The New Jersey Devils are currently golden at the goaltender position, as they have veteran Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen on their NHL roster. This veteran duo worked exceptionally well together this past season, and there is no reason to believe that this can't be the case again in 2025-26.

However, besides having two very good veteran goaltenders between the pipes, the Devils also have a very exciting goalie prospect in Mikhail Yegorov in their system. The 19-year-old's high potential has now also earned him some serious praise. 

In a recent article for The Athletic, Scott Wheeler ranked the top 20 drafted NHL goalie prospects, and Yegorov was listed at the No. 4 spot. The only goalies ahead of him on Wheeler's list are Yaroslav Askarov, Jacob Fowler, and Trey Augustine. 

When looking at the 2024-25 season Yegorov had with Boston University (BU), it is understandable that he is being viewed so highly. In 18 games with the school on the year, he posted an 11-6-1 record, a .927 save percentage, and a 2.15 goals-against average. This was after he started the year in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Omaha Lancers, posting a 3-12-3 record and .912 save percentage in 19 games. 

Overall, it is hard not to feel optimistic about Yegorov's future after what he did with BU this past season. The 2024 second-round pick still has plenty more time to develop his game with the school, too, so he has the potential to become a key piece for New Jersey later down the road. 

If Yegorov can blossom into an NHL starting goalie in the future, it would be huge for the Devils. While they have Markstrom and Allen now, both goalies are in their mid-30s. Thus, having an exciting 19-year-old goalie prospect like Yegorov in their system is significant. It will be fascinating to see what kind of season he puts together in 2025-26 from here. 

Report: Former Devils Forward Linked To 2 KHL TeamsAfter not being re-signed by the New Jersey Devils this summer, Daniel Sprong remains an unrestricted free agent (UFA). This comes after the 28-year-old winger posted two goals, seven points, and a minus-1 rating in 30 NHL games split between the Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken, and Devils this past season. He also had 11 goals and 25 points in 19 AHL games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2024-25. 

Photo Credit: © Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

After spending last season watching highlights of Ivan Demidov play with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, Montreal Canadiens’ fans will likely do the same for the next two seasons as the team’s first pick, Alexander Zharovsky, who plays for Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Marco D’Amico from RG.org spoke exclusively to his coach, Viktor Kozlov, about the youngster, and he had some interesting things to say.

He explained why the youngster got an opportunity to try his hand in the KHL playoffs last season because one of the team’s two under-21-year-olds was injured. What is important to note here is that in the KHL, teams have two designated roster spots in addition to their 18 skaters and three goaltenders for junior players from the MHL. This league includes players aged 17 to 20 (see Section 41 of the KHL Regulations).

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According to Kozlov, the plan wasn’t to use Zharovsky much, but he impressed his coach with his poise and maturity on the ice, which earned him extra ice time. The youngster didn’t panic with the puck; he wasn’t in a hurry to get rid of it. Instead, he made good reads, passing it to a teammate, taking a shot, or making a good play for himself.

The coach’s words will be music to Habs fans’ ears, the former NHLer who suited up for 897 games with the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals, says Zharkovsky clearly has something special, and he is pleasantly surprised by him. He also added:

“It’s obvious that, playing like that, he can create scoring chances. That’s why I gave him ice time. He earned every minute he got—no favors from me.”

- Kozlov on Zharovsky

As for what the plan is going forward, the coach explains that there hasn’t been any contact with the Canadiens yet, but that he’s open to discussing how they would like to see Zharovsky develop. He even jokingly added that if Martin St-Louis isn’t busy and he has nothing better to do in August, he’d be more than welcome to attend the team’s training camp.

The Canadiens’ first pick isn’t guaranteed a roster spot with Ufa, but there is one up for grabs, and judging by Kozlov’s interview, he’s on track to win it, but there are no guarantees. Like any coach would, he values the team’s success and wants the youngster to prioritize the team's needs over his own personal stats and spectacular plays, but so far, so good in that department. The coach added that he’ll have to avoid the temptation of becoming overconfident due to his early success; he doesn’t want to develop a sense of entitlement. His player must earn their ice time every day.

It’s reassuring to read that Zharovsky will be given his opportunities and that there will be room for him to make mistakes, growing pains are common with young players, and that doesn’t seem to bother Kozlov. The coach wants what’s best for the team, but he’s willing to do what’s best for the 18-year-old’s development.

