Although the Montreal Canadiens are out of the playoff picture, the future of the organization are getting ready for their respective post-seasons.
There’s no better value than playing meaningful hockey. That may strike a nerve considering the Montreal Canadiens won’t be doing that this year, but it’s a positive that the players in the prospect pool will be getting their chance to compete for a championship.
Some of the Habs future have already won some silver. Jake Evans and the University of Notre Dame are Big Ten Champions after defeating Ohio State Saturday night. William Bitten and the Hamilton Bulldogs have clinched top spot in the Eastern Conference while Josh Brook and the Moose Jaw Warriors can take their conference as well after already clinching the East Division.
So who has made the playoffs? Evans, as well as Ryan Poehling, Hayden Hawkey, and breakout goaltender Cayden Primeau are in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four competing against other top schools. The Habs 2017 first-round pick will be taking on the Air Force Academy this Friday while Evans and Hawkey are taking on Michigan Tech and Clarkson on Saturday. That leaves Primeau and Providence to face Michigan on Sunday.
Bracket with game times and broadcast channels.
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 18, 2018
All games will also be available through WatchESPN. pic.twitter.com/KIFpFLm1GX
If things go well, there’s a good chance Montreal Canadiens prospects could face each other in future rounds.
As far as the Canadian Hockey League goes, all Habs prospects have clinched playoff spots with their respective teams. It hasn’t been just Bitten and Michael Pezzetta who have been having good years, but Cale Fleury and Jarret Tyszka have taken steps in the right direction as well. Additionally, Brook and Scott Walford are showing signs of top-tier talent giving signs that the 2017 Draft was a good one for the Montreal Canadiens.
The matchups have already been set:
- Tyszka: Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips
- Walford: Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants
- Fleury: Regina Pats vs. Swift Current Broncos
- Brook: Moose Jaw Warriors vs. Prince Albert Raiders
- Pezzetta: Sarnia Stings vs. Windsor Spitfires
- Bitten: Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Ottawa 67’s
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The playoffs have already started for Habs prospects overseas with Lukas Vejdemo and Djurgården in the SHL. Vejdemo sat out of the team’s first game against Linköping but they managed to completely dominate in a 8-1 victory. Patrik Bexall of Habs Eyes on the Prize mentioned that it was a small injury so there’s a chance the 2015 third-round pick could draw into the series soon.
2016 seventh-round pick Arvid Henrikson has gotten is playing playoff hockey right now as well. Örebro HK J20 is moving on after defeating Linköping HC J20 in a best of three series. Henrikson recorded an assist in game one. Brynäs IF is the next draw for Örebro HK as they continue their journey to the final.
After finishing the regular season with less than expected point totals, Joni Ikonen will be making his debut in the playoffs for KalPa on March 21st against Tappara. The 2017 second-round pick has seen growth this year despite not putting up many points, and hopefully, he puts that on stage in the playoffs.
Next: Reasons For Hope Next Season
Who are you the most excited to see play playoff hockey? Can any of the Montreal Canadiens come away with a championship title? Let us know in the comments below.