Filip Mesar's expected development path in first professional season

Filip Mesar has plenty of work to do before becoming a full-time NHLer. Mesar started in the top two groups of the Montreal Canadiens training camp, but the front office moved him to the third. Group 3 at camp are players destined to continue their preseason in Laval before starting the year in the American Hockey League. Most players might not get a game in the NHL preseason, but Martin St. Louis gave Mesar an opportunity on Tuesday night.

Much like my gripe with David Reinbacher's position amongst the fanbase, Mesar is another player with whom fans must be patient. Mesar played two seasons of North American Hockey with the Kitchener Rangers, and never quite found his footing as an offensive contributor. He will need some extended playing time in Laval to get completely comfortable.

Martin St. Louis is content with Mesar's development but realizes he may need some time in the AHL to learn the pace and physicality of North American hockey. Mesar is well ahead of expectations for what they thought, but that doesn't mean St. Louis will throw him to the wolves on night one of the NHL season. Mesar has done well preparing his body for North America, building a stronger frame to contend with bigger bodies. The thing St. Louis must see now is added consistency and defensive zone play.

Mesar won't make his NHL debut this season unless he lights it up in Laval or there are a ton of injuries in Montreal. However, you better believe that St. Louis has an eye on him for the future. The former 26th overall pick in 2022 is a massive part of the Canadiens' future and showed some positive signs in his preseason game against the New Jersey Devils.