New Habs prospect Alexander Zharovsky’s highlight reel looks sick 🔥

pic.twitter.com/GzTbvbcpNX

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) June 28, 2025

While he says the goal isn’t to rush him to the NHL, he wants to prepare him for it. Given that Kozlov himself left for the NHL at just 19 years old, he knows what it’s like for a young player to crave playing in the NHL, and that should make him an excellent asset for the youngster’s development.

With Zharovsky’s contract running until the end of May 2027, he will have ample time to put muscle on his 6-foot-1 and 163-pound frame. In other words, he’s not as close to the NHL as Ivan Demidov was when he was drafted, but he should be worth the wait.

Photo credit: MHL Website

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Welcome back to another Vancouver Canucks 2024–25 report card. Today, we’ll be discussing Vancouver and Abbotsford Canucks forward Linus Karlsson, who played in 23 games for the former and 32 games for the latter. 

In both the NHL and AHL, Karlsson took big steps to carve himself a spot in the Canucks’ lineup in this season and possibly 2025–26. He played his first game of the season with Vancouver on December 19, skating in one other match before being sent back to Abbotsford. Karlsson didn’t make his way back into Vancouver’s playing roster until January 23, though after that, he managed to find a bit of consistency within the lineup. 

Karlsson scored his first NHL goal on January 29 against the Nashville Predators, though in the AHL, he was already scoring at a rapid rate. By mid-March, Karlsson had broken an Abbotsford franchise record in most goals scored as an AHL Canuck in team history with 66. He has since upped his career total to 70 during the regular season. He finished the AHL season with 23 goals and 16 assists in 32 games, coming out to a points-per game pace of 1.21.

On an NHL level, Karlsson found success particularly towards the end of the 2024–25 season. With injuries hitting the Canucks as the season wound down, Karlsson and many of his other Abbotsford peers were given opportunities to prove themselves with the Canucks. In his final 10 games of the season with Vancouver, Karlsson registered two goals and three assists. 

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Karlsson clearly benefitted from the extra time in the NHL this season, as once he got back to Abbotsford for the Calder Cup Playoffs, he exploded offensively. By the end of the AHL postseason, Karlsson led all players in points with 14 goals and 12 assists in 24 games played, averaging a points-per game pace of 1.08. He led all players in goals as well, having five goals over the next highest total. His 11th goal of the postseason also broke an AHL record for most goals scored in a single postseason by a Swedish player. Had it not been for the spectacular play of Artūrs Šilovs during the team’s Calder Cup victory, it’s likely that Karlsson would have won the award for playoff MVP in 2025. 

The Evolution Of Vancouver And Abbotsford Canucks Forward Linus KarlssonWhen the Vancouver Canucks acquired Linus Karlsson on February 25, 2019, fans had mixed feelings. The piece going back to the San Jose Sharks in exchange was Jonathan Dahlén, a player who had previously shown flashes of success alongside franchise cornerstone at the time Elias Pettersson. Some had even referred to the two as the second-coming of the Sedin twins. Still, the 19-year-old Karlsson had the belief of Canucks general manager at the time, Jim Benning, behind him. 

The 2024–25 season was a solid one for Karlsson, who did pretty much what was asked of him by further developing his game and working towards getting himself a solid spot in Vancouver’s lineup. His 23 NHL games this season were a massive step-up from the four he played the season prior. With the team’s roster looking a little clearer now that the first day of free agency has passed, Karlsson has a solid shot at getting himself a spot in the team’s depth ranks. This season, Karlsson receives a B- for the work he did in improving his game. Optimistically, he’ll be able to build on his NHL goal-scoring in the 2025–26 season, making him an even more impactful depth player. 

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Three goalie options after Detroit GM Steve Yzerman notes third goalie as a position of need. 

During his press conference following free agency, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman noted the team is still open to bringing in another goaltender as the third goalie. 

This is because the AHL Griffins have a lot of young talent and not many NHL-ready goaltenders that could step up when John Gibson or backup Cam Talbot go down with injury. Goaltenders in Carter Gylander and Michal Postava both haven't seen enough starts at the AHL level. This leaves high-end prospect Sebastian Cossa as the teams current-best option but reports indicate they don't want to push him into the next level too quickly and they want Cossa to continue developing as Yzerman didn't mention him when discussing the third goalie spot. 

