Montreal Canadiens: Predicting Habs Final Training Camp Cuts

Not Quite Ready Crowd

There are a handful of young players that are playing well at training camp and are showing they could be a big part of the team’s future. However, they just aren’t quite ready to make the NHL roster and will be sent back to Junior, or the AHL, in the coming days.

Owen Beck has been sensational so far in camp, but the 18 year old second round draft pick would benefit from one more season in the OHL with the Mississauga Steelheads.

Emil Heineman has played well in a couple of preseason games as well, but the 20 year old is best off heading back to Sweden to play one more pro season in his home country before he really pushes for an NHL job in 2023.

Filip Mesar has scored some highlight reel goals in scrimmages and preseason contests, playing as well as most forwards in camp. The first round pick from last July has certainly put himself on the prospect map, but he is best served dominating a year in the OHL, or even playing the full season with the Laval Rocket.

Arber Xhekaj is a big, physical presence on the blue line and has not looked out of place in preseason action. He will be playing in the NHL sometime in the near future, but a season with the Rocket would help the 21 year old find his way at the pro level before taking that last step to the NHL.

Mattias Norlinder played six games with the Canadiens last season, but doesn’t seem ready to take on that role for a full season, yet. The 22 year old is a smooth skater, but he needs to develop a better all-around game before he cracks the NHL lineup.