There’s certainly no secret that Montreal Canadiens management is all business, and after their second draft, they have continued to stock the prospect cupboard. With that, there is a mix of talented players from the Bergevin era, and of course the Hughes area. Considering all things, the Canadiens’ prospect pipeline has a number of guys that are ready to take the next step, whether it be in Laval or Montreal.
Given the fact that the Canadiens have a lot of forwards under contract unless a player really stands out at the Canadiens training camp in August, it’s likely the youth settles in Laval. Until the trade deadline approaches, the Habs will likely hold on to Joel Armia, Mike Hoffman and others, which will take away potential ice time for more young guys to play. Because of that, JF Houle’s roster could be one of the most talented that the Rocket has iced, perhaps throughout their entire existence, albeit a short one.
So, the big question is – who will fill the forward lines? – and more importantly, in my eyes of course, who will play in the top six?
Whoever gets chosen, will gain crucial playing time, which will only aid their development and put them into situations that will produce great learning experiences. The transition from junior to the pros is undoubtedly the hardest of all jumps, but with a great system set in place, the players will be given every opportunity to thrive. The top-six players will likely get the lion’s share of powerplay minutes, and offensive zone faceoffs, in the interest of putting their skills to the test.
So, who fills the Rocket’s top two lines in 2023-24? Well, let’s get to it.
Heineman-Stephens-Roy
Mitchell Stephens joined the Laval Rocket ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, and he proved to be a great addition, providing a steady presence down the middle for the Rocket while pitching in offensively as well. Stephens played his second most games in 2022-23 with 68, and he scored his best goal total (20 goals) and the second most assists of his pro career (21 assists)
He is still just 26 years old, but as the veteran of this line, Stephens will be an essential part of Joshua Roy’s transition to the professional ranks, and helping Heineman during his second professional season. I think Stephen’s proved that he has more to give offensively, and who better to help him reach another level than two smart, quick and well-rounded offensive-minded wingers?
In my opinion, given Roy’s two-way acumen, and vision, he would be the perfect winger for any of the top two lines in Laval. For this exercise, I have him on the top-line right wing, alongside the previously mentioned Stephens, and speedy sniper Emil Heineman. Heineman has an NHL shot, and a penchant for being in the right place at the right time, whose skating and ability to fool defenders, before emerging for a chance to score are his best tools, aside from his laser of a shot.
While this is a relatively young, inexperienced line, I think it is a line that would gel together well, and put bums in seats. Roy is very smart and responsible, and having Stephens to help him defensively will never hurt if the puck turns over coming toward the defensive zone. This is a do-it-all line, Heineman provides the goalscorer, round it all out, and it offers a nice blend of smart offensive play and solid defensive play.
Kidney-Andersson-Mesar
I think this season will be very telling for Lias Andersson, and should he perform well, while helping the two rookie pros transition, it will go a long way for the Swede. Riley Kidney is a playmaker through and through, who masks his shot well, as he prefers to pass, Filip Mesar loves to use his great skating to provide a passing option and catch defenders sleeping, and his hands make him a threat in the offensive zone. Andersson played great last season, and I think that having two young wingers, with a ton of speed and skill will have him grinning from ear to ear.
There will be hiccups, and some essential coaching moments, but I think that the upcoming season will be a big one for each of the three players on the second line. Andersson has yet to reach his pre-draft potential, and Mesar has been chomping at the bit to play pro, so he will surely show up at camp with a point to prove. As for Kidney, he has been dominant at the junior level, but he will need to add to his slight frame, aside from that he has the talent to be a fantastic pro.
With two young, well-rounded lines in the top-six, and an array of other young talent looking to move up the ranks, the Rocket should have an intriguing squad.
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