Montreal Canadien Prospects Update

Franchises have always relied on building successful teams with young prospects. Look no further than Jason Spezza, 2nd pick in 2001, Dany Heatley, 2nd pick in 2000, or Sidney Crosby, 1st pick in 2005.

Lately, top picks such as Chris Higgins, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Carey Price have elevated Montreal’s level of play with their development. Here are the top five up-and-coming prospects in the Montreal Canadiens system:

1. David Fischer, D, U of Minnesota Gophers (NCAA)

6’3 185 lbs 1st round choice, 20th overall in 2006

February 19, 1988 (age 19) Minneapolis, MN

Apple Valley High (HS-MN)

2003-2004 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) in 27 games

2004-2005 28 points (8 goals, 20 assists) in 28 games

2005-2006 39 points (8 goals, 31 assists) in 28 games

U of Minnesota Gophers (NCAA)

2006-2007 5 points (5 assists) in 42 games

2007-2008 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) in 24 games

Selected as the top pick in 2006 by the Habs, David Fischer’s size and grit will be a welcome addition to the Canadiens’ back end in the years to come. Fischer possesses a hard shot and great stay-at-home defense skills that will make him a powerful force on the blueline. Currently with the U of Minnesota Gophers, the sophomore plays with top prospect Blake Wheeler.

2. Ryan McDonagh, D, U of Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)

6’1 200 lbs 1st round choice, 12th overall in 2007

June 13, 1989 (18) St. Paul, MN

Cretin-Derham High School (MN-HS)

2006-2007 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) in 26 games

U of Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)

2007-2008 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 22 games

Montreal’s top pick in 2007, Ryan McDonagh has a bright future ahead of him. Possessing size and strength, McDonagh has fit right in on the U of Wisconsin blueline, registering 10 points in his first 22 NCAA games. Playing alongside top prospects Blake Geoffrion and Kyle Turris, McDonagh, at the ripe age of 18, has a few years to develop.

3. Max Pacioretty, LW, U of Michigan Spartans (NCAA)

6’2 203 lbs 2nd round choice, 22nd overall in 2007

November 20, 1988 (19)

Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)

2006-2007 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 60 games (119 PIM)

U of Michigan Spartans (NCAA)

2007-2008 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) in 19 games (32 PIM)

Representing Team USA in this year’s World Juniors, Max Pacioretty has grit for the game that Montreal needs up front. In his first NCAA season, Pacioretty has 19 points through 19 games. Add in 32 PIMs and he is one feisty power forward for years to come.

4. Ryan White, C, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

6’0 200 lbs 3rd round choice, 66th overall in 2006

March 17, 1988 (19) Brandon, MB

Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

2004-2005 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 63 games

2005-2006 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 72 games

2006-2007 89 points (34 goals, 55 assists) in 72 games

2007-2008 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 41 games

If Ryan White’s WHL career is any indication of his offensive talent then he should have a stellar future. During his duration in Calgary, White has become an offensive dynamo for the Hitmen, registering over 20 goals in the last two seasons. At 19, this young Manitoban has a bright future ahead of him.

5. Yannick Weber, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

5’10 195 lbs 3rd round choice, 73rd overall in 2007

September 23, 1988 (19) Morges, Switzerland

Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

2007-2008 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) in 34 games

2006-2007 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists) in 51 games

Yannick Weber is a study of a great offensively skilled defenseman. Weber represented his native Switzerland in this year’s World Juniors and has been a consistent point producing blueliner for the Kitchener Rangers. Hoping to join the ranks of fellow Swiss player, Mark Streit, in the Montreal regular lineup someday, Weber has a bright future ahead of him.

Honourable Mention:

Olivier Fortier, C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

6’0 170 lbs 3rd round choice, 65th overall in 2007

May 2, 1989 (18) Ancienne-Lorette, PQ

Drummondville Voltigeurs/Rimouski Oceanic

2005-2006 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) in 40 games

Rimouski Oceanic

2006-2007 64 points (28 goals, 36 assists) in 69 games

2007-2008 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) in 42 games

Alexei Yemelin, D, Kazan Ak-Bars (Russia)

6’0 187 lbs 3rd round choice, 84th overall in 2004

April 22, 1986 (21) Togliatti, Russia

Togliatti

2005-2006 129 PIM in 43 games

2006-2007 74 PIM in 43 games

2007-2008 103 PIM in 40 games

Cedrick Desjardins, G, Cinncinati Cyclones (ECHL)

6'0 183 lbs September 30, 1985 Edmunston, NB

Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

2004-2005 30 Wins, 7 Losses, 4 Ties 2.95 GAA .909 SV%

Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

2005-2006 28 Wins, 10 Losses 2.95 GAA .906 SV%

Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)

2006-2007 24 Wins, 19 Losses, 1 Tie 2.54 GAA .917 SV%

2007-2008 9 Wins, 4 Losses, 2 Ties 2.22 GAA .918 SV%