TWO future playmakers end up with the Canadiens in NHL Mock Draft 3.0
In the “just over” two weeks out NHL Mock Draft 3.0, the Montreal Canadiens landed not one but TWO future playmakers, so maybe this will be the case in reality.
We’re heading into the “just over” two weeks out phase from the 2024 NHL Draft, and with that comes yet another mock draft simulation from FC Hockey. While I have played the role of general manager Kent Hughes twice already, in Mock Drafts 1.0 and 2.0, this latest version may be my best one yet, with not one, but TWO playmakers going to the Montreal Canadiens with the first pair of picks.
So, are you ready to find out which players fell to me at No. 5 and No. 26 overall? Hint, they’re two forwards, both of whom have outstanding playmaking skills already. But I also went with a blend of younger and older prospects overall, high-potential picks, those who carry a lot of size, and also players who don’t possess as much size.
5th Overall: Berkly Catton, C/Spokane Chiefs
Berkly Catton was an easy pick here and someone who should be on Kent Hughes’ radar when June 28th arrives. Catton can be a dynamic scorer and an elite passer, and his game is far from one-dimensional. He would be an epic pick who Habs fans won’t need to wait long to see grace the NHL ice, even if it wouldn’t happen this season.
26th Overall: Michael Hage, C/Chicago Steel
Michael Hage will be one to watch when he goes off to play college hockey at the University of Michigan. After seeing just 13 regular season games in 2022-23 for the Chicago Steel, Hage returned in 2023-24 and put up 75 points and 33 goals, showing us that even if his freshman year with the Wolverines doesn’t go as planned, fear not. If Hage ends up going to Montreal with the No. 26 pick, he’s yet another player the fans should be happy to see in the system.
57th Overall: Kamil Bednarik, C/Boston University
Yep, we’re continuing with the forwards theme here, this time with Kamil Bednarik of Boston University. With decent size and defensive play that matches his offense, the Canadiens couldn’t go wrong here if he falls to the 57th overall slot.
70th Overall: Hiroki Gojsic, RW/Kelowna Rockets
At 6’3, 198 pounds, Hiroki Gojsic’s size played a major role in me taking him with the No. 70 selection. But he also enjoyed a fine rookie year with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, posting 50 points and 21 goals in 68 games. If he makes a jump in productivity next season, the Habs could have a steal if they select him here.
78th Overall: Melvin Fernstrom, RW/Orebro HK J20
He’s a versatile forward who spent a lot of time on the international circuit and as a force in J20 Nationell. Overall, Melvin Fernstrom put up 31 goals in 45 regular season contests, and an additional five goals in eight postseason games. He saw time in the SHL on a limited basis this year, but the big club will be his home next season and at least through 2025-26.
102nd Overall: Kristian Epperson, LW/USNT
A forward for the US National U17 and U18 teams, Kristian Epperson wasn’t as productive in 2023-24 in the same way he was in 2022-23. But he’s a workhorse type of forward who brings plenty of energy when he receives ice time, which could foreshadow a future lower-line role in the NHL a few years from 2024.
130th Overall: Kuzma Voronin, RW/Youngstown Phantoms
He’s a smallish winger who, like Kristian Epperson, doesn’t boast a lot of productivity, having finished the 2023-24 regular season with 21 points and 10 goals in 52 games. But he’s got a late birthday, and it’s also fair to point out that it was his first full season in the USHL following some productive seasons with the New Jersey Rockets, so the potential is there.
134th Overall: Zach Pelletier, G/Gatineau Olympiques
Another 17-year-old, Zach Pelletier should make a jump in productivity in 2024-25 following a rough rookie year with the Gatineau Olympiques. Like Kuzma Voronin, Pelletier is someone you take in the later rounds, measure his progress year-to-year, and go from there. Also, like Voronin, Pelletier enjoyed some strong seasons at the lower levels, so there is potential.
166th Overall: Tanner Henricks, D/Lincoln Stars
Yep, we’re continuing with the younger player theme here, with Tanner Henricks bringing some imposing size to the system (6’3, 194 lbs) should he wind up in Montreal’s system. He’s got that stay-at-home vibe, given his lack of points production, but there’s a lot of potential for better offensive output in his future. In a worst-case scenario, he will provide a lot of defense, even if he may never record top-four minutes in the NHL.
198th Overall: Felix Ohrqvist, D/Linkoping JC J18
Another defenseman, but a much smaller one who stands at just 5’8 and 161 pounds. This past season in J20 Nationell, Felix Ohrqvist put up a respectable 21 points and three goals in 45 regular season contests, and he will once again find a home in that same league for 2023-24. If he winds up in the Canadiens system, it will be fun to see how much of a jump he makes in development in what will be his third season in J20.
210th Overall: Maxmilian Curran, C/Tri-City Americans
Yet another late birthday, but hey, these players have potential, and Maxmilian Curran, in particular, is a high-potential pick who I was glad to see fall this far. He’s already 6’3, 190 pounds, so he checks the box regarding size. Curran also had 32 points and five goals in his first season with the Tri-City Americans, and there’s more to come for a player who looks like he can evolve into a dynamic passer.
224th Overall: Nate Misskey, D/Victoria Royals
We’re ending this mock draft simulation with an older prospect, as Nate Misskey of the Victoria Royals turned 19 back in January. He also brings plenty of size at 6’3, 200 lbs, and while he’s one of the most physical blueliners at the junior level, 34 points and seven goals in 44 regular season games implies a potential two-way blueliner is in the making.
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(Statistics powered by Elite Prospects)