Top 5 Canadiens Prospects to Watch Amid Early Season Struggles

UPDATE: The Montreal Canadiens’ prospects are in the spotlight as several young talents face early season challenges. With the team’s future at stake, fans are eager for updates on these players who could shape the franchise.

In particular, Florian Xhekaj, a standout at the Canadiens’ training camp, has not found his rhythm this season. Despite playing a significant role on the Rocket’s power play, Xhekaj has scored only one goal in ten games. This is a stark contrast to his impressive 24 goals in his first professional season in 2024-25. His recent on-ice scuffle against the Canucks, where he dropped the gloves early, shows he still has the competitive fire fans love.

Another player to keep an eye on is Hayden Paupanekis. At 6’5″ and 205 pounds, his size and skating prowess make him an intriguing prospect. Although he missed the Canadiens’ practice camp due to mononucleosis, he has started the WHL season strong with four points in six games. His defensive skills are well-known, and if he can add offensive production, he could become a key asset for Montreal.

L.J. Mooney, an exciting new addition, is currently playing his first NCAA season at the University of Minnesota. Despite standing at just 5’7″, Mooney has the potential to shine, boasting five points (two goals) in ten games. However, his team’s scoring struggles have limited his impact. Fans are hopeful he can overcome these hurdles, as not every young player dominates right away.

The Canadiens’ defenseman Bryce Pickford is catching attention as well. After an impressive performance at the Habs rookie camp, he has scored seven goals in 14 WHL games, making him one of the top defensemen in the league at just 19 years old. His mobility and vision are proving to be crucial for the Medicine Hat Tigers as he ranks as their third-highest scorer.

Lastly, Aatos Koivu, the son of Canadiens legend Saku Koivu, is showing promise in his second season in Finland. After a lackluster rookie year, Koivu has already matched his previous goal total with six points in 18 games. At just 19 years old, he is still developing, and fans are excited to see what he can achieve moving forward.

While prospects like Alexander Zharovsky and David Reinbacher often steal the spotlight, it’s essential to recognize the potential of these young players. The Canadiens’ future could very well depend on their development.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on these prospects as they work to turn their early-season struggles into successes. The Canadiens organization is counting on them to make an impact, and fans are eager for updates on their journeys. Stay tuned for more developments as these players strive to solidify their spots in the lineup.