Habs Prospects
NHL Draft Prospects Habs Could Target 16th & 17th Overall
The Montreal Canadiens currently own the 16th and 17th overall picks at the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, a perk of having received a first-round pick in exchange for absorbing Sean Monahan’s contract from the Calgary Flames.
Before we get going, there’s a strong possibility the Canadiens may trade one or both picks in exchange for a player who could make an impact within the window that is expected to open with the current core of players. In other words, a relatively young player who is essentially NHL ready.
The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is set to take place on June 28 and 29, in Los Angeles. That gives us ample time to evaluate some of the players who could hear their names called once the Canadiens take to the podium.
Today, we’ll start taking a look at some of the players who could be available, while keeping in mind there are several other prospects worth discussing. Given what Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes mentioned at the end-of-season press conference, we’ll focus on prospects who have a nice combination of size and talent.
ON TOPIC: Montreal Canadiens Draft Pick Order For The 2025 NHL Entry Draft
For now, we’re going to avoid discussing players who won’t be available, such as Caleb Desnoyers, Roger McQueen, and Carter Bear, however, we can absolutely circle back to prospects expected to go in the top 10 once we get closer to the actual draft, and have a better idea of how Hughes intends to approach the event.
Justin Carbonneau, 18, Right Wing, Shoots Right, 6’1″, 192 lb. Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
(62 GP, 46 G, 43 A, 89 PTS)
Carbonneau will often be mentioned leading up to the draft, and more often than not, he’ll be linked to the Canadiens. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the reason Carbonneau should interest in the Habs is that he’s quite talented. The fact that he can speak French is simply a bonus.
Besides, when’s the last time the Habs defied pre-draft rankings to put their hands on a Francophone in the first round? It wasn’t Louis Leblanc, because he was ranked exactly where the Habs ended up picking him. Nathan Beaulieu was also a pick that lined up with draft rankings, which means we can safely stop assuming the Habs will simply pick the best player with a French name. It also means some outlets will have to work a little harder when it comes to their mock drafts.
That being said, Carbonneau fits the bill in Montreal. He has decent size, but more than anything, it’s his elite puck skills that have him ranked anywhere from 13th to 19th in most draft lists. To get a better idea of what he brings to the table, I’d like to suggest reading this in-depth profile on Carbonneau written by Hadi Kalakeche over at Elite Prospects.
Suffice it to say, he has excellent hands, elite offensive instincts, and high-end anticipation. His shot features a very sneaky release, as well as above-average accuracy. There’s a healthy chance he won’t be available to the Habs by the time the 16th overall pick is due, but if he does slide it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Canadiens jump on the opportunity.
Logan Hensler, 18, Defenceman, Shoots Right, 6’2″, 196 lb. University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
(32 GP, 2 G, 10 A, 12 PTS)
Every draft features a run on defencemen, and though the timing in the first round tends to vary, once teams start focusing on blue liners, the options quickly start to fade away.
In that vein, Hensler may not be available, as he was once knocking on the door of the top 10 for the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but his stock has dropped significantly in recent months. That’s a red flag to a certain extent, but it may also provide the Habs with an opportunity to take advantage of the shifting market.
One of the most notable strengths possessed by Hensler is his ability to shut down opponents who are attempting to score off the rush, and that takes even more importance than usual in the modern NHL landscape.
Teams that can score off the rush tend to make it further than most in the playoffs. Teams who have no idea how to defend the rush, like the Habs, don’t make it very far. On that note, Hensler uses a somewhat aggressive approach to defending, preferring a proactive approach rather than a collapsing strategy.
Lynden Lakovic, 18, Forward, Shoots Left, 6’4″, 190 lb. Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
(47 GP, 27 G, 31 A, 58 PTS)
Lakovic has the type of size that will attract a lot of attention at the draft, but I wouldn’t necessarily describe him as a rough-and-tumble player. More than anything, he’s received a fair amount of criticism about his lack of physicality from some scouts. That’s par for the course when discussing a tall player, and if I’m being honest, it’s a very archaic way of evaluating prospects.
If you are hellbent on finding negatives, you will achieve your goal. No prospect is perfect. That’s why the newer generation of scouts tend to focus on the positives, first and foremost.
Lakovic skates very well, which is very different from saying a big prospect ‘skates well for his size’. That’s code for a bad skater who can reach the mixer on the top shelf in the kitchen. Fortunately, Lakovic has great speed, full stop.
