Canadiens land a surprise player in 2024 NHL Mock Draft 2.0

With so many draft picks, I saw myself taking numerous routes regarding the Montreal Canadiens in NHL Mock Draft 2.0 simulation from FC Hockey. Instead of going with whom I should draft based on rankings, I instead based the main theme around a few variables. 

The first was that I went with players who fell to me based on overall upside. Even if I liked another player better, the high potential of my first three draft picks sealed the deal. I also noticed that a prospect’s overall size played another major role, so a lot of those drafted below boasted outstanding builds or at least the potential to put on between 15 and 20 pounds of muscle over the next few seasons to grow into their respective frames.  

Round 1A: Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW/Mora IK

There is a lot to like about Michael Brandsegg-Nygard - he’s heading into his age-19 season, he’s already got good size, he’s a versatile player, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard dominated while in J20 Nationell. This is a player who can spend another year in Europe, then head on over to Laval much in the way David Reinbacher did should the Canadiens draft Brandsegg-Nygard. 

Round 1B: Terik Parascak, RW/Prince George

I’ll never know why FC Hockey’s rankings have Terik Parascak ranked so low in their simulations. I honestly could have waited until the second round to take him, but because I was “reaching” in the first round, I rolled with the highly productive WHL late in the first round, who had 105 points and 43 goals in the regular season.

Round 2: Yegor Surin, C/Lokomotiv-Yaroslavl 

We know what Yegor Surin can do in the MHL - 52 points and 22 goals in 42 regular season contests and another 23 points and five goals in 19 postseason outings. Let’s hope we see more of him in the KHL to get a better sample size, but judging from his MHL numbers, getting Surin in the second round could be a steal. 

Round 3A: Tomas Lavoie, D/Cape Breton

As mentioned earlier, size has been another theme of this simulation, and Tomas Lavoie’s 6’4 inch, 225-pound frame is striking. This blueliner is already capable of landing the big hit and ending sequences before they begin, and he’ll also rack up the assists. 

Round 3B: Will Zellers, LW/North Dakota

If Will Zellers duplicates at the University of North Dakota what he did at Shattuck St. Mary’s, this potential mid-round pick will work his way into strong consideration for the NHL after his long college career wraps up. Not saying he’ll log two points per game or anything like that at North Dakota, but his entertaining play is worth paying attention to at the next level. 

Round 4: Josh Zakreski, LW/Portland

Josh Zakreski continues the trend of potential-based picks - he will potentially accrue more size and productivity thanks to his overall frame and uptick in points - 49 this past season and a 24-point improvement overall in the regular season. They’re not where they ideally need to be, unlike some who I took earlier in this simulation, but there is a good chance he will get there. 

Round 5A: Madden Mulawka, G/Regina

At 6’2, 205 lbs, 18-year-old Madden Mulawka is on his way to attaining the ideal size many franchises look for in goaltenders. His first two games in the WHL were forgettable, but he spent most of his time with the Edmonton Jr. Oilers of the AEHL U18, where he logged a 0.929 save percentage, two shutouts, and a 2.20 GAA. 

Round 5B: Julius Miettinen, C/Everett

Another pick in this simulation with awesome size, Julius Miettinen boasts an enticing 6’3, 207-pound frame, and he finished a successful debut season in the WHL with 67 points and 31 goals. He probably won’t fall this far on Day 2, but if he does, Kent Hughes needs to be the one to stop the freefall.