The position is an important one as injuries will almost certainly happen and when every games count towards the end of the season, Detroit will want a reliable option. Here are three potential options for depth goaltenders that the Wings could go out and add. 

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Louis Domingue 

The former Arizona Coyotes starter has found his way to be a solid third goalie option as he's played 12 NHL games over the last four seasons and has put together some solid numbers like a 6-5-0 record with a 2.86 goals against average of 2.86 and a .916 save percentage. 

The recent stint includes six playoff appearances with the Pittsburgh Penguins back in the 2021-22 season and he managed to win half his starts but finished with a 3.65 goals against average. The 33-year-old Quebec native currently doesn't have an NHL contract and could work in as decent third goalie option that could also coach up the younger goalie talent in Grand Rapids. 

Semyon Varlamov

Health is a concern as Varlamov was downed with an undisclosed injury but recent reports suggest he should be ready for training camp. The Islanders have seen Varlamov be a steady netminder over seven seasons and but the Russian has started to slowly lose his role. 

New York has brought in more goalie depth this offseason by adding David Rittich and still have Marcus Hogberg as options behind regular starter Ilya Sorokin. This leaves Varlamov as the odd man out and the Islanders would like to clear Varlamov's $2.75 million cap hit off their books. 

In a salary dump, the Red Wings could look to take on some of the contract with the Islanders hopefully able to retain some and could give Detroit another solid backup option. At 37 years old, Varlamov has proven to still be useful with a 28-21-9 record along with a 2.68 goals against average and a .912 save percentage over 59 appearances since taking on the role as the Islanders backup over the past three seasons. 

Dustin Tokarski

The best potential one year rental available as the now 35-year-old Tokarski has a wealth of NHL experience that he can use to help the Red Wings win less than a handful of games if needed while also deploying wisdom on the younger goalie prospects. While reportedly working as a positive presence in the locker room, the Humboldt native started six games with the Carolina Hurricanes last season and was solid with a 4-2-0 record along with a 2.18 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. 

He has spent a majority of his career at the AHL level but this could also work in their favor as their younger prospects that could be experiencing struggles like Cossa with his end to the season last year with the Griffins. Tokarski could be used to help build morale at both the AHL and NHL level while playing a meaningful role when called upon and being able to keep the team afloat if they run into bumps in the road.

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Detroit Red Wings Most Memorable Pop Culture MomentsLooking back at memorable moments for the Detroit Red Wings in pop culture history.

The NHL is set to reveal the rest of their regular season schedule on Wednesday, and it’s clear that every team’s social media accounts have been gearing up for their visual presentations. The Buffalo Sabres provided a sneak peek of what they were up to Tuesday by presenting all of their opponents as chicken wings, a Buffalo staple.

The Sabres certainly have a sense of humor, referring to the Maple Leafs as a 'choking hazard'. While Leafs Nation is all too familiar with playoff heartbreak, often ending in agonizing fashion, Buffalo's playful jab at their QEW rivals isn't a surprise at all. The choking hazard, of course, is a direct reference to the Maple Leafs' recurring struggles in the playoffs.

Our schedule drops tomorrow...so here are our opponents as wings. 🧵

See all teams in the gallery → https://t.co/DWhjzTy44n#LetsGoBuffalo | @Ticketmasterpic.twitter.com/mewwI3BMFN

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 15, 2025

However, this particular taunt feels a bit like a pot calling the kettle black. It’s one of those situations where those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones—especially given the Sabres hold the longest active playoff drought at 14 seasons. The pain of last season's Game 7 loss still lingers for Leafs fans, making this particular taunt hit close to home, but it also fuels the fire for the next battle on the ice against our cross-border foes.

In any event, it's great to see the social media teams of NHL teams getting in on the creative social media battles that other leagues have spearheaded over the last few years. Who could forget the Tennessee Titans' schedule reveal of people wrongly identifying other NFL clubs, which really set the stage for some healthy competition in creativity? Let’s see what every team’s got – and may the best team (on and off the ice) prevail.

(Top Photo Credit: Buffalo Sabres on X)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have a few players on the roster who weren't picked in the NHL Draft, but have started to turn themselves into pretty good NHL players. But who's the best undrafted player on the current roster? Who's had the best career so far?