He’s a hybrid forward, putting together a nice combination of goal-scoring and playmaking. Some of his skill set falls on the raw side of things, which means he may take a little more time than others to attain his sky-high ceiling.
If you have a prospect in mind that you would like to see mentioned in the next batch of players who will potentially be available at 16th or 17th overall, please mention their name in the comments, and we’ll add them to the list.
We use several resources when evaluating prospects. The most referenced websites including Elite Prospects and Hockey Prospect.
Like your analysis but expect they will package picks and possibly a prospect or two for experienced or NHL ready talent to fill their primary needs. At least I hope so.
Yeah, I’d be shocked if they didn’t make at least one trade. On the flip side, they may just use them to move up in the draft, so we’ll take a look at some top 10 prospects a little later in the month.
Thanks for the comment!
When you do, I’d love to hear your breakdown of Roger McQueen. 🤞
My wish would be that Desnoyers slips down far enough that we can somehow trade up and pick him. Failing that your three picks are decent choices for 16/17. Not really a fan of big guys that don’t use their size to intimidate, so Lakovic would fall below Hensler and Cabonneau for me. My choice out of your 3 picks would be Carbonneau. How can you miss with a Carbo on your roster?
For what it’s worth, he’s Guy’s nephew, I believe.
So, I expect him to win every single faceoff, especially vs. Gretzky in the playoffs.
Nate Beaulieu is from Strathroy ontario and I dont believe he speaks more french than bonjour and merci
He can say more than that, but he still falls into the Francophone discussion of the draft. I’ve seen his name used several times as evidence to suggest the Habs focus on Francophones.
I also know Francophones in Strathroy, and in almost every single city in Ontario. Last I checked, we’re quickly approaching a million Franco-Ontarians. And over 1.5 million Ontarians know how to speak French, but you’re absolutely right, that particular Beaulieu family prefers to speak English.
I made an edit in the article to reflect the correction you suggested.
What about Leblanc?
Bob Mckenzie’s Rankings show he wasnt ranked where you said.
Until Molson bought the team just before the draft , no one was looking at Leblanc
I’d argue given Gainey’s history probably grrabs top 15 ranked Carter Ashton
Since Gainey chose Price over Brule at #5
Much like Hughes did with Slafkovsky when Fans wanted Wright.
When fans learned quickly their Newer GM was right , they backed off.
The point is no one was looking at Bob Gainey after how he had drafted the previous what 5 seasons? To suddenly go against his mandate in Best Players Available Period was something only New Ownership could force.
I remembered thinking Its weird it took Gillette for the Habs to have Good Prospects while under Geoff’s dad Eric we couldnt buy a decent showing from our draft picks almost as a rule.(those who did succeed we traded over developing most times)
This is Revisionist History
I wish it was in me to forget this stuff
But im a Junior Hockey Supported for nearly 30 years
I watch these guys from then till they Retire for Pure Entertainment.
Watching these guys helps me not to forget the Context surrounding their Rise.
Carter Ashton Falling off that Draft was huge talk but not as much as MTL drafting Leblanc Early. Go back and listen to the Draft Broadcast, you’ll hear the surprise in the commentators Voice.
Its one of those moments like Chychrun doing all that Habs Media thinking he was a lock to be picked by us, and To Be Fair, it seemed he was. Then Sergachev became available and we picked over him. They went back and interviewed Chychrun until he was picked much later and he was so spiteful about MTL picking over him. I love that bit where they asked him if he’s more American or Canadian and he was Diplomatic until he was picked over. “i guess im American ” and ending that lol. I always got a chuckle cause he was almost in tears over a draft position. When my buddy Bruce got Drafted with the pick MTL traded for Kovalev he was pumped. He expected to go 1st round but i remember him sitting there “Position means 0, getting drafted means everything”
My Point is French Media likes to re-write the Leblanc Saga
Its not right and they wouldnt let their bias interfere if he was from any other culture.
So lets stop pretending Leblanc was Molsons 1st mistake as owner, it was
He ignored Rankings and paid for it 3 straight years before learning.
Beaulieu is another , rose up on a good run is St John Seadogs
But he was a 2nd assist merchant for Huberdeau, is seen this Live a lot.
Its why he went from top 10 ranked to falling to 17th passed by lesser ranked D.
He had 3 other D ranked ahead of him and in the end 66 were drafted before him.
