Grading Montreal Canadiens Prospects Performance At World Junior Championships

Sep 15, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Zachary Fucale (70) reacts as Buffalo Sabres center

(not pictured) scores a goal during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens have received high praise for their past few drafts, and fans got a closer look at their top prospects over the past few weeks at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The Habs had six recent draft picks suiting up for their country, all of whom played prominent roles on their respective squads.

Sep 15, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman

(not pictured) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie

(30) as center Mikhail Grigorenko (25) and left wing Martin Reway (89) looks on during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest surprise of the tournament had to be Martin Reway. Reway is from Slovakia and his country was given nothing more than a passing glance from all the experts before the World Jr. Tournament began. Well, the team made some noise, but ultimately finished about where you would expect: getting smoked in the quarterfinals by a powerhouse (Sweden.)

Along the way however, Slovakia gave Canada a huge scare, and had by far the best line in the entire tournament. The line was led by Reway, who would finish the preliminary round leading the scoring race with 10 points in 4 games.

He did pile up four points against the terrible German team, but he almost single handedly beat Canada with 2 goals and an assist, and grabbed a pair of points against the USA. For a guy and a team with literally no expectations coming into the tournament, Reway showed he can score with the best young players in the world. Oh, and he is eligible to return again next year.

Overall, I would give Reway at least an A+ for his performance.