A Winning Habit
Fansided

Montreal Canadiens Prospects Won Impressive Awards This Season

By Ken MacMillan

VICTORIA , BC - JANUARY 2: Ryan Poehling congratulates Cayden Primeau (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VICTORIA , BC - JANUARY 2: Ryan Poehling congratulates Cayden Primeau (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 06: Ryan Poehling #25  (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 06: Ryan Poehling #25  (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Ryan Poehling

Acquired: 2017 NHL Draft,1st round pick, 25th overall

2018-19 team: St. Cloud State, NCAA

Likely 2019-20 team: Laval Rocket

Ryan Poehling was the Montreal Canadiens first round pick in 2017. He was coming off a rookie campaign with St. Cloud State. He had just seven goals and 13 points in 35 games that season. Those aren’t exactly eye-popping numbers, but Poehling was 17 years old for the first half of the season, playing in a league dominated by 20 and 21-year-olds.

Poehling broke out the following season, scoring 31 points in 37 games and leading his NCAA team to a first-place standing most of the season. The Lakeville, Minnesota native also suited up for Team USA at the World Juniors.

The 2018-19 season was a huge breakout campaign for Poehling. He once again led the St. Cloud State Huskies to a #1 ranking for most of the year. He primarily played even strength with his twin older brothers Jack and Nick. They aren’t as offensively gifted as their younger brother, and that may have held back his offensive totals a bit.

However, Ryan played a role on the power play and was a big part of the team’s penalty killing unit. He was injured in their first playoff game, and they were upset early on, leaving them on the outside looking in during the Frozen Four tournament.

Poehling played for his home country at the World Juniors again this season. He was excellent this time. He scored five goals and eight points in seven games, leading USA to a silver medal. The Habs prospect was named tournament MVP for his exceptional two-way play throughout the event.

With his College team eliminated early, Poehling was able to suit up for one NHL game. He made the most of it. Amazingly, he scored a hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs and also scored the game’s winning goal in the shootout.

Poehling will still have a battle on his hands for a lineup spot with the Canadiens in October. He will likely start the season with the Laval Rocket but will play a huge role for them. I would expect he somehow manages to carve out a role with the Habs by the end of the season.

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