The Montreal Canadiens entered the 2020 NHL Draft with a mid-first round pick and a couple of second rounders. It was not exactly a plethora or high end picks, but with the benefit of hidsight, the Canadiens sure made the most of it.
It’s been three years since the 2020 NHL Draft. And aside from Tim Stutzle, there aren’t many established players from this draft. With training camp approaching, there are three players in the Canadiens system from the same draft, and they are ready to take their next step.
The draft produced two potential top-four defensemen, and a top-nine forward. There is also a goaltender who will battle for the starter role down in Laval already and has the potential to be an NHL stopper in the near future. Aside from the current top three Habs players from the draft, and a goalie, there are other players who could carve out an NHL role with a little extra seasoning. These players are all roughly 21 years old so there development curve is still at the beginning of forming.
However, even if only three, or four guys play for the Habs, that is a spectacular draft year. To be noted, the Canadiens acquired a pair of prospects from the 2020 NHL Draft via trade. So the top four features a player drafted by another club.
The 2020 Draft was smack dab amid the COVID-19 pandemic, causing it to be virtual. Canadiens fans remember all too well how the playoff bubble, and empty arenas during televised games felt. But it’s nice to see how this draft class has and will continue to impact the Canadiens roster.
The four players included in this exercise will be discussed in a one, two and one format. It is based on their NHL impact thus far. Then followed by the closest NHL arrival, and the last one is a goaltender, so that tells you all you need to know.