Montreal Canadiens fans don’t get a lot of breaking news in the month of August, so here at A Winning Habit, we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 31 prospects currently in the Habs organization. Each player was carefully deliberated by our writers and ranked accordingly. Today, we continue with our 23rd-ranked prospect, Jan Mysak.
The Canadiens drafted Jan Mysak in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, and at the time, many people thought that was a steal. Mysak was viewed as a first-round talent by many, so the Canadiens were lucky to be able to snag him at 48th overall. Flash forward three years later, and the Canadiens haven’t exactly been reaping the benefits yet.
The Czech winger has played all over the place since being drafted by the Habs, with Covid playing a significant role in that. Mysak has played in Czechia, the OHL, and the AHL, which is a lot of movement for a young player trying to develop. Last season, he played in Laval with the Rocket, where he should be again this year. That consistency should help him get settled, which would go a long way toward building on what was a disappointing year.
Last season in Laval, Mysak had just nine points in 40 games, which is not ideal production. But more opportunities up in the lineup for Mysak could help see a spike in those numbers. He was a second-round pick and a highly regarded one for a reason. We know he can play; it’s just about putting it together.
Mysak is described as a hard-working player whose impact on the game can go beyond scoring. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have good puck skills, as he is adept at making smart, quick, and effective plays with the puck on his stick. But his ticket to the NHL is likely because he’s a good defensive player, a tenacious forechecker, and a guy I’d have to think coaches trust a lot. If Mysak can figure it out and eventually make it to the NHL, it’ll be those skills that played a role as to why.
At #23 on our list, we’re not as high on him as we maybe once we’re, but that’s largely because of how prospects get ranked. It’s often about what you’ve done lately and not what you’re capable of. Especially when, year after year, more prospects just as talented join the fold. We need to see more from Mysak, and I’m sure the Canadiens are thinking the same.
At this point, it’s hard to see Mysak living up to the top-six potential we once thought he had, but he can still be an effective NHLer. As mentioned, some consistency in where he’s playing, as well as more opportunity, could go a long way towards making that happen. Here’s to hoping that happens.