Sasha Pastujov
Sasha Pastujov was the biggest surprise slider in the draft last season and he is showing everyone that it was a mistake to pass up on his offensive abilities.
The Florida native was the highest scoring player on the United States National Development Team last season. Now, he didn’t quite put up Jack Hughes numbers or Cole Caufield’s goal totals, but he did score 30 goals and 65 points in 41 games. He also starred at the World Under-18s where he had five goals and eight points in five games.
Pastujov is an extremely skilled winger who can buy time in the offensive zone with great stick handling, he can make great passes and also has a wicked shot. Somehow, no one chose him in the first two rounds of the 2021 NHL Draft, but the Anaheim Ducks grabbed him with the second pick in the third round.
Now, Pastujov left an offer from Notre Dame on the table to jump to the OHL. He has 20 goals and 35 points in 26 games this season for the Guelph Storm. The 18 year old is tied for third in the OHL in goals scored this season.
The Canadiens could desperately use goals. Every year it seems like goal scoring is a major issue and even in the years they make the playoffs, they can’t seem to score with consistency.
Pastujov was not drafted until 68th overall but no one would have batted an eye if he went 31st. He was ranked late in the first round by some (29th by ISS, 31st by Sportsnet) and early in the second round by many (36th by Bob McKenzie).
Now, he is one of the best goal scorers in the OHL while the Canadiens wait to see if Mailloux will be allowed to play any hockey this year.