Canadiens Prospect Watch: Hutson, Roy Have Explosive Debuts

The Montreal Canadiens had some notable performances from their top prospects this week as they began their respective seasons in impressive fashion.

With various amateur leagues now in the full swing of their seasons, it’s time to go over some of the standout performances from Montreal Canadiens prospects around the world. Canadian Major Junior and NCAA seasons are now in full swing and the Canadiens, having drafted over 40 players in the last four drafts had quite a few prospects in action this weekend.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens prospects that made the biggest impact this week:

Lane Hutson Impresses In NCAA Debut

The Montreal Canadiens 2022 2nd round pick didn’t take long to make an impact in the NCAA for the Boston University Terriers, as he picked up three assists in their 8-2 win over Bentley. Lane Hutson used his mobility and his smarts throughout the game to move the puck out of his zone with efficiency and would routinely jump into the play as the fourth man to create odd-man rushes.

When in the offensive zone, Hutson was walking the blue-line with ease and showing the kind of skill that has Canadiens fans quite excited. The highlight of his debut came on the play below, where he faked out the opposing forechecker and sent a beautiful cross-ice pass to fellow Canadiens prospect Luke Tuch for the equally impressive one-timer.

Hutson, along with Terrier captain Domenick Fensore, is expected to help Boston U bring their offensive production up a notch; and he did exactly that in his debut.

Ok… time to show you some goals.

Here's the most recent one, scored by Tuch.

Watch on ESPN+: https://t.co/9PLDlvOMxq @ESPN | @hockey_east pic.twitter.com/48JwYL67Fu

— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) October 2, 2022

Roy Picks Up Where He Left Off

Recently reassigned to the Sherbrooke Phoenix on Thursday night, Joshua Roy was in uniform and ready to play by Friday night, and he picked up right where he left off. Back to his usual spot on left-wing on the top line, Roy notched two assists in his first game back in impressive fashion.

Didn't take long! #Habs Joshua Roy with his first goal of his QMJHL campaign.

Collects the loose puck and snipes from the top of the circle. pic.twitter.com/epmkHTfCyN

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 1, 2022

He then followed up that performance 24 hours later with a two-goal game against the Val d’Or Foreurs. Roy once again proved to be the offensive sparkplug for his club, getting the offence flowing in both games he participated in. Roy now posts a tidy two goals and two assists in just two games and he and the Phoenix are seamingly just getting started.

Make it a two-goal game for #Habs Joshua Roy!

Power play, puts the one-timer home from the high slot. Four points in two games, and he's on his third game in as many days. pic.twitter.com/JGsWJJA9tp

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 1, 2022

Vinzenz Rohrer Making Up For Lost Time

Vinzenz Rohrer couldn’t attend Canadiens rookie camp or participate in the Prospect Challenge due to an injury he suffered during the Ottawa 67‘s training camp in late August. It was unfortunate for the talented and feisty forward to not be able to show his worth to fans, but they’ll start seeing glimpses of it throughout his season in the OHL.

Undertaking his sophomore season, Rohrer will be looked upon to lead his team offensively once again this year. Not missing the opportunity to rise to the challenge, Rohrer distinguished himself in a crazy 7-6 shootout victory over the Oshawa Generals on Friday night. Not only did he pick up two assists on the powerplay, but he showed off his soft hands with a highlight-reel shootout winner as seen below.

A slick stick from @CanadiensMTL prospect Vinny Rohrer paired with a big stop from Max Donoso solidified an @Ottawa67sHockey shootout win in Oshawa on Friday 🎥 pic.twitter.com/CPC8XkaVlt

— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) October 1, 2022

Having played as a rookie in the OHL on an inexperienced 67s roster, this season will be very important for Rohrer; as the young man looks to take his game to the next level. He started his season with a bang, but the young Austrian has told Montreal Hockey Now that he’s just looking to continue improving his game and being himself on the ice.

Well, efficient and clutch are descriptors used to characterize Rohrer’s game during the 2022 NHL Draft, and he lived up to those traits this weekend.