Let's take a look.

Zach Aston-Reese - 79 Games played for Columbus in 24-25 after being claimed off waivers by Columbus from Vegas, October 7, 2024. He scored 6 goals and totaled 17 points, being used primarily as a 3rd and 4th line penalty killer. On Jan. 13, 2025, Aston-Reese was signed to a one-year extension. 

Career Stats: 389 games - 97 points. 

Jake Christiansen - In his first full NHL season, Christiansen played in 68 games. He scored 1 goal and totaled 8 points being used as a third-pair defenseman. Many experts have said when Christiansen matures and gets some experience, that he's an everyday defenseman in the NHL. 

Career Stats: 112 games - 15 points. 

Mathieu Olivier - 82 games played for Columbus in 24-25. He was traded to Columbus by Nashville for a 4th-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, June 30, 2022. At the time, a very unassuming trade, but now, this trade made by former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen is paying serious dividends for both Olivier and the CBJ. Olivier set career highs in goals, assists, and points in 24-25, and also had a career-high in PIMs with 139. Olivier has had 32 fights since joining Columbus, and has become THE premier tough guy in the NHL. But last year, he showed that he can score and be a playmaker as well by scoring all those goals. On March 5, 2024, Olivier was signed to a 6-year, $18,000,000 contract with a cap hit of $3,000,000 per season. This contract is an absolute gem by GM Don Waddell. 

Career Stats: 250 games - 66 points. 

The Best Undrafted Player is: Mathieu Olivier

Why? Olivier has shown that he can do it all at this point. He can score, makes plays, but more importantly, he will ALWAYS protect his teammates. That part of his game alone should've earned him that paycheck. 

Olivier is a huge piece of this team and has earned the title of "Best Undrafted Player" on the Blue Jackets!

Let us know what you think below.

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Players Who The Columbus Blue Jackets Have Bought Out Are About To Get Last PaymentsBuyouts are a tool that GMs have in their toolbox, but they're very careful when to use them as they can get messy and hold teams back in the future, just ask the Minnesota Wild.  Blue Jackets Times/Dates For 2025 Prospects Challenge In BuffaloThe Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the times and dates for the 2025 Prospects Challenge to be held in Buffalo, New York. This will be the second year the CBJ will participate in this tournament. The 2025-26 NHL Schedule Comes Wednesday: What Blue Jackets Fans Should Watch ForThe NHL has officially announced the first three games of the 2025-26 regular season, with the remainder of the schedule to be unveiled on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Sharks release schedule for 2025-26 NHL season with opponents, game dates, times originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Sharks hockey soon is approaching, and fans have plenty to be excited about.

San Jose released its schedule for the 2025-26 NHL season, opening up their campaign at home against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 9.

Flippin’ sweet our schedule is here!

🎟️ Tickets are on sale at 12 p.m. PT#SJSharks | @SouthwestAirpic.twitter.com/nxBZKiiLjU

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 16, 2025

Here is a full breakdown:

