Montreal Canadiens: Three Players You Want To See Fall To Habs In Round 1

Francesco Pinelli

Francesco Pinelli is one of the many prospects that has rankings a bit all over the place, though most draft pundits would have him slotted ahead of where the Habs are slated to pick at 31st overall.

He had a very promising 2019-20 season as a rookie with the Kitchener Rangers. The 6’1″ and 185 pound centre scored 18 goals and 41 points in 59 games during his first season in the Ontario Hockey League.

Of course, the OHL didn’t play at all this season, so Pinelli was left scrambling to find a place to play. He took an unusual route and found a pro team in Slovenia that he could join. Though it isn’t the hockey hotbed that Ontario is, Pinelli made his way across the Atlantic and scored 11 points in 13 games against players much older than himself.

He returned to suit up for Canada at the World Under-18 Tournament and he was fantastic.

Pinelli’s hockey sense and awareness on the ice are his biggest attributes and that two-way game was on full display while he represented Canada. He scored four goals and 11 points in seven games helping the country win a gold medal.

The Hamilton, Ontario native could be picked well before the Canadiens make their choice, but his two-way ability is something that would make him a terrific selection if he falls a bit below his rankings.