Montreal Canadiens: Can Ty Smilanic’s Prospect Camp Spark Development?

During the Montreal Canadiens prospect’s development camp, Ty Smilanic looked both quick and fast. He made quick decisions with the puck and showed off his speedy skating.

Acquired in the trade that saw Ben Chiarot go to the Panthers, Smilanic is a fascinating talent, but he is still at least a season away from turning pro.

Smilanic was selected by the Panthers with the 74th overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft. The product has since spent his time in the NCAA with Quinnipiac University, before transferring to the University of Wisconsin for the 2022-23 campaign. In Smilanic’s first season with the Badgers, he played 14 games, posting one goal, and one assist for two points.

He is set to play the 2023-24 season, his senior season, with the Badgers, which could ultimately determine whether or not the Canadiens ink him to his entry-level deal.

Bottling Up Canadiens Camp Performance And Using It With Wisconsin

While Smilanic only suited up for 14 games in 2022-23, both the Badgers and the player would have preferred to see increased production. But not to worry, as he will have another season to improve upon those totals, and prove he is ready for the pro game.

He will be in tough to crack the Laval Rocket lineup in 2024-25, but with a fighting chance, that is all he can ask for. It’s not uncommon for players to dominate in the NCAA or junior ranks, then fizzle out when it comes to pro. And on the opposite side of the scenario, some players are lacklustre before pro, then sign and come on strong as a late bloomer.

It’s yet to be determined what Smilanic could turn out as. But one thing is certain, should he show the flash he did at Habs camp, during his NCAA season, it will go a long way in determining his future beyond the university ranks.

Given his prior production at Quinnipiac, I think it’s fair to assume that with a full season, Smilanic has the talent to perform at the NCAA level and it shouldn’t be shocking to see him score 15 goals, and 15 assists. That would top his best of 13 goals, 10 assists which he set in 2021-22.

Smilanic put up impressive numbers in his first season and a half of college hockey. Things slowed down after that, and he stepped away from the game altogether for a while last season, his third year of college, to recollect himself and focus on his mental health which he had been struggling with for some time.

If he is returning to full health and able to get back to focusing on the game of hockey like he did in the past, he could turn into a much better prospect for the Canadiens than he has shown since arriving in that trade deadline deal in 2022. If his showing at the Canadiens development camp is any indication, he is in for a big season with Wisconsin.

Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team!

Write for us!