I think when Oleksiak and Brodin jumped up MTL took the Best Dman available is all.
It was the start of the Gauthier/Molson era post Gainey and it was a shit show.
We make Good and bad calls
Some we assume is based on Language, isnt always
Some we pretend wasnt, always was.
You got to Remember Who was in charge, the transition and their history.
Trade down and take Fiddler and Rybakin, if Martin is avail then maybe not so much
Ryabkin could be the steal of the draft.
Carbonneau seems to have great hands and shot. But from what I saw he is below average in terms of skating.
I would try to trade up one of our pick to scoop Radim Mrtka and trade the other one to upgrade our roster.
Some scouts think highly of Bill Zonnon a left winger born in Montreal
I fully agree that we are very unlikely to be picking at 16 & 17 when it’s all said and done.
I fully expect us to use our picks in a package for a new 2C. In an ideal world, the target would be early to mid 20’s, good on the draw, a 200 foot player, and he must have a physical edge… not sure who that might be…. plan B might go a tad older and someone like Bo Horvat could be the perfect fit if we don’t find a younger option… say we find our 2C in FA (I don’t like that option), but even if we don’t use our 1st rounders in a trade for a new 2C, I would expect us to try and package 16 with 17 to move into the top 10….
All that said, IF we do keep at least one of our picks, I like Jack Nesbit in that range… he might take a little longer to develop and his skating needs some work, but he’s big, he’s smart, he’s physical, he plays center, and I think he’s a really good long term option… he is not someone that would provide immediate help, but I think he could be a nice piece for the future.
IF Mrtka is somehow available, I also really like the big RHD, but I wouldn’t want to mve up for him and I expect him to go before 16…
I do like Carbo too, but you already covered him…
TBH i think they’re Gone
I think the minutes in the WSH series when he was asked if Ovi was his favorite Russian all time and Demidov said “No, Malkin has always been my idol”. I think when that happened it was set in stone that he’d come to MTL
We need a 2nd C but just a year or so
PIT needs assets otherwise Malkins just staying to play golf
Demidov wants to play Center/Winger like Malkin
Who better to help him Transition ?
I usually am all about Drafting almost as a rule
But we’re so stacked right now with Quality we can afford to invest in more Hutsons, Engstroms and Florian Xhekaj’s who are on pace with our Reinbachers, Mesars and Beck’s anyways, if not further along slightly .
Eric Crawford came over and gave us Sergachev year 1
He took our drafting from a joke to ok or competant.
But Bobrov and Crawford in Tandem have been lights out.
If we can Land Malkin and tie together Laine-Malkin-Demidov
Then MTL is in a position where the playoffs are a lock
It’ll be about upgrading 4th C with some size and putting Evans at 3 C full time
You do that and dont add a RD unless its from Laval , and we’ll be fine.
Goaltending is deep and strong enough.
So pray for Malkin
He could help give us our first back to back Calder Trophy Winners
I would love to hear some comments on the following prospects;
Jack Nesbitt
Braeden Cootes
Brady Martin (likely gone by #16)
Blake Fiddler
Cole Rescheny
Like Carbonneau in these slots but they do need RHD and C depth.
Also thoughts on offer sheet/ trade for Marco Rossi? Not a big guy but like Suzuki has great lower body strength.
I like Nesbit… he’s big, smart, physical, and he plays center… but his skating still needs work and as a bigger guy still growing into his body – he needs plenty of development…
he wouldn’t provide any immediate help, but I trust our development department now and I think he could be a really nice long term piece… but I still think we use our picks in a package for a new 2C… but if we did keep both picks, I wouldn’t mind one being on Nesbit – tougher call if we only have one of the picks, I still like him, but I don’t know if he’d be the top guy available, and he’s a bit of a project so it would feel like a much tougher call and soeone internally would need to be really pushing for him 😉
I’m not a fan of Rossi as a fit for us – I have my criteria in mind when I look for our targets and my boxes that need checked for our new 2C would be as follows:
Must have a 200 foot game, a physical edge, and be solid on the draw…
ideally he would also be early to mid 20’s and a lefty – but I don’t really see who that is… other than being 30 rather than early to mid 20’s, I think Bo Horvat could be a good target for a trade (if we don’t find a younger option that also checks all the boxes) 😉
Think your comments on Nesbitt are very accurate. Not too many right hand centre’s to be found.
