A Winning Habit
Fansided

Canadiens Top Five Draft Steals Since 1996

By Kenric Mannette

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Noah Juulsen on stage with team executives after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Noah Juulsen on stage with team executives after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next

Honorable Mentions

Mark Streit – 9th Round, 262nd overall in 2004

The Canadiens took a shot on a 26 year old Swiss defensemen in Mark Streit. The Canadiens took a risk of drafting a 26 year old and hoping that he could quickly adjust to NHL style. Streit was able to do just that.

Canadiens
Feb 10, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Mark Streit (32) before the game against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

The Habs enjoyed Streit’s first two seasons as he was able to get used to the speed of the game. He showed versatility by playing both defense and wing. It was in his third season, though, that Streit was able to put it all together. In 81 games Striet scored 13 goals and added 49 assists for 62 points. During that 2007-2008 season Streit gave the Canadiens a huge weapon on the power play by compiling 34 points with the man advantage.

Thinking you could land a player of Mark Streit’s caliber at 262nd overall is crazy. He has been an elite offensive defensemen throughout his career. He has also had the gift of being an excellent Quarterback on the power play.

Why Striet Didn’t Make the Top 5

Streit didn’t crack the top 5 because he simply just didn’t play with the Canadiens long enough. As soon as Streit had become an elite power play specialist he was gone in free agency to the New York Islanders

Michael Ryder – 8th Round, 216th overall in 1998

It took 5 seasons after Ryder was drafted until he appeared for the Canadiens. He was worth the wait as he would light it up as a rookie. He would go on to score 25 goals and 38 assists for 63 points as a rookie and was runner up to Andrew Raycroft in Calder Trophy voting.

Ryder’s impressive production continued as he was able to hit the 30 goal plateau in his next two seasons. Ryder seemed to be destined to be a core member of the Canadiens offense for years to come. However, the very next season things changed for Ryder.

Canadiens
Dec 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Michael Ryder (17) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Devils 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2007-2008 Ryder would struggle with consistency as his numbers dropped off dramatically from the three years prior. In 70 games he managed to score only 14 goals. Ryder had lost his confidence as the team lost their confidence in Ryder.

After Ryder’s brutal season, he left the team as a free agent, signing with the Boston Bruins. As a Bruin, Ryder would enjoy some success, even winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 2011. Ryder was able to find some other success with various teams, including another brief stint with the Canadiens in 2012-2013.

Why Ryder Didn’t Make the Top 5

Ryder had a great run with the team early on as a sniper. However, it seemed that when the Canadiens needed him to score during the playoffs, he just couldn’t deliver. He wasn’t with the Canadiens for that many seasons and when he left Montreal in 2008, it felt like he left on bad terms in my opinion. Then he went and signed with the rival Boston Bruins which still doesn’t sit right.

All in all, Ryder has enjoyed an impressive NHL career. As Habs fans will always remember his impressive sharp shooting ability.

Next: Canadiens 5th Best Draft Steal

Home/Editorials