Montreal Canadiens: Filip Mesar Immediately Gets First Line Duties In OHL

The Montreal Canadiens saw a strong performance from Filip Mesar in training camp. The 2022 first round pick was a bit of an unknown after being drafted out of Slovakia, but he made a name for himself quickly.

A few solid showings in preseason games allowed Mesar to stick around NHL camp longer than most prospects. When he was finally released from NHL camp, the 18 year old was not sent directly to Junior, but was actually given a shot to make the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

Mesar, a skilled forward who can play centre or right wing, actually played the Rocket’s season opening game. He was on their fourth line on the wing so he didn’t play much, and then the organization chose to send him down to Junior.

Canadiens prospect Filip Mesar to play huge role in OHL

While Mesar was just a depth part for that very short stint in the AHL, he is going to play a huge role in the OHL. The Kitchener Rangers must have been excited when the Canadiens announced Mesar would be heading to the OHL, and they have sure rolled out the welcome mat.

Mesar was placed on the Rangers top line upon arrival, with Francesco Pinelli and Carson Rehkopf.

Pinelli was a second round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He is a tremendously talented playmaking centre who scored 22 goals and 60 points in 55 games with the Rangers last season. He has started this season with five points in five games and should be able to create plenty of scoring opportunities for Mesar.

Rehkopf is a 17 year old winger who is projected to possibly be a first round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. He helped Canada win a gold medal at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in the summer by scoring five points in five games. He has four goals in six games already this season for the Rangers and is a dangerous offensive player.

Putting Mesar on that line means he will be playing the wing instead of centre as Pinelli will be playing down the middle. But a creative, smart setup man like Pinelli is a perfect fit for Mesar who will surely capitalize on many of the chances that are created by his two highly skilled linemates.

The Rangers next game is on Friday night when they take on the Sudbury Wolves. Kitchener can use Mesar’s help as they lost their first five games of the season before finally winning on Sunday to improve their record to 1-5-0.

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