Kent Hughes remains focused on the plan

The goal for the Montreal Canadiens hasn't wavered, success is what they are in search of, but there are still some steps to go.

General manager Kent Hughes knows best that rushing a rebuild could result in the team needing to retool a few years down the road. What I mean by rushing is trading future picks or prospects already drafted for short-term gain. Hughes and Jeff Gorton are adamant on building through the draft, and working with each player throughout their development to ensure they have the best chance to play for the club.

Sometimes it works out, facilitating a trade for some goalscoring help or to beef up the defence helps a team. But that can come back to bite you, if said player goes cold or gets hurt, while the prospect/s and/or picks turn into something incredible. But more so, you acquire a player, then he wants to leave if the team doesn't turn the corner like they were expected to.

If you asked anybody involved with the team, of course, they want to be in the playoffs this season and win the Stanley Cup. But as harsh as it might come off, you have to be realistic with your expectations of your team. Sure the Canadiens have some good pieces, but if you look at the true contenders, they have the skill and the depth throughout their lineup - Montreal is still stocking up.

High prospects' for the future

There are a few guys that are sure to be important pieces for the Habs in the future. On both sides of the puck and between the pipes, some promising players are coming through the pipeline. These guys have the potential to be stalwarts for the Habs, and huge factors for the club's success in the future.

Guys like Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage are the two highest potential prospects, with almost surefire potential to play in the Canadiens' top six. Demidov is a shifty playmaker, who is a deadly finisher and weaves through defences with silky smooth puck moves. The other flies through the neutral zone, and his toe-drag leads a trove of different tricks he can pull off at full speed; he can beat goalies clean in the NCAA and his playmaking is equally as strong.

On the blueline, David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux are the Habs' two biggest fish for the defence group in the future. Mailloux is big and mobile, with a physical edge and a strong transition game, but his shot is his standout trait. Reinbacher is smooth on his skates, and while he is big, he isn't as physical as Mailloux, but he is a smart distributor and he transports the puck well through the neutral zone he has a quick release, that comes off heavy and accurate.

Finally, between the pipes; I went back and forth between going with one or two goalies, and I think that Jacob Fowler's play warrants just talking about him. Fowler looks more and more like the Canadiens goaltender of the future with each passing game with the Boston College Eagles. The game looks so routine for him, he stays square to the puck and has the positioning and athleticism to keep him out of trouble, which he rarely does.

Fowler looks to have the makings of a number-one goalie in the NHL, and his focus should get him there. He is driven and loves to play on the biggest stage against the best competition there is. Fowler is a gamer, and he battles for every puck; often making tough stops look routine.