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Two Habs Prospects Reach 100 Points in QMJHL, First in 22 Years

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2 years ago

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Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens prospects Joshua Roy and Riley Kidney, both selected in the 2021 NHL Draft, have had MVP-level seasons and put up 100 points each in the QMJHL for their respective junior teams.

The last time the Montreal Canadiens had two or more prospects reach 100 points in the QMJHL, it was the 1999-2000 season, where Eric Chouinard (104), Michael Ryder (108) and Marc-André Thinel (150) all achieved the mark. The 1998 and 1999 drafts saw the Canadiens pick seven players from the QMJHL, and four of those players (Chouinard, Ryder, Thinel and Mike Riberio) would produce 100-point seasons during the two seasons following their draft years.

A lot of ink has been spilled about the Montreal Canadiens not dipping into the talent pool of their local junior league enough, but it’s undeniable that they made promising selections in the 2021 NHL Draft that could pay dividends later on. To be able to produce 100 points in the season directly following a junior player’s draft year in Canadian Major Junior is a rare achievement, and not one that should be taken lightly.

Joshua Roy Signs ELC and Leads QMJHL In Scoring

Joshua Roy, who recently signed his entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens after being selected by them in the 5th round in July 2021, has been a revelation for the Sherbrooke Phoenix this season. He’s obliterated his previous career highs in points and has completely taken the league by storm. His scored 51 goals and 68 assists for 119 points in 66 games en route to the QMJHL scoring title. The 18-year-old possesses a level of humility and maturity that is rare to find in skilled players of that age, and his ability to channel pressure into success makes him tailor-made to be a member of the Montreal Canadiens down the line.

Roy’s journey has been full of ups and downs in his young career. Going from being selected first overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL Draft in 2019 to playing third-line minutes as a 17-year-old, to being traded to a new club before his 18th birthday; Roy has had to surmount a ton of expectations, criticism, and obstacles on his way to becoming a top player in the QMJHL. He’s improved his quickness and pacing, allowing him to be one or two steps quicker than the opposition; despite not possessing blazing speed. He’s continued to lead his team to success and is looking to help the Phoenix go on a long playoff run when the spring dance begins in the QMJHL in early May.

Riley Kidney Continues To Impress Montreal Canadiens Faithful

Riley Kidney has gone from a late riser in last season’s QMJHL season to one of its most dangerous players this year, making him one of the most exciting players in major junior right now. His progress has been remarkable in his own right, building off an exceptional 2021 QMJHL playoffs and using that momentum to push his game to new heights this season. Kidney’s playmaking abilities and puck protection skills were some of the things that stood out the most in early-season viewings during the QMJHL. However, his game really began to grow to another level after the Acadie-Bathurst Titans proceeded to a coaching change on November 29th, naming Jason Clarke as the new bench boss for the young club.

Since that point, Kidney has been on an offensive tear, posting 30 goals and 70 assists for 100 points in just 66 games. Kidney has improved his decision-making; seconds throughout the season and has become a more polished two-way player, consistently used by the Titans in all situations.

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