Montreal Canadiens: Some Names to Consider at Pick 31

When you talk about players that are all gas, no brakes, Gavin Brindley is undoubtedly on that list. He’s a tenacious, do-it-all player who loves to forecheck and work his but off. He’s also terrific defensively; in other words, a coach’s dream. He can play in all situations, create energy for his team, and has pretty good skill to boot. The forward put up 38 points in 41 games this year on one of the best teams in college hockey. It’s amongst the best production for draft-eligible players at this level in recent history.

But like Perron, Brindley is on the smaller side, at just five-foot-nine, although he’s a better, more powerful skater than Perron. But Brindley doesn’t have high-end skill or intelligence either, which leads some to wonder if he has top-six upside. I think Brindley has shown he can deliver in this department and is more than capable of producing at a rate worthy of at least a middle-six role.

And his versatility is certainly an asset many teams will covet. He’s an all-situation guy, he can play on the PP, the PK, and of course, at even strength. He’ll create chaos and be a giant pain in the ass to play against. With Brendan Gallagher’s future uncertain, it might be time for the Canadiens to look at the next replacement. Brindley might be able to fill that role quite well. I’d be all for it at pick 31, assuming he’s still there. Bob McKenzie has him ranked 30th on his final rankings, which is around where most other services have him. Good chance he’s there for the Canadiens to pick if they want him.