• Oct. 9: Sharks vs. Golden Knights @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Oct. 11: Sharks vs. Ducks @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Oct. 14: Sharks vs. Hurricanes @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Oct. 17: Sharks at Mammoth @ Delta Center – 6 p.m. PT
• Oct. 18: Sharks vs. Penguins @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Oct. 21: Sharks at Islanders @ UBS Arena – 4 p.m. PT
• Oct. 23: Sharks at Rangers @ Madison Square Garden – 4 p.m. PT
• Oct. 24: Sharks at Devils @ Prudential Center – 4 p.m. PT
• Oct. 26: Sharks at Wild @ Xcel Energy Center – 3 p.m. PT
• Oct. 28: Sharks vs. Kings @ SAP Center – 8 p.m. PT
• Oct. 30: Sharks vs. Devils @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 1: Sharks vs. Avalanche @ SAP Center – 1 p.m. PT
• Nov. 2: Sharks vs. Red Wings @ SAP Center – 5 p.m. PT
• Nov. 5: Sharks at Kraken @ Climate Pledge Arena – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 7: Sharks vs. Jets @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 8: Sharks vs. Panthers @SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 11: Sharks at Wild @ Xcel Energy Center – 5 p.m. PT
• Nov. 13: Sharks at Flames @ Scotiabank Saddledome – 6 p.m. PT
• Nov. 15: Sharks at Kraken @ Climate Pledge Arena – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 18: Sharks vs. Mammoth @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 20: Sharks vs. Kings @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Nov. 22: Sharks vs. Senators @ SAP Center – 4 p.m. PT
• Nov. 23: Sharks vs. Bruins @ SAP Center – 5 p.m. PT
• Nov. 26: Sharks at Avalanche @ Ball Arena – 6 p.m. PT
• Nov. 28: Sharks vs. Canucks @ SAP Center – 1 p.m. PT
• Nov. 29: Sharks at Golden Knights @ T-Mobile Arena – 1 p.m. PT
• Dec. 1: Sharks vs. Mammoth @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 3: Sharks vs. Capitals @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 5: Sharks at Stars @ American Airlines Center – 5 p.m. PT
• Dec. 7: Sharks at Hurricanes @ Lenovo Center – 2 p.m. PT
• Dec. 9: Sharks at Flyers @ Wells Fargo Center – 4 p.m. PT
• Dec. 11: Sharks at Maple Leafs @ Scotiabank Arena – 4 p.m. PT
• Dec. 13: Sharks at Penguins @ PPG Paints Arena – 12 p.m. PT
• Dec. 16: Sharks vs. Flames @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 18: Sharks vs. Stars @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 20: Sharks vs. Kraken @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 23: Sharks at Golden Knights @ T-Mobile Arena – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 27: Sharks at Canucks @ Rogers Arena – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 29: Sharks at Ducks @ Honda Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Dec. 31: Sharks vs. Wild @ Xcel Energy Center – 1 p.m. PT
• Jan. 3: Sharks vs. Lightning @ Amalie Arena – 1 p.m. PT
• Jan. 6: Sharks vs. Blue Jackets @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Jan. 7: Sharks at Kings @ Crypto.com Arena – 7:30 p.m. PT
• Jan. 10: Sharks vs. Stars @ SAP Center – 1 p.m. PT
• Jan. 11: Sharks vs. Golden Knights @ SAP Center – 5 p.m. PT
• Jan. 15: Sharks at Capitals @ Capital One Arena – 4 p.m. PT
• Jan. 16: Sharks at Red Wings @ SAP Center – 4 p.m. PT
• Jan. 19: Sharks at Panthers @ Amerant Bank Arena – 4 p.m. PT
• Jan. 20: Sharks at Lightning @ Amalie Arena – 4 p.m. PT
• Jan. 23: Sharks vs. Rangers @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Jan. 27: Sharks at Canucks @ Rogers Arena – 7 p.m. PT
• Jan 29: Sharks at Oilers @ Rogers Place – 6 p.m. PT
• Jan. 31: Sharks at Flames @ Scotiabank Saddledome – 1 p.m. PT
• Feb. 2: Sharks at Blackhawks @ United Center – 5:30 p.m. PT
• Feb. 4: Sharks at Avalanche @ Ball Arena – 6 p.m. PT
• Feb. 26: Sharks vs. Flames @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• Feb. 28: Sharks vs. Oilers @ SAP Center – 1 p.m. PT
• arch 1: Sharks vs. Jets @ SAP Center – 1 p.m. PT
• March 3: Sharks vs. Canadiens @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• March 6: Sharks vs. Blues @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• March 7: Sharks vs. Islanders @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• March 10: Sharks at Sabres @ KeyBank Center – 4 p.m. PT
• March 12: Sharks at Bruins @ TD Garden – 4 p.m.
• March 14: Sharks at Canadiens @ Centre Bell – 4 p.m. PT
• March 15: Sharks at Senators @ Canadian Tire Centre – 2 p.m. PT
• March 17: Sharks at Oilers @ Rogers Place – 6 p.m. PT
• March 19: Sharks vs. Sabres @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• March 21: Sharks vs. Flyers @ SAP Center – 1 p.m.
• March 24: Sharks at Predators @ Bridgestone Arena – 5 p.m. PT
• March 26: Sharks at Blues @ Enterprise Center – 5 p.m. PT
• March 28: Sharks at Blue Jackets @ Nationwide Arena – 2 p.m. PT
• March 30: Sharks vs. Blues @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• April 1: Sharks vs. Ducks @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• April 2: Sharks vs. Maple Leafs @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• April 4: Sharks vs. Predators @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• April 6: Sharks vs. Blackhawks @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• April 8: Sharks vs. Oilers at SAP Center – 7:30 p.m. PT
• April 9: Sharks at Ducks – 7 p.m. PT
• April 11: Sharks vs. Canucks @ SAP Center – 7 p.m. PT
• April 13: Sharks at Predators – 5 p.m. PT
• April 15: Sharks at Blackhawks – 5:30 p.m. PT
• April 16: Sharks at Jets – 5 p.m. PT

