Montreal Canadiens Youngsters Starting to Shine

It may have felt like a long time coming, but the Montreal Canadiens seem to finally have some of their promising young stars producing. Yes, the season is still very early but you have to be feeling some sort of optimism with these youngsters the Canadiens possess on their roster. Nick Suzuki and Alexander Romanov have looked exceptionally comfortable out there despite only being 21 years of age.

Suzuki is in year two with the Habs, had a great rookie season last year, and has been a force for the Habs so far this season, notching four points in the first four games. Despite playing second-line center he is averaging the second most time on ice for the forwards just behind Danault.

Suzuki also has excellent passing and great vision on the number one powerplay unit which has been on fire as of late.

Alexander Romanov found the net early this season, posting a goal and an assist thus far. You would never guess the Russian second-rounder would be a rookie this year by watching the way he plays. Romanov is an exceptional skater and puck mover and seems to rarely make any mistakes. Like Suzuki, the young defenseman is getting plenty of ice time, averaging just over 18 minutes per night.

The Canadiens have been patient with 3rd overall pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi. After a bit of a slow start this season, he added two points against the Canucks on Wednesday night and will hope to build some momentum off that.

The Canadiens have struggled developing young prospects into elite players in the past. Players such as Alex Galchenyuk, Jacob De La Rose, Michael McCarron, Noah Juulsen, Nikita Scherbak, and Victor Mete have seemed to all fall short of their full potential.

Suddenly, a trio of young players are playing prominent roles for the Canadiens and they have all taken huge leaps forward in their development. It is quickly becoming a trend that Habs young players are developing rapidly.

Let’s hope the more recent prospects such as Cole Caufield, Kaiden Guhle, Ryan Poehling, and Cayden Primeau can find success in the upcoming seasons.