Montreal Canadiens: Riley Kidney – A Future Top Nine Staple For The Habs?

When the Montreal Canadiens announced their 63rd overall selection of the 2021 NHL Draft, they opted for Riley Kidney, a smaller centre, from the QMJHL’s Acadie Bathurst Titan.

Up until his draft season, Kidney played okay, posting above point-per-game totals in his second junior season. But he didn’t officially unlock his untapped potential until the 2021-22 campaign. Kidney exploded for 100 points (30 goals, 70 assists) in 66 games, shattering his previous career high of 38 points.

He then followed up his first 100-point season, with a 110-point campaign. What was most impressive about his 2022-23 season, is that he split time between the Titan and Gatineau Olympiques, but a midseason change of scenery did not slow him down as he managed to produce at a high rate immediately with his new team. Through 60 games, Kidney scored 28 goals and 82 assists.

While Kidney has been able to excel against junior competition, he will certainly need to add a little muscle before he slots into the Canadiens lineup. In doing so, he will improve his shot, and be better prepared to handle the bigger, and stronger opponents. At six feet tall, and 176 lbs, adding 10-15 pounds of muscle could provide Kidney with a spark for his graduation to the professional ranks.

The Habs forward side of the prospect pool is quite loaded, so Kidney will be in tough. However, he does possess some great tools that could make him a very nice addition in a couple of years to the Canadiens’ top nine. His ability to be versatile – playing centre or wing – could be a driving factor to how far up the lineup he plays, should he reach the NHL level.

His puck skill and IQ are the two big drivers of his game, and they allow him to manipulate defenders and get into open spots to either beat goalies, or set up plays, which is his preference. His poise and ability to create at high speeds are perfect characteristics to have, in a league that is evolving to such a fast-paced style. I believe Kidney will thrive as a winger, using his speed and vision to transport pucks and support his centreman along the walls in the offensive zone.

Kidney will be at Canadiens camp but is likely to take his talents to the Laval Rocket for the upcoming season. His slender build is going to be the only thing that slows him down from immediately piling up assists and regularly setting up chances for his linemates. If he can add a few pounds, the adjustment period won’t be long before he starts to become an impact player for the Rocket.

His ability to create will be welcomed, and he will provide some healthy competition for a Canadiens roster spot once he has a little pro experience under his belt.

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