Montreal Canadiens: Filip Zadina could have a Nico Hischier-like effect

Filip Zadina’s numbers this year are comparable to Nico Hischier in his draft year which could hint at big things if he ends up with the Montreal Canadiens.

As the days since the 2018 NHL Draft Lottery have increased, Montreal Canadiens fans are getting more and more used to the likely choice at the podium in Dallas. It’ll most likely start with a salute to the fan base from the Marc Bergevin, followed by a short statement of congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champions. Who that will be is still a mystery, but after that will be the some of the most exciting words spoken every year: The Montreal Canadiens are proud to select…

That’s still a mystery as well. However, it’s obvious who the consensus number three overall pick is among scouts. Halifax Mooseheads star winger Filip Zadina is slated to be taken in that position, and thanks to the draft lottery, the Habs can choose to select him if he’s available. That’ll depend on what the Carolina Hurricanes do with their pick just ahead of Montreal’s.

Buffalo is holding that first-overall selection close to their chest, but the Hurricanes with their new management group in place may choose to get active. Rick Dudley does have a history of trading top picks, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Hurricanes deal theirs to make a big addition to their roster.

For now, let’s assume everything goes as expected. The Sabres channel the will of Tim Murray and select Rasmus Dahlin, followed by the Hurricanes taking Andrei Svechnikov at two. That leaves the Montreal Canadiens to welcome Zadina into their freshly stocked prospect pool.

You’ve probably read all the stories of how much of a dedicated player Zadina is. His drive and passion for the game have been detailed by countless scouts as well as his head coach in Halifax. Any organization would benefit from having a player like him in the ranks, but there’s a special layer Zadina brings to the table.

Comparables in the Elite Department

Many have probably already spent a lot of time on Zadina’s stats page. With 44 goals and 38 assists for 82 points in 57 games, the Czech native led the Halifax Mooseheads in goals and was one point shy of the leader in overall points. Additionally, his season total had him seventh in the QMJHL. Impressive stuff, but exactly what you’d expect from a projected top-five pick.

Hischier

Goals per game: 0.67
Assists per game: 0.84
Primary points per game: 1.21
Points per game: 1.51
Even strength goals per game: 0.40
Even strength assists per game: 0.46
Even strength points per game: 0.86

Zadina

Goals per game: 0.77
Assists per game: 0.67
Primary points per game: 1.12
Points per game: 1.44
Even strength goals per game: 0.59
Even strength assists per game: 0.39
Even strength points per game: 0.98

Some of the differences are expected given the difference in position and playing style. However, Zadina’s 5v5 PPG is incredible. A player like that in Montreal’s forward group is going to be a thing of beauty, and his shot and goal locations prove that he’s not afraid to go in those hard areas to produce.

It also makes it better that he sounds like he wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens in the future. In an interview with TVA Sports, Zadina said he was happy to learn that there was an opportunity of joining the Habs organization. A dynamic goal-scorer who was to be part of the project, what else could Bergevin and company ask for?

Hischier finished his season with 20 goals and 32 points working his way up to centre the New Jersey Devils’ top line. If Zadina can bring something like that in his rookie year, then that’s all management can ask for.

Next: Habs Should Inquire About Jake Gardine

Dominating from the wing is a difficult ability, but top players in the league have proven that they can do it. What we’re talking about now with Zadina can’t be proven until he plays his first NHL game. However, the underlying numbers say there’s a good chance it can be a reality. Hopefully, it’s with the Montreal Canadiens.

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