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The last time The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler published his Top 100 Drafted Prospects list, Ivan Demidov was in first place, and the Montreal Canadiens had five players on the list: Demidov, David Reinbacher (24), Michael Hage (35), Logan Mailloux (58), and Joshua Roy (82).

This time around, the Habs only have three players on the list. Logan Mailloux is still there, but he’s now in 70th position and a member of the St. Louis Blues. Joshua Roy has unsurprisingly fallen off the list.

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Who remains on there for Montreal? Well, Demidov is the first member of the organization on the list, but he has now dropped to third place. Wheeler has put first-overall pick from the last draft, Matthew Schaefer, in first place and Michael Misa, the second-overall pick, in second place. While this is sure to ruffle some feathers with Canadiens fans, both players came with a certain level of hype, and it’s not a surprising move from Wheeler.

He describes Demidov as “a skill-first playmaking forward” who finished second in points with SKA St. Petersburg despite averaging just 13:45 of time on ice. He also defines him as “a true play creator,” the man you want to control the puck to create opportunities for everyone on the ice. This reminds me of Lane Hutson, who also likes to hold on to the puck to create opportunities, especially when a big goal is needed.

The Russian winger has impressed Wheeler with his ability to move along the boards and get to the middle in traffic while protecting the puck. He even adds that he’s the most dynamic and skilled prospect to come out of Russia in recent memory. He puts him ahead of Philadelphia Flyers’ Matvei Michkov because “his game has more of a pro style, competitiveness, and roundness to it” at the same age.

David Reinbacher is the second Canadiens on the list, but he has now dropped to number 39. Considering he lost most of last season to a knee injury sustained in his first preseason game last year, that was unavoidable. Still, he praises his” pro size, desired handedness, and a really strong foundation of skill that all guaranteed he’ll become a good NHLer.”

Wheeler sees him as a reliable two-way defenseman and believes he’ll be a good 3rd or 4th blueliner in the NHL. Given the fact that the Canadiens can now count on Noah Dobson as their top-pairing right-shot rearguard, the Habs would be just fine if that’s what he turns out to be.

It will be interesting to see how Reibacher does at camp. We’ve not seen him play much last season because of the injury, but for the Canadiens to send Mailloux off to St. Louis, they must have been pleased with what they saw in the Austrian, and that’s the opinion that truly matters. Even with Mailloux’s departure, there will be a lot of blueliners battling for a spot at camp, and making the lineup will be no easy task.

The final Canadiens’ prospect to make the list is Michael Hage, who ranks at number 51, a significant drop from last year’s 39th place. Perhaps that can be explained by the fact that Wheeler is not convinced Hage is NHL center material. He mentions that Hage must be suitable for a winger role in the big league, a bit like Blues’ Jordan Kyrou (interesting comparison since we’re still seeing Kyrou’s name all over the place lately).

It might be a bit early to make that assessment. Hage is still developing, and he still has time to bulk up. After a second season in the NCAA, a stay with the Laval Rocket probably wouldn’t hurt, and we’ll have a better idea then of what he projects as. Yes, the jump from the NCAA to the AHL is a big one, but both the opponents and the teammates will be better as well, which should help him reach a higher level.

The writer acknowledges that he spent the last season playing for a diminished Michigan team in the NCAA. As a result, he often had to take matters into his own hands, and he rose to the challenge. This year, he will be joined by former Eire Otters’ star Malcolm Spence, who has confirmed he will be leaving the CHL to enter Michigan.

Even though Wheeler doesn’t believe Hage is likely to be a top-six center for the Canadiens, he still expects him to be a top-six player in the NHL, which is not a given for a 21st overall pick.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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