament.
McCarron has flipped the script thus far this season with the Knights. In just 20 games he has already matched last season’s goal total of 14, and has 28 points.
It was supposed to be a rare rebuilding year in London where the Knights are perennial contenders, but the emergence of McCarron, coupled with the somewhat surprising return of Max Domi from the Phoenix Coyotes has them in the hunt once again.
London currently sits third in the Western Conference, trailing just Connor McDavid’s Erie Otters for first in their division.
Sep 15, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Camadiens left wing Micha l Bournival (49) celebrates his goal against Buffalo Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth (1) with teammate right wing Michael McCarron (25) as defenseman Mike Weber (6) passes on during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
McCarron has been especially dangerous on the power play for London, where seven of his 14 goals have been scored. He uses his enormous frame to screen goaltenders and battle defenders for loose pucks and rebounds in front of the net. Add to that a surprisingly soft pair of hands for a big man, and the Canadiens prospect is one of the most dangerous power forwards in Canadian Junior hockey right now.
Offensive accolades have not forced the big man into shying away from his duties as an intimidator. McCarron leads the Knights in penalty minutes with 52, and has dropped the gloves on several occasions this season when he felt it to be necessary.
The resurgence has not gone unnoticed by McCarron’s home country of America. He was let go from their World Junior Development Camp in the summer, but earned himself a second look and was invited to their final selection camp last week.
It is a bounce back season that McCarron credits to a refocus on his offseason training routine in the summer, and was obvious since the beginning of Montreal Canadiens camp in September. In his final appearance at the NHL camp, McCarron laid out several Boston Bruins in an exhibition game, and looked fantastic before driving to the Bruins goal and falling awkwardly into the net, injuring his shoulder.
After a tough season, McCarron is back on track to be the player the Montreal Canadiens thought they had at the 2013 draft. A huge winger who can score is something any team, especially the Habs, would pay a huge price to have on their roster.
The Habs paid that price with a first round pick, now we just have to be patient until he finally makes the Canadiens roster. Let the Milan Lucic comparisons begin again.