Montreal Canadiens: Top 5 Defenceman Prospects

3. Josh Brook

A year ago, this guy would be ranked even higher. Josh Brook was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft, but he had turned 18 just a few days before, so he played his entire draft year as a 17 year old defenceman in the Western Hockey League.

He played well as a 17 year old, scoring eight goals and 40 points in 69 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors and showing he was not afraid and wouldn’t back down from a battle. He quickly developed into one of the best two-way defenders in Junior hockey, and scored 16 goals and 59 assists for 75 points in 59 games during the 2018-19 season.

The 6’1″ and 195 pound right shot plays a fairly physical style, while being comfortable with the puck on his stick. His offensive numbers at the WHL level show he has no problem firing the puck up ice with a breakout pass or skating with it himself and using his terrific stickhandling skills to deke out a few opponents on his way into their zone.

Still just 20 years old, Brook struggled in his first full season of pro hockey. He lacked confidence early in the season and was eventually partnered with Karl Alzner who helped him become a better defensive player as the Laval Rocket season went on. As he became better defensively, he started to show more of his natural offensive skills as well.

Brook finished the season with just four goals and 13 points in 60 games, but was much better in March than he was in October, which is the most important thing for a player who isn’t old enough to order a beer yet after many of his road games.

Brook has unbelievable skills with the puck on his stick and has the size and ability to play a punishing defensive game. It wasn’t there all year long this season, but if he continues on the upward trajectory he was on, he is going to be a player that the Montreal Canadiens count on to play a lot of minutes in every situation in the next few years.