Instant Analysis: Canadiens Add Crucial Forwards In First Round

The first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft went well for the Montreal Canadiens, especially when you consider the glaring weakness they had heading into the festivities in Las Vegas.

The Habs certainly have some talented forwards among their prospects, but beyond Joshua Roy, who should already be considered an NHL player, forwards with elite offensive talent were few and far between. The issue is particularly pressing because for the most part, the Canadiens have both talent and depth at every position. To take the next step in their rebuild, they would have to address the problem that has plagued the franchise over the course of the last three decades.

Players like Lane Hutson, Adam Engstrom, and Logan Mailloux will serve as the crucial defensive reinforcements. Forwards such as Owen Beck can bring a certain defensive responsibility to the table. And Jacob Fowler rates as one of the best goaltending prospects in the hockey landscape.

And now, their two picks in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft serve as the great offensive hopes.

It’s too early to suggest offensive woes are a thing of the past, but the addition of Ivan Demidov (fifth overall) and Michael Hage (21st overall) to the prospect pool should lead to the Canadiens owning one of the strongest group of NHL hopefuls in the league. Demidov, in particular, is an elite forward who has the type of game-breaking talent that you need in your lineup to enjoy long term success. That’s not to say Hage is an afterthought, but Demidov is also the type of prospect that usually ends up being drafted by any other team but the Habs before enjoying a predictably great NHL career.

As for Hage, he hails from one of the richest hockey pipelines around, the USHL’s Chicago Steel, the same program in which Canadiens prospect Sean Farrell thrived prior to his jump to the NCAA. He’s considered a good value pick at 21st overall, as he brings a good combination of natural offensive talent and size to the ice, something Canadiens fans will be able to witness for themselves next season as he plays for the University of Michigan.

The 6’1″, 190lbs centre is smart, agile, and possesses a well-rounded game. I know that term tends to be seen as negative in recent years, as players without any semblance of elite talent are lazily described as ‘well-rounded’, but it actually does apply in this case. His skill in transition should eventually provide head coach Martin St-Louis with a much-needed injection of scoring chances off the rush, as well as an honest work rate in the defensive zone.

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

Any way you cut it, this was a fantastic first round for the Montreal Canadiens.

They picked the best players available, which is the right approach in every situation. Those picks also filled a need.

Time will tell, but for now, Habs fans can sleep soundly in knowing their favourite team just added a significant dose of offensive talent to the organization, with the added bonus of removing much of the pressure that has been put on David Reinbacher’s shoulders.