For most Montreal Canadiens fans, the first time they are introduced to a new prospect is on draft night. It used to be much easier to keep tabs on prospects when most of the best players played in the CHL, but with many electing to play in Europe or the NCAA, it has become much harder to track their progress. Over the last couple of seasons, many of the prospects coming out of North America have gone the collegiate route. The transition makes sense. You get the opportunity to chase your dreams of being a professional athlete while getting an education you otherwise might not have been able to afford. Many Canadiens prospects have gone the college route, and there are a few Habs fans should keep an eye on.
Michael Hage
This one is obvious for Canadiens fans. Michael Hage has been on the radar for a couple of seasons now, with many thinking he would make the jump to the NHL this upcoming season. While he could still be in Canadiens colours by the end of the season, he will first be returning to the Michigan Wolverines for his junior season. Hage had an outstanding season last year, recording 13 goals and 39 assists in 39 games, but after losing to the Denver Pioneers in the Frozen Four, he decided he was not done in the NCAA just yet. Hage injured his ankle in a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes and was not his usual self in the playoffs, which was one of the biggest reasons why he chose to return to Michigan. This season, Hage will be a leader for Michigan, hoping to play a key role in their quest to win the NCAA National Championship. If all goes well, Hage will have another outstanding season with the Wolverines before signing his entry-level contract with the Canadiens, with the potential to join the roster for the final stretch of the season.
LJ Mooney
LJ Mooney might be a little under the radar, and that has nothing to do with his stature. John Mooney is nicknamed “Little John” due to his height, but the 5’7” forward makes up for it with a ton of skill. The Canadiens' 2025 fifth-round pick likely dropped in the draft due to his size, but he proved his doubters wrong in his first season with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. As an 18-year-old, Mooney finished third on the Gophers in scoring, recording seven goals and 23 assists in 34 games. Mooney ranked fourth among all Big Ten freshmen in points but was a real weapon for Minnesota on the power play. 18 of his 30 points came on the man advantage, and while his skill is undeniable, he will have to get better at even strength if he is going to make the jump to the NHL. Entering his second season with the Gophers, Mooney will likely be one of their go-to players on offence, while also being the engine that makes their power play tick. Depending on how well he plays this year, he could sign his entry-level contract after the Gophers’ season, but with a couple of years of eligibility left, he could go the Hage route and return for his junior season. Mooney showed a lot of promise in his first year and should definitely be one Canadiens fans keep an eye on.
Timofei Runtso
One of the newest prospects in the Canadiens organization, defenceman Timofei Runtso, will be swapping his WHL Victoria Royals jersey for an NCAA Miami Redhawks one. This will be Runtso's third new team in three years. After going undrafted while playing for the St. Cloud Norsemen in the NAHL in 2025, Runtso switched to the WHL the next year and had an outstanding season. He finished the year with 11 goals and 33 assists in 68 games, ranking third in rookie scoring among defencemen. Runtso’s breakout season put him on the Canadiens radar, and they selected him 57th overall in this year’s draft. Now heading into another challenge, Runtso will be playing next season in the NCAA with Miami University in Ohio. It will be interesting to see what his role will be with the Redhawks as a rookie, but after going from undrafted in 2025 to a second-round pick in 2026, he is definitely a prospect Habs fans should keep tabs on.
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