Better for the Future
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In today’s NHL where the salary cap can really put a dent in your progression, developing well and always ensuring the cupboards are stocked with talent is essential. The Montreal Canadiens have appropriately addressed areas of need in these last two drafts. And although for the most part, they are hopefuls, there are some plays selected who have a lot of potential to be something special down the line.
Regardless of where the NHL club finishes, the prospects need to be developed well and placed in situations to succeed. If it’s in the NCAA, keep them there, if they’re good enough to play in the AHL bring them up. If they’ve proven they can handle the grind of the NHL, ensure they’re not exposed and lined up with the right individuals to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
There is a lot to look forward to in the oncoming years, and some of these youngsters could find themselves playing a game or two for the Has this season. As I mentioned earlier, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kotkaniemi get a look in the team’s first nine games, but Bergevin has brought up the potential of Poehling joining the team after his season at St. Cloud State is over.
Not everyone is going to pan out. Even the most successful teams in the NHL have prospects that they leave unqualified. But as long as the Montreal Canadiens identify those who are worth working on, and hang on to them, they’ll be in a lot more ideal situations moving forward as an organization.