Montreal Canadiens: Three Players That Need Strong Showing In Remainder of Preseason

The Montreal Canaidens have played four preseason games already, and still have four left to play before the exhibition schedule wraps up.

Not that wins and losses really matter in the preseason, but the Habs starting with four consecutive losses is likely a harbinger of things to come this season. The 32nd ranked team from last season should be better, but not enough to make a drastic leap up the standings.

We learned a few things so far since training camp began, including the fact the team has some really good young prospects that we didn’t know a lot about previously.

Owen Beck was a second round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, and he looks terrific thus far in camp. He has played as well as just about anyone in the first week or so of training camp and really leapt up the prospect rankings, though he is likely destined to be returned to the Mississauga Steelheads for the upcoming season.

Filip Mesar, the ”other” first round pick from last year has really turned heads as well. He played pro in Europe last season so not many fans were familiar with him, but he has made a name for himself with the skill and speed he has displayed so far in training camp. He could be ticketed to the OHL as well, but he may start the season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL.

With four games left to play, there are still some things to iron out for the Canadiens. While many veteran players are pretty much guaranteed a spot in the lineup no matter how they perform, a handful of younger players need to show something if they are going to play on opening night.

With just over a week left to prove themselves before the regular season begins on October 12th, these three Canadiens players need to play well in the coming exhibition games if they want to face the Maple Leafs on opening night.