There are a few factors that play a role involving a player’s success after their junior years. These factors include injuries, size, work ethic and attitude. The Canadiens have a solid group of prospects drafted from the last couple of years, especially the draft of 2013. Here is a ranking list I have strung together of the Montreal Canadiens top young guns that will be making the jump to the NHL in the next couple of years.
1. Jacob de La Rose (drafted 34th in 13’)
LW/C, 20, St. Johns (AHL) 6-2, 190 Prospect Grade: A-
Hailing from Leksand, Sweden, de La Rose is a defensive-minded forward who can play wing and center. He is not the fastest skater but has a high hockey IQ and his ability to read the play and cut off passing lanes is exceptional. His smarts have earned him 33 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season. His playing style is valued more in the bottom 9 and the PK, but can easily play in a top 6 role. If it wasn’t for such a deep Montreal depth chart, de La Rose would have been playing with the Habs this season. NHL: 2016-17
