Montreal Canadiens: Three NCAA Prospects The Habs Need To Sign or Lose By Season’s End
Brett Stapley
Brett Stapley was a 7th round pick of the Canadiens in 2018 after a couple of successful seasons in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers. He scored 59 points in 52 games before heading off to begin his college career.
Stapley suited up with the Denver Pioneers starting in the 2018-19 season and showed some great defensive abilities right away. He also held his own offensively as a first year college player scoring five goals and 19 points in 32 games.
He scored five goals again in his second season, but added 25 assists for 30 points in 35 games. Last season was a grind in many ways, as Stapley battled injuries and several Covid disruptions throughout the season. He finished with just 13 games played and had seven points.
This season, he is at the top of his game. He has been playing a third line centre role, but also plays on the power play and is a key member of the team’s penalty killing unit. He does all the little things incredibly well like winning face-offs, blocking shots, playing smart positional hockey, taking care of business in the defensive zone and winning battles.
Oh, and he also scored 38 points in 34 games this season. He added more of a goal scoring touch this season, sniping 14 goals in the regular season, which equals his total from his first three seasons combined.
A strong forecheck and steal by Carter Savoie sets up Brett Stapley, and the BC native doesn't miss.
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) January 17, 2022
2-0 Pioneers pic.twitter.com/8qDRlUFc9G
It is easy to make comparisons to Jake Evans who was also a 7th round pick, also scored just about a point per game in his second college season and put up over a point per game in his fourth season. Evans was also better in the defensive zone than the offensive zone and that all matches the description of Stapley’s game.
Incredible overtime winner by Brett Stapley (#Habs prospect) last night. Beats the defender one-handed then finds a hole in the goaltender. pic.twitter.com/1QWWFzBpc4
— Mitchell Brown (@MitchLBrown) February 3, 2019
Stapley has shown some offensive flair from time to time but his defensive game and attention to detail are what will make his a good pro. With Denver ranked as one of the top teams in the country, Stapley’s season is far from over, but when it does end his college career is complete as well.
The Canadiens would be wise to get him under contract as soon as they can.