Two Canadiens Prospects Could Be Turning Pro This Spring

The Montreal Canadiens will be a much younger team this spring, especially with two NCAA-based prospects likely to turn pro shortly after the NHL Trade Deadline.

There are quite a few Canadiens prospects that are impressing this season, showing interesting progression curves that have fans hopeful of an imminent youth movement within the organization.

This season has been a historic season for the Canadiens in terms of the number of games played by rookies, with Montreal regularly playing five rookies on a regular basis in their lineup.

That number could further increase after the NHL Trade Deadline, as the Canadiens will be looking to move out of expiring contracts and seasoned veterans in an effort to get younger and hungrier.

They currently have the likes of Justin Barron, Rafaël Harvey Pinard and Jesse Ylönen auditioning for future roles on the team and playing at a relatively good pace, but they may soon have competition for ice time from youngsters finishing up their NCAA season.

Generally speaking, NCAA players have their divisional playoffs conclude in mid-March. If their teams win their respective divisional championships or are then named to the Frozen Four tournament, their season could end anywhere between late March and early April ( NCAA Frozen Four Finals is set for April 6 & 8).

Like Jordan Harris last season, a player coming in from the NCAA cannot play in the AHL upon signing with their NHL clubs and burning the first year of their entry-level contracts.

This means the Canadiens might have to make some room in late March or early April for a pair of 21-year-olds that will be ready for the next step.

From Crimson To Tricolore

The most impressive of the bunch has to be the Canadiens’ 2020 4th-round pick, Sean Farrell.

The 21-year-old has been putting up points at a torrid pace in the NCAA this season for the Harvard Crimson; registering a sparkling 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points in just 21 games so far this year.

His 1.62 points-per-game ratio is second only to 2023 NHL Draft prospect Adam Fantilli, a former teammate of Farrell in the USHL with the Chicago Steel.

Farrell was recently one of Harvard’s three nominations for the Hobey Baker award, an honour given out to the most valuable player in the NCAA.

The talented winger is expected to be one of the finalists for the award this season when the list narrows to only three players league-wide, as he’s been one one of the top players in the entire NCAA this year.

There has been speculation that the youngster could forgo signing with the Canadiens this spring and eventually become a free agent in the summer of 2024, but Farrell himself has indicated that he’s very excited about potential opportunities with the Canadiens down the road.

In a recent interview with Montreal Hockey Now, Sean Farrell praised the work the Montreal Canadiens had done in fleshing out their developmental staff, including Farrell’s skills coach, Adam Nicholas.

MUST READ: Sean Farrell Interview

In the very same interview, Farrell  showed no hesitation when asked whether he could see himself playing with the Canadiens For him, it’s a situation almost tailor-made for him as a player to come in and contribute in a way that would be both sustainable and meaningful.

“I think they emphasize playing fast and playing a fast possession game. That’s something I’ve always been good at and have succeeded in systems like that,” said Farrell about St. Louis’ new coaching approach. “I feel like, once I’m ready and my body is ready, I feel like I’ll be able to step in and help the team offensively. You’ve definitely seen flashes from them this year where they score a bunch of goals and play well on the rush. They’re really fun to watch and hopefully I’ll be able to step into that one day.”

Of all the Canadiens’ prospects, he’s likely the one that is closest to the NHL right now, and the one that is best suited for the style head coach Martin St-Louis wants to play.

Taking The Next Step

Much has been said regarding the progression of 2019 2nd-round pick, Jayden Struble.

After coming out of the gate in his NCAA career as more of an offensive force, Struble has been tasked with more defensive responsibility for the Northeastern Huskies and has grown by leaps and bounds.

He’s demonstrating an ability to adapt according to the needs of his team, as Northeastern has become more of a defence-first team; rather than the flying offensive unit they were when Struble first stepped into the NCAA.

It largely explains the lack of offensive growth in his game, as he hasn’t surpassed 14 points in the NCAA; but looking just at the stat sheet is doing a big disservice to Struble, who is much more of a transition and shutdown defenceman, than an offensive dynamo.

The 21-year-old, a former client of Kent Hughes during his as an agent, spent some time in Montreal around the organization this summer and was impressed with the resources and direction of the club.

He’s focused on his his senior year in the NCAA before he’s likely to have to make some big decisions this summer; but it doesn’t look like it’ll be too long of a process.

“When the senior year reaches an end, I’m sure there’s going to be many phone calls to be made and push through, but we’ll figure it out,” said Struble about the future. “I definitely, ever since I got drafted, thought it would be awesome to play in Montreal.”

Struble wants to keep his attention focused on his team and their success, as one of the leaders of the group. He’s looking to focus on helping the younger players reach new heights and lead by example; and to do that, you can’t have distractions.

However, once all is said and done, Struble could certainly see himself playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

“Yeah, for sure. They’re the team that drafted me and I’ve always had good relations with the people in Montreal; and now obviously with Kent and all,” said Struble on whether he can see himself playing for the Canadiens. “It’s such a cool city too; the fanbase and everything about it and the organization itself. All the stories and legends; I can see myself around that.”

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