Very disappointing publication from an NHL journalist regarding Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher
Whether through the trade market or simply via the draft, since taking over the helm of the Habs, Kent Hughes has managed to build a very impressive pool of prospects. Some even go as far as to say that these talents constitute one of the NHL's finest treasure troves.
Sean Farrell, the journalist from the NHL website, not to be confused with the prospect of the Montreal Canadiens, has been publishing his analysis of the league's 32 prospect pools since the beginning of the month, providing a top-5 ranking for each team. His ranking for the Canadiens is quite surprising.
Here is Farrell's ranking:
1 - Juraj Slafkovsky
2 - David Reinbacher
3 - Lane Hutson
4 - Owen Beck
5 - Joshua Roy
As Charles-Alexis Brisebois mentions in his article on the site DLC, we are surprised, considering all we've heard about Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher, to see them ranked behind Slafkovsky. This might be due to the fact that Slafkovsky has a year of experience in the show and was a first overall pick.
Another surprise, after all the talk about Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher, is that Farrell doesn't expect them to break into the NHL until 2025-2026. While this two-year timeline might make sense for the CH's very last first-round pick (we might see him next year though), it seems unreasonable for Hutson.
It's disappointing to see that an NHL journalist doesn't foresee them playing for the CH before 2025-2026.
Indeed, the CH's second-round pick in 2022 has chosen to remain in NCAA and continue his studies for the 2023-2024 season. However, he could very well follow the path of Cole Caufield and end the next season with the Canadiens after his college season. He would then be playing in 2024-2025 either with the Canadiens or the Rocket. My intuition tells me he'll play with the Habs sooner rather than later.
Regarding the last two players in this ranking, Beck and Roy, Farrell believes they will be ready this season. However, with the number of forwards the CH has in its ranks, even with some roster adjustments, it would be surprising if both players manage to secure a spot with the main team at the beginning of the season. A mid-season call-up, however, shouldn't be overlooked, as injuries or transactions might very well give them a chance to prove themselves.
| POLL | ||
Who is your top prospect in the Canadiens organization? | ||
| Juraj Slafkovsky | 152 | 36.9 % |
| David Reinbacher | 61 | 14.8 % |
| Lane Hutson | 175 | 42.5 % |
| Other | 24 | 5.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
