Montreal Canadiens: Filip Mesar Proof Patience Is A Virtue With Prospects

As with any Montreal Canadiens prospect, from the moment they are picked, they are under a microscope, anything that doesn’t impress, disappoints.

Filip Mesar fell into this trap after he was selected by the Canadiens in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft with the 26th overall selection. Expectations were expectedly high, and despite having a relatively solid debut season on North American ice, it was perceived as a poor year. Mesar played 52 games, and he scored 17 goals and 34 assists in that span.

There were pundits referring to him as a ‘Bust’, and writing him off during his draft year. But fast forward to the 2023-24 season, it’s hard to imagine many of them have a single complaint now. He has caught fire, and produced at two points per game pace, with 22 points through 11 games with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers.

His two-way game could still use some work, and that’s exactly why he is playing in the OHL instead of the American Hockey League. One thing can be certain, however, with Slovakian professional league play on his resume, his ability to adapt like this is promising. Early signs indicate that he has a very good offseason, and is prepared to show everybody why Kent Hughes picked him.

First Career OHL Hat Trick

Prior to the Ranger matchup against the Erie Otters on Tuesday evening, Mesar had 18 points in 10 games. Erie isn’t a playoff contender, but each and every OHL team is built to compete every night, so that narrative can be put to rest. The Spisska Bella, Slovakia native had a four-point night against the Otters – including his first career OHL hat trick – and an assist.

He has begun to draw many comparisons, which generally means that the player is playing quite well. Consistency and growth have been two aspects that Mesar has displayed early on this season, and he has shown off his skills. These skills at this moment, lean towards him becoming a good top-nine option for the Canadiens when he is ready.

The speed stands out right away and paired with his sharp hockey mind, he is able to burn defenders for breakaways. He could become a nice option on the penalty kill, benefitting from his swift skating, much like Paul Byron and Jake Evans. Mesar is more skilled than both of them, too, which points to him being an option on the man advantage also.

Below are the highlights from his four-point night, and the display of the offensive tools that he possesses. His shot will only improve as he matures and adds more muscle to his frame, and it is already a strength of his. Patience, poise and strong puck skills make him a constant threat in the offensive zone, and with his confidence at an all-time high, he is capitalizing on more opportunities.

Mesar is cooking in Kitchener, and he has taken grip of the wheel, steering the ship through the murky waters. He appears to be smoothly sailing along the harbour, with hopes to reach the Bell Centre in the future. With a hat trick in his back pocket, his shot will draw a lot of attention from the Canadiens brass, considering the team could use more shooters.

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