Montreal Canadiens: Early roster projections for the NHL Rookie Showdown

The Montreal Canadiens are gearing for the NHL Rookie Showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators highlighted by Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

For many, all things for the Montreal Canadiens don’t start until training camp. However, there is something else that is usually a pretty big draw for the organization, that being the Rookie Tournament against prospects from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. Last year’s Showdown roster had 2015 first-round pick Noah Juulsen at the forefront who was on the verge of making his professional debut. This time around, the honour goes to Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The 18-year-old has been turning heads and raising eyebrows at U20 games and matches overseas in Liiga. And after the three-day Four Nations tournament in Sweden, Kotkaniemi will be flying to Montreal to take on the two other organizations.

Kotkaniemi won’t be the only prospect there. The Montreal Canadiens have confirmed the participation of Jake Evans, Will Bitten, Cam Hillis, Jeremiah Addison, Lukas Vejdemo, Alexandre Alain, and Samuel Houde. There will be debuts for four of the seven listed as Bitten, Alain, and Addison were on last year’s squad.

But who else will be part of the team? Unfortunately, college rules don’t permit NCAA players to take part meaning the likes of Ryan Poehling and Cayden Primeau will have to sit out again. There’s also a fair chance Jesse Ylönen, Jacob Olofsson, and Alexander Romanov stay in Europe instead of making the trip over to North America as their preseasons are currently taking place.

Injuries are going to have an impact on the shape of the roster as well. 2017 second-round pick Joni Ikonen is still recovering from the procedure on his right knee, and there hasn’t been any word on whether Hayden Verbeek is good to go after breaking his wrist during the Western Conference Finals of the OHL playoffs.

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Fans should expect to see Cole Fonstad and Allan McShane from the 2018 entry draft, as well as, Josh Brook, Scott Walford, Cale Fleury, Jarret Tyszka, and Michael Pezzetta. As far as goaltenders go, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Michael McNiven return for another run.

Invites are a common thing at this event, and the Habs will most likely hand out some opportunities for unsigned prospects to get a look. It worked for Alain.

The full 23-team roster should be out early September, and it’ll be interesting to see how the coaching staff constructs the lines and pairings. Victor Mete‘s performance at the tournament led him to having an impressive training camp for the Montreal Canadiens. Those who are hoping Kotkaniemi can make the team should be looking for him to have the same impact.

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