Montreal Canadiens: Hayden Verbeek is now another prospect to watch

The Montreal Canadiens have another prospect to keep in their sights as Hayden Verbeek and the Sault. St. Marie Greyhounds continue their series with Saginaw.

It came in the midst of a 6-4 loss to the Washington Capitals, but the Montreal Canadiens did well in adding Hayden Verbeek to the prospect pool. Before Saturday, the main playoff series’ in the OHL to watch was Sarnia vs. Windsor for Michael Pezzetta and Hamilton vs. Ottawa for William Bitten. With Verbeek in the fold, Habs fans should be tuning into Sault. St. Marie and their series against the Saginaw Spirit.

The Greyhounds have already taken the first one winning Friday’s game 5-2. Verbeek had two shots and went 53% in the faceoff circle. If that disappoints you, don’t let it. One of the best things about Verbeek’s game is not what he has on the score sheet, but what he brings on the ice. However, it was Game One, giving Verbeek plenty of time to contribute offensively.

If you take a look at any descriptions of the 20-year-old hard work and determination are at the forefront. There were many people on social media, most likely fans of the Greyhounds, who congratulated the young centre agreeing that he deserves to be rewarded with this from the amount of work he’s put on.

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Draft rankings had Verbeek as a late-round pick, but he was unfortunately passed on. That didn’t stop him from continuing to grow his game in all dimensions and get him to where he is now. So who is Verbeek exactly and what can he bring to the Montreal Canadiens? Future Considerations had a well-written scouting report of Verbeek from 2016 saying that he’s a workhouse player that gets hard on the forecheck and remain in the paint to pounce on rebounds.

A word that stands out from the FC report was character. You may roll your eyes at that, but Marc Bergevin listed it as one of the three qualities the Habs will be looking to add. As we’ve seen this season, character plays can still have an impact on your team, even when you don’t expect them to (*cough cough* Nicolas Deslauriers).

Next: Targeting Daniel Brickley

If you want to see Verbeek play first hand, Game Two for the Greyhounds is Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, the team can strap on another win and continue their post-season. The more Montreal Canadiens prospects who are playing meaningful hockey, the better.