Habs Prospects
Highlights – Mooney & New Habs Prospects Standout At Camp
Many of the players who heard their names called at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft were in Brossard on Thursday, participating in a scrimmage against fellow Montreal Canadiens prospects.
As per usual, we should take their performances with a grain of salt, as development camp scrimmages are different from actual NHL action, but it’s only fair to say some of the new prospects made fantastic first impressions with the organization.
Montreal Canadiens Prospects
L.J. Mooney may have been one of the smallest players on the ice, standing at just 5’7″, however, the 113th overall pick at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft was also a standout due to his high-end skill set.
The 5-foot-7 L.J. Mooney in action at #Habs development camp scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/V7UGz9mb9S
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 3, 2025
Few fans will be shocked, as some scouts suggested Mooney had first round talent prior to the draft. When discussing his value, it’s not just a matter of having a bag full of impressive tricks, though that’s certainly the case. He also executes plays at full speed, a very important combination for any prospect who has legitimate NHL aspirations.
(Editor’s Note: Watch out for the volume of clips provided by the Canadiens, there’s a lot of white noise.)
Mooney met la table pour Thorpe, qui ouvre la marque pour les Rouges
Mooney sets up Thorpe to open the scoring for Team Red
⚪ 0 – 1 🔴#GoHabsGo | Under Armour pic.twitter.com/tMItLGvWgW
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 3, 2025
He’s set to join the University of Minnesota in 2026-27, therefore we should expect him to play the upcoming season in the USHL or CHL.
Not only did he create a ton of time and space for his linemates on Thursday, he also scored a ridiculous shootout goal. It was a fantastic introduction into the little ball of skill that is L.J. Mooney.
Le p’tit Mooney est difficile à ignorer! 🔵⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/NaAq3ZxOoH
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 3, 2025
Hayden Paupanekis is at the other end of the prospect size spectrum, at 6’5″ tall. While there’s no doubt it’s difficult to perform in the NHL as a 5’7″ player, you could argue it’s equally difficult to standout as a very tall forward.
Think of it, how many forwards in NHL history have put together dominant seasons while standing at 6’5″ or more? Very few when we consider the league’s obsession with size.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Paupanekis is doomed, especially since he possesses a very interesting skill set that combines finesse with creativity and relatively impressive agility, as evidenced by his play on Thursday. His large frame is simply an added bonus to what could end up being a fantastic pick at 69th overall.
Paupanekis may be a 6’5” centre with strong details and a physical edge, but it was his handling and creative flair that impressed me most this season.
Was shocked that he fell to Round 3.
Now he’s showing why.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/SOAgkNAEU3
— Sebastian High (@high_sebastian) July 3, 2025
Defenceman Bryce Pickford, chosen 81st overall at the draft, also made a great first impression with his future bosses. Seeing as he’s 19, he’s a little older than some of his counterparts, but we’d be foolish to ignore his potential.
He’s considered a two-way defenceman, and yet it was definitely his offensive prowess that stole the show at the scrimmage, with some suggesting he should be considered yet another potential draft-day steal.
Un bel effort individuel de Bryce Pickford permet aux Blancs de s’inscrire au tableau
Bryce Pickford’s individual effort gets Team White on the board
⚪ 1 – 2 🔴#GoHabsGo | Under Armour pic.twitter.com/KvTAwpD0Iv
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 3, 2025
Montreal Canadiens Development Camp Scrimmage Full Replay
