Canadiens Wrap-Up: 2023 Draft Odds, Habs Prospects Traded

MONTREAL — There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens, but many fans lead a very busy life, meaning it’s not always possible to keep up to date with every news story.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Every Sunday we will recap the most exciting and relevant news stories that you may have missed throughout the week.

Monday

• Take a look at some of the home run moves Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens could consider in 2023.
• Thanks to excellent results from Adam Engstrom (SWE), Josh Roy (CAN), Oliver Kapanen (FIN), Vinzenz Rohrer (AUT), Lane Hutson (USA), and Filip Mesar (SVK), the Montreal Canadiens prospect pool enjoyed the most success among all NHL prospect pools during preliminary games at the 2023 World Junior Championship.
• Owen Beck has another chance to make his dream come true by winning a gold medal while representing Team Canada.
• Speaking of Beck, he was among the top 5 surprises for the Habs in 2022. Take a look at the rest.
• Phenom Connor Bedard, who is playing alongside Canadiens prospect Joshua Roy on Team Canada, set several Canadian records at the 2023 WJC. It’s a subject of interest for fans of teams that will take part in the Bedard Sweepstakes.

Tuesday

• The Montreal Canadiens have been on a big slide down the NHL standings, but their 2023 NHL Draft Lottery odds are now going up, in more ways than one
• According to Martin St-Louis, the Christmas break did not provide much relief to his tired team. A difficult January is unlikely to improve team morale, but it should improve the Canadiens in the long run.

Wednesday

• Veteran defenceman Joel Edmundson could end up fetching a very healthy health return for the Canadiens at the trade deadline.
• Thanks to an excellent showing at the 2023 World Junior Championship, Filip Mesar made a big jump in the most recent edition of the prospect power rankings. Take a look at list.
• The Canadiens will have to make a decision regarding Juraj Slafkovsky’s future, and they’ll have to do it very soon.
• Several Habs players surprised last year, which means it’s time to check out some of the top breakout candidates for 2023.

Thursday

• It’s been a tough time for the Montreal Canadiens without Sean Monahan, but Montreal’s struggles, along with emerging news across the NHL, are only going to help his value.
• With the new year upon us, one can expect a bold year from Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, so here are some to take predictions that could be on the way in 2023.
• The Montreal Canadiens have struggled to find any semblance of consistency over the last month, an issue head coach Martin St-Louis discussed at length during his media availability on Thursday morning.
• Joshua Roy has always been known as a big game player, but he truly left his best for last at this year’s World Juniors.

Friday

• Here’s what Kaiden Guhle‘s loss means to the Canadiens and who they could call up to replace him.
• Nick Suzuki was chosen for the All-Star for a second consecutive year, but that doesn’t mean Cole Caufield can’t join him.
• After weeks of anticipation, Canadiens prospect Riley Kidney has finally been traded in the QMJHL in one of the biggest trades in major junior this year.
• With the Canadiens’ injury luck and the upcoming trade deadline, it’s worth keeping an eye on the next batch of players that will likely receive a call-up once the Canadiens need reinforcements.

Saturday

• Owen Beck, the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, appears to be part of the firesale going on with the Mississauga Steelheads, and could be on his way to the Peterborough Petes.
• Fans are growing frustrated with the lack of opportunity being afforded to the Montreal Canadiens prospects, but that trend might soon change in a big way.
• Cole Caufield‘s goal-scoring prowess for the Montreal Canadiens has been well documented, especially since the coaching change that saw Martin St-Louis replace Dominique Ducharme.

The Season So Far

If you’d like to go back and comb over some of the biggest news so far this season, here’s a list of each weekly Wrap-Up so far:

Jan 1st – Big 2023 Draft Lottery Odds, 2019 Re-Draft

Dec 25th – Popular Habs In Trade Talks, Xhekaj Fights

Dec 18th – Habs 2023 Draft Gamble, NHL Trade Talk

Dec 11th – Habs Interest In Boeser, Prospects at WJC

Dec 4th – Caufield Extension, Montreal’s Plan For 2023 Draft

Nov 27th – Habs Trade Talk, Monahan’s Growing Value

Nov 20th – Kent Hughes Active, NHL Trade Rumours

Nov 13th – Hughes’ Trade Strategy, Kirby Dach’s Growth

Nov 6th – St-Louis Strategy, Caufield, Slafkovsky

Oct 30th – Habs Trade Talk, Roster Shuffle & Waivers

Oct 23rd – Juraj Slafkovsky Impressing, Xhekaj And More

Oct 16th – Hughes’ LTIR Strategy, Carey Price, Waivers

Oct 9th – Hughes Roster Strategy, Roy, Slafkovsky