Montreal Canadiens: Nikita Scherbak Set to Have a Breakout Season

Montreal Canadiens prospect Nikita Scherbak has had his struggles in the past, but all signs point to a career year with the Laval Rocket this season.

The 2013-2014 season was probably one of the most successful ones for the Montreal Canadiens in recent memory. After finishing the regular season with 100 points, they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final.

It was hard to be excited for the draft that year considering they would be picking 26th overall. That all changed after the team selected Nikita Scherbak from the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL.

The Canadiens were confident in the player that he would become. That summer, they signed Scherbak to a three-year entry-level-contract. All eyes were on him the next season to see if his obvious offensive skill was legitimate or by chance.

Scherbak started the 2014-2015 season on a new team in the Everett Silvertips, but the results were the same. His point totals increased from the year before with 27 goals and 55 assists for 82 points. After being an above point-per-game player for two years in a row in junior, Scherbak was ready for the next level.

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Unfortunately, the next level was a bit more difficult for him. He finished the season with 23 points in 48 games and also dealt with an ankle injury that kept him out for two months. When asked about his first AHL season, Scherbak said:

"My first season was tough, but the second was very good, so I gained confidence. It was a good group of players. To be successful, I have to simplify my game. Things are not going to work every day."

The second season went a lot better for the 21-year-old as he said scoring 13 goals and 28 assists. Additionally, he made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens. What a debut it was too as Scherbak scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Related Story: Habs Prospect Countdown: 10-6

Breakout Season

There are things that Scherbak needs to work on. He has a great shot, solid hockey sense, and NHL size. To make it to the show full-time, Scherbak will have to improve his defensive game, especially if he plans to play in Claude Julien‘s system.

Habs fans should expect Scherbak to have his greatest pro-season with the Laval Rocket. His goal has to be to play for the Canadiens again this season. Scherbak may be looked upon to be the team’s leading scorer as it looks like Charles Hudon will make the NHL full-time.

St. Johns had only two 20+ goal scorers on its roster last season, one of which being Hudon. It wouldn’t be a ridiculous claim to say that Scherbak could score 25. Additionally, if the Habs ever need an extra forward, you can bet he’ll be receiving a call.

All eyes will be on the Canadiens affiliate team after they made the playoffs for the first time in five years. They have the talent to do it again next season, and Scherbak will be at the head of it.

Next: Prospect Competition at Training Camp

Do you think Scherbak will have a breakout season? Will he spend time on the Montreal Canadiens next season? Let us know your thoughts down below!

Player and team stats from Hockey-Reference.com and Eliteprospects.com. Player contract information from Capfriendly.com