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Grading Montreal Canadiens Prospects Performance At World Junior Championships

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

Mikhail Grigorenko

(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

Jamie McBain

(not pictured) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie

Peter Budaj

(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.

Reway was the only Canadiens prospect to be knocked out in the quarterfinal, and the other five had an opportunity to play for medals.

Charles Hudon started the tournament as the thirteenth forward for Canada but quickly found himself slotted alongside the team’s two best offensive players in Anthony Mantha and Jonathan Drouin. He was placed there partially because the trio had some chemistry from the QMJHL, and partly to be the defensive presence on an otherwise backcheck free line.

To be honest, I was pretty disappointed in his offense. He did not create a whole lot for a guy who had over a point per game with the Chicoumiti Sagueneens and finished the tournament with just one goal and two points in seven games. Pretty underwhelming when you consider his linemates combined for 20 points in the same time frame.

However, he was a good defensive presence on the line, and really allowed Drouin and Mantha the freedom to be as creative and care free as they wanted to be when they had the puck. He was not used with the big guns on the power play, as the cherished spot alongside the dynamic Q duo was given to Curtis Lazar or Nic Petan throughout the tournament.

I would give Hudon a B- for first earning huge minutes, but then not taking advantage of the role.

Zach Fucale took over goaltending duties for Canada for game three of the preliminary round. He would win his first three starts against Slovakia, the United States and Switzerland before falling to Finland in the semi finals.

Sep 15, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Zachary Fucale (70) during a break in the third period against Buffalo Sabres at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Overall Fucale was pretty sharp, but he was not great against Finland, and though the whole team played poorly, the goaltender always takes the brunt of the blame when Canada loses at this tournament. He made some big saves in key times, especially against the Americans and Switzerland, but allowed a few that he would like to have back as well.

Fucale gets a B for his work. This mark would be higher, but the game winning goal he allowed in the bronze medal game was downright terrible, and was the difference in Canada not coming home with a medal. He has a chance to return next year and improve his mark.

Sebastien Collberg suited up in his third World Jr. Tournament, and was pegged to be one the top scorers. Collberg had 13 points in 12 games at the past two events combined, but rather than exploding to new heights this year, he again had six points in six games.

Collberg played well on a deep Swedish team, and was a big help in Sweden earning a Silver Medal. However, the whole tournament I kept waiting for him to use his excellent shot to blow a few pucks behind goaltenders, and he ended the event with just one goal.

I was a bit disappointed in his play, but only because I had sky high expectations for the 19 year old. Due to that, I would give Collberg a B+ for the event.

Jacob De la Rose was the Habs second round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, and was phenomenal for the Silver Medal winners.

De la Rose is known for his strong work ethic and excellent two way play. His offensive game is not at an elite caliber, but he is an excellent defensive forward. He is one of those third line guys who put up a few points but are mostly used as safety nets against the opponents top lines.

Jacob certainly did not disappoint on the defensive side of the puck, but he also racked up a few points as well. He lived up to expectations as a tremendously smart hockey player who can shut down the best players, and he came away with six points in seven games to boot.

This guy has hockey sense that is off the charts, and will be playing in the NHL very soon and for a very long time. He gets a solid A for his World Jr. performance. He is eligible to return next year for Sweden, which would be very fitting seeing as the tournament is held at the Bell Centre.

I must say I was expecting to see more flash and dash out of Artturi Lehkonen. He came away with a gold medal so I doubt if he is kicking himself for his performance, but he could have done so much more throughout the tournament.

Lehkonen, much like Hudon, was blessed with exceptional linemates. He skated alongside Saku Maenalanen who netted 11 points, and Teuvo Teravainen who led the event with 15 points. Lehkonen, who is small and skilled, played most of the tournament with two of the top scoreres, yet only came away with four points.

He is eligible to play again next year, and it is hard to fault a guy who won gold, but unlike Hudon and De la Rose, Lehkonen will not be making the NHL as a third line checker. However, he apparently has the heart of the toughest checkers in the league.

How can I not give an A+ to a guy who played injured, and played well, and won a gold medal?

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