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Montreal Canadiens: Bob McKenzie’s Ranking Gives Sneak Peak To Habs Potential Next Top Pick

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - APRIL 29: Cole Eiserman of United States in actionduring the semi final of U18 Ice Hockey World Championship match between United States and Slovakia at St. Jakob-Park on April 29, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - APRIL 29: Cole Eiserman of United States in actionduring the semi final of U18 Ice Hockey World Championship match between United States and Slovakia at St. Jakob-Park on April 29, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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WINNIPEG, CANADA – DECEMBER 09: Berkly Catton. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA – DECEMBER 09: Berkly Catton. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images) /

Prospects Six Through Eight

Berkly Catton

Berkly Catton was Team Canada’s best player at the U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament, Berkly Catton projects as a number-two centre at the NHL level, but his size is a concern. Like in the 2023 draft, in the case of the undersized, relentless Zach Benson, Catton has the skill and motor that never quits, which should aid him in realizing his NHL dream. He is a pass-first kind of player, who has great edges and the speed to separate himself from opponents.

To excel at the next level, Catton will surely focus on adding some muscle to his slight 163 lbs frame, which should allow him to handle himself better against bigger competition. With no real knock against him, he has a high chance of going early in the ’24 draft, and with another full season in the WHL, there’s a high probability that he will develop into a sold first-line centre. He is the same height as Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki and Sidney Crosby, so a great way to ensure that he establishes himself as a pro is by improving his lower body strength and explosiveness.

Konsta Helenius

Konsta Helenius’ 2022-23 season saw him play in Liiga as a 16-year-old and he didn’t look out of place. He projects as a top-line centre at the NHL level, and his 33 games with Jukurit against the top Finnish competition should prove important for his confidence during his draft season. He didn’t display much of his playmaking prowess during his rookie season, but his focus was on making quick and smart plays to help build his confidence.

The ’24 season should reveal a little more comfort in the centre’s game, which will put on full display his offensive skill, and ability to look off defenders before firing a pass through their stick or feet. He looks to be another great talent from Finland, and one of the draft’s premier centres. His scoring ability shining through in Liiga at such a young age has been described as “special” by some scouts.

Adam Jiricek

Adam Jiricek has top-four NHL blueliner potential, while he doesn’t shoot as hard as his older brother, David, he skates just as smoothly and has the same offensive mind. His strong skating is why he is so highly touted, and it fuels his strong two-way game, add in the fact that he is a right shot, and it’s very easy to understand why he is ranked where he is. He started his ’24 season off in the top Czechia league, where he will look to add to his 152 lbs frame, and take his game to another level, and possibly improve his ranking before June.

At this juncture, Jiricek looks like a sure-fire top-four defender, with some room to grow his offensive game. His shot and ability to use his frame will be dependent on how much muscle he can put on his frame. With an added 25-30 lbs of muscle added to his frame, he could make his shot more of a threat, and bring his skating up to an elite level, which would raise his future potential to a top pairing defenseman. The Canadiens already have David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux in the system, but you can’t have too many good young right shot defense prospects.

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