Memory is a faculty that forgets. Even after barely a year. As the Canadiens rookie tournament approaches, let’s refresh our minds a little, just to put things in perspective!
Who was expected at the rookie tournament in Buffalo in September 2023?
David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux, two right-handed defensemen selected in the first round, would wear the Canadiens uniform for the first time. They were hardly given a chance to crack the team, even if many hoped so, but the curiosity element was strong. Jayden Struble, whose end of season in Laval had been modest after his NCAA career – although coach Jean-François Houle had liked his defensive work – obviously generated less interest.
Emil Heineman and Sean Farrell were the headliners up front. They were the oldest of the group and had the best record. Farrell had finished the season with the Canadiens after his year at Harvard and scored one goal. Heineman, acquired in the Tyler Toffoli trade, had been smoking hot at the end of the season with the Rocket with 7 goals in 11 games, after his season in Sweden. Many saw him starting the season in Montreal.
Joshua Roy, Filip Mesar, Owen Beck and Jan Mysak remained slightly younger prospects, further away from the NHL, so short-term expectations were not high for them. Young goaltender Jakub Dobes was destined for Laval, without knowing whether he could be called a goaltender of the future or not.
How did the tournament go?
There was only one meaningful game out of three, the first against the Buffalo Sabres prospects, since the Boston Bruins and Senators teams were not very competitive. Facing a very strong Sabres lineup, the Canadiens’ prospects received a beating.
Mailloux had a very difficult first game on defense. He was on the ice for three Buffalo goals. He looked a little better in the days that followed. Reinbacher was clean, but not spectacular.
Captain William Trudeau, already a leader in Laval despite his young age the previous season, was dominant. “He ran the show quite a bit,” coach Houle said in his colorful language. Absent during the first game for logistical reasons, Struble brought a robustness and defensive reliability expected from the second game onwards.
Up front, Farrell and Heineman have disappointed expectations. They have been lukewarm; we expected a better impact from them given their level. Mesar was overwhelmed by events against the Sabres and looked a little better at center against Boston, but against weak opposition. We could already start to entertain some concerns for this first-round pick in 2022, at No. 26e rank. Especially with the brilliance of Jan Kulich, the Sabres winger, drafted two ranks after him, already dominant in the American League and transcendent in the opening game. Rare glimmer of hope: Joshua Roy, fifth-round pick in 2021, not at all intimidated, and productive with four points in three games.
The continuation…
That rookie tournament was significant in some ways. Heineman had every opportunity to show off in training camp, but he didn’t take it. He spent the winter in Laval, without a single call-up. When he wasn’t injured, Heineman played adequately. He had 29 points, including 15 goals, in 48 games.
Farrell suffered the same fate. A production of 28 points, including 9 goals, in 47 games with the Rocket, play on the periphery, and not the slightest recall after having played 6 games in Montreal the previous season. At 23 years old in November, he no longer really inspires hope. However, he showed great promise. Farrell and Heineman were invited to participate again in the rookie tournament this year. Not exactly a reward…
Interesting pairs and trios
The Canadiens’ prospects coach at rookie camp this week, Pascal Vincent, chose to bring together two offensive defensemen, Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux, and pair the two Europeans, David Reinbacher and Adam Engström. Interesting.
Up front, Sean Farrell and Emil Heineman will play on a line with Owen Beck at center. Never too late to do well. Filip Mesar, Riley Kidney and Jared Davidson make up the other offensive line. For Mesar, this is not a vote of confidence, but rather a vote of confidence for him to make do with less talented linemates.
Joshua Roy was not invited to participate in this camp. This decision speaks volumes about the organization’s esteem for this boy.