Rossi size is a concern but he seems pretty solid on his skates. Left hand shooter. Mason McTavish is also left hand shooter.
Suzuki right handed, Beck right handed. Kapanen right handed. Evans right handed.
Sure you want another righty?
he’s more of a long term project, I wouldn’t worry about immediate needs with him – not the same issues… we should target a left handed 2C in the off season.
Last year, Hughes was thrilled to make a move to get the 21 overall pick to select his desired target of Michael Hage. You don’t jump through hoops to get a 3C in the middle third of round 1. Clearly the design and plan is for him to be the 2C of the future. Since then, he had a terrific freshman campaign and demonstrated a skill set that looks translatable to the NHL. By all accounts, he’s at least another year away, let’s say 2.
So when discussing the 2C situation, that probable fit has to be factored. Whether it’s a UFA or a trade, the targeted guy as a short term solution should be a middle 6 guy. Claude Giroux checks off a lot of the boxes. Consider Demidov thrived playing this year with Kuznetsov, who was never as good as Claude. I don’t think we are winning the Cup in the next 2 years so we are concerned with development for Ivan. Giroux would fit the timeline, skill set( faceoff maestro) and veteran mentor profile.
Therefore, I don’t think the primary need is 2C this draft. I think D is where I’d focus. My preferred target is Radim Mrtka, a 6’6” right D. He was projected as a late first and even early second round this time last year and has shot up the charts since coming to play in Seattle. He won’t be available if we maintain our current draft positions. I suspect he goes in the 9-13 range.
Hensler you mentioned but Charlie Trethway is similar . He was a first rounder on lots of lists at this time last season but has slid to mid round 2. 6’2 200, he could be available with our 41 or 49. Plus he’s still 17, late August birth- maybe the youngest guy in the draft. That’s material. Blake fiddler is a big right shot D projected late round 1. All are RD. Reinbachers health has become an issue so a back up plan has merit, and Logan isn’t a slam dunk to be a long term solution. If we get a pair of right D prospects in the top 50 picks, I’d be pleased.
Forwards, Jake Murtagh caught my eye at an international event. Good size with a presence and a heavy shot. He’s late round 1 on many lists. I’ve seen Zonnon several times this and last year, very very noticeable player.
I wouldn’t draft a defensemen unless it’s a top 5 pick. I rather trade picks and maybe some prospects , for a Dman who is still young and can help us now. Dobson and horvat for Dach, Matheson and a pick or two?? A Weber type with good offence would be ideal.
I’d love a blockbuster with the Isles that lands us both Horvat and Dobson, but I think the price would be much higher than you suggest…. I don’t see the Isles wanting either Mathesson or Dach, they’d be more interested in guys like Mailloux or Reinbacher with Beck or Kapenen plus both 1sts, plus we;d still need to add more… it would be tough to pull off a trade for both players 😉
Mailloux, Matheson, both 1st rounders got Horvat and Dobson? Horvat contract is actually an anchor so I think this may be an overpayment.
Crosby needs to request a trade to the habs. If his desire to win is big as they say it is, he will ask for it.
They won’t want MM… Mailoux, Beck, both 1sts would still come up short for Dobson/Horvat… I would love to be wrong and land both for a bargain, but I think it would be extremely pricey to go after both…
I also have never seen anyone call Bo’s contract an anchor… he’s a complete player and worth every penny, especially with the cap going up..
I would rather they wait for Crosby to smarten up and ask out of Pitt then have them fill it with someone with the same promise Dach once had. Teams aren’t giving away young 2 line centers. I would rather give Dach another chance then go after the names I am hearing.
Only D in the top 5 is the presumed first overall Schaefer. Jackson Smith and Mrtka are the probable next two in the 10 range. I’m looking down the road a few years at what the depth issues could be and trying to address it.
Heck yeah, Weber type works, unless you’re talking Yannick not Shea, lol.
I didn’t mean specifically inbthis draft. I wouldn’t want to use our assets for this. We need an impact D men to help us nod and top 2 centre.
A Mid 2nd rounder and a 7th is “hoops” in your books?
We went from a HUGE Quebec Center we liked
To a pretty big or i guess slightly compact version of Anderson who Can Finish.
He instead drafted the big Center he wanted in Florian Xhekaj in round 4 instead of 1.
Letorneau is doing well but not as well as Florian and we got Hage and Demidov.
If i was Hughes id be doing back flips as he got everything he wanted and more , for less.
