Canadiens Draft Options: The Later Rounds

With all the talk surrounding what the Canadiens will do with the 9th pick, that is only one selection in a long 7 round draft full of intriguing prospects.

Our draft coverage for the Canadiens has covered a wide range of potential scenarios. We’ve talked about the main options who are expected to be around at the 9th pick including forwards Clayton Keller, Logan Brown, Tyson Jost and Alexander Nylander as well as defencemen Mikhail Sergachev, Jakub Chychrun and Jake Bean. We’ve also explored the possibility of the Canadiens trading up with the Edmonton Oilers and selecting Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Something that is sometimes overlooked is the impact late round steals can have on a franchise. The Canadiens know this first hand thanks to roster players like Brendan Gallagher and top prospects like Charles Hudon and Martin Reway. Now admittedly, every team unearths gems in the later rounds.

Saying all of that, here is a small list of potential prospects that Canadiens fans should keep a keen eye on as the draft unfolds in 3 weeks.

RW Vitali Abramov – Gatineau Olympiques

GP-G-A-Pts: 63-38-55-93

Ranked #29 by Central Scouting(NA skaters)

Abramov had a stellar rookie season in the QMJHL. Lack of size(5’9″, 170 lbs) is the only thing keeping him from being a surefire 1st round pick. Has great offensive instincts and elite speed.

RW Alex DeBrincat – Erie Otters

GP-G-A-Pts: 60-51-50-101

Ranked #21 by Central Scouting(NA skaters)

DeBrincat has been an offensive force in the OHL. Has 102 goals and 205 points in just 128 OHL games. Lack of size(5’7″, 161 lbs) an issue but possesses real offensive skills. Likes to battle and play the dirty areas like Brendan Gallagher though not as gritty.

LW Tyler Benson – Vancouver Giants

GP-G-A-Pts: 30-9-19-28

Ranked #24 by Central Scouting(NA skaters)

Injuries hampered his draft eligible year but still produced when playing. Has been highly touted since bantam but has been slow to develop. Could be an absolute steal in the 2nd round if he stays healthy.

D Sean Day – Mississauga Steelheads – 3rd Round

GP-G-A-Pts: 57-6-16-22

Ranked #59 by Central Scouting(NA skaters)

Has struggled with consistency since being the 4th player ever given CHL exceptional status(joining John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad and Connor McDavid). Good size and still has the tools to be very good. Needs refinement, good coaching and most importantly, patience.

LW Dimitri Sokolov – Sudbury Wolves

GP-G-A-Pts: 68-30-22-52

Ranked Ranked #129 by Central Scouting(NA skaters)

Was the only real offensive threat on a dreadful Sudbury team. Despite little help, still managed to hit 30 goals. Average skater but has good hands and shot. Could see a boost in production if Sudbury is bad again and he gets dealt to a contender next year.

C Henrik Borgstrom – HIFK-Helsinki Jr, A

GP-G-A-Pts: 40-29-26-55

Ranked #9 by Central Scouting(EU skaters)

An intriguing prospect that has good size(6’3″, 170 lbs) and good offensive tools. Going non-traditional route for European skaters and playing in the NCAA. Has produced in Finland’s lower leagues and could be a sleeper.

RW Ty Ronning – Vancouver Giants

GP-G-A-Pts: 67-31-28-59

Ranked #88 by Central Scouting(NA skaters)

Son of Cliff Ronning, Ty plays a very similar style as his father. Good goal scoring instincts and doesn’t let his size(5’9″, 165 lbs) impede his progress. Another small player who can produce.

Next: Canadiens Draft Options: Defenceman Jake Bean

These are just a very select few players that should be on the Canadiens radar on draft day. Obviously their are literally a few hundred other potential prospects available but these 7 prospects caught my attention for one reason or another during the season. They all possess one or more specific skills that would be welcomed into a relatively weak Montreal Canadiens farm system.