Mid 2nd rounder in a Carer George a Goalie
We took Fowler the year before in the 3rd and he’s proven he’s superior
Like Fowler he was 3rd goalie in and he didnt make it as his team was eliminated.
Fowler pushed both starters aside leading the way to the Division Finals
Every move he made, he gave up a good option
But got a better proven player at the same position in a lower draft spot.
Getting a guy with Size like Hage was a treat
But i doubt he see’s him as a Center at Pro Level
He couldnt take #1 C from an Undrafted TJ Hughes
He was good in many regards but Winning Faceoffs is a skill he doesnt have.
Much like Kirby Dach he couldnt buy a Faceoff Win when you need it.
Doesnt change the fact he’s an amazing Clutch option for Demidov’s wing post Laine
What would it take to move up and draft Desnoyers?
I would think both 1sts and both 2nds. What slot do you think he will fall to is the question. If you move up to 6th and he is gone are you happy with what is left after giving that much up. The draft really drops after 6 or 7
I still think there is the likelihood that Beck develops into a 2C. Always been complimented on hockey IQ, skating, 200 ft game. And he became offensive threat in junior over last 2 yrs. I think he has the potential to grow into the position. And Hage is 2 years away – so unknown at this time.
Beck has hockey IQ to play with a Demidov, cover for a Laine. His D zone coverage likely already better than Dach. So in training camp it would be interesting to see Beck, Demidov and Dach on a wing. I would not use Beck in a trade. Not sure i feel the same about Kapanen
I think for the draft;
1. Package picks and a player, prospect to move down. Just do not know who would be willing to move back to 16 for RD or C. Brady Martin, Jake O’Brien or the big RD.
2. Pick up a 2nd RD in round 2 or 3.
If there is a strong belief no internal, older UFA’s would work, then sell the farm and go after McTavish in a trade with the Ducks. Would take at least one of the 1st rounders, likely a 2nd, Mallioux, Farrell or Roy and one of the goalies (not named Primeau – despite his excellence in the AHL this year).
I really like Beck but I have reservation about his suitability as 2C. I’m not opposed to experimenting to evaluate his ceiling. I have him penciled in as a bottom 6 guy that kills penalties and wins big draws, chips in more than his fair share and shuts down opposing stars.
I’m in total agreement with McTavish target but he was the third overall in 2020 so the aquistion cost would likely be steeper than that. Anaheim is likely to desire a premium defenseman/ prospect like Reinbacher or Mailloux or potentially Guhle plus plus depending on which player is the centrepiece of the return. Point is there will be sacrifice required to get a guy like that but he’s likely to be a difference maker with the youth, size, grit , skill and leadership experience. I think he is poised for a breakout next season.
Yes to Hensler and Lakovic, big NO for Carbonneau.
Lakovic has the best dominator rate (% of his team’s scoring) of any player in the draft. Including Misa and Martone. Better than Beckett Senneke, who is similarly sized and a year older. Lynden is Matthew Knies with better offensive skill.
Interesting information with the dominator rate!
Hey , MHN would like to hear more thoughts on Lakovic. My understanding is the skating and puck skills are very strong but there is limited use of physicality.
Knies has strong skating, great hands at speed and definately uses the body. He has an edge but keeps it with the rules of the game (so he does not cause the same reaction as a Bennett or Marchand – who go outside the lines).
If Lakovic brings the tenacity of a Knies and uses his body to control the game – i am all in, draft the guy and give him 3 yrs to develop. Not what I have read about him nor what I see on limited film I have found.
Louis Leblanc was a Projected 23-27 pick by Mckenzie, Button and NHL Central Scouting among others. That was the year that Zack Kassian jumped from last picks of the 1st round to at 13th overall. But Schoder top 10 ranked fell off with teams avoiding him after BUF took Kassian. It also saw Palmeri who our Media had scouted as MTL’s pick until weeks before the draft when Molson bought the team. He was actually ranked in the 17th-22nd positions
I remember this Draft, i cured Molsons name
I wanted Kreider but as soon as we took Louis Leblanc i was like “i’d kill for Palmeri now”
I know a bust when i see one.
Sometimes they just take longer like Big Mac and Poehling
But like Scherbak i was 100% convinced he was a Bust
Why? Like Leblanc he wouldnt take the hit to make the play at lesser levels
That makes them useless at every level
You can build on a solid Foundation
But if you dont want it bad enough, you can be replaced