MONTREAL – It was not an easy task to narrow down this list to only five players.

TICKETS: 2024 Prospect Showdown

The depth and talent of the Canadiens’ prospect pool is evident, filled with skilled players. Montreal’s roster has a well-balanced mix of forwards, defensemen, and goalies. Some of these players will be available for Pascal Vincent to utilize during the Prospect Showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospects at the Bell Centre on September 14 and 15.

Here are some prominent names to keep an eye on:

As of September 3, the Canadiens 2024 Rookie Camp roster has yet to be announced. The names included below are based off presumption and eligibility.

Lane Hutson – Defenseman
Drafted 62^nd overall by Montreal in 2022

The price of admission is justified solely by Lane Hutson. The young prodigy, who is just 20, ended his exceptional college career with an impressive record of 97 points in 77 games at Boston University before joining the Canadiens. Hutson’s previous season concluded with him on Montreal’s defense, where he managed to secure two assists in his initial two NHL games. He is expected to be a significant player to observe in the upcoming two-game series.

Owen Beck – Center
Drafted 33^rd overall by Montreal in 2022

Listing all of Owen Beck’s achievements since his draft by the Canadiens two summers ago could potentially take all day. The native of Peterborough, ON, has triumphed at every level, from the World Juniors to the OHL Championship and Memorial Cup. Now, at 20, Beck is moving to the professional level and the only remaining question is whether he will begin the season in Laval or go directly to Montreal.

Logan Mailloux – Defenseman
Drafted 31^st overall by Montreal in 2021

Last season, Belle River, ON native, Logan Mailloux, made a grand entry into the professional scene. He set a new record for the Laval Rocket franchise by scoring the highest number of goals by a defenseman in a single season and also received AHL All-Star honors. During his debut season with the Canadiens’ minor-league affiliate, the 21-year-old defenseman, known for his towering presence, scored 47 points in 72 games. His outstanding performance led to a well-earned call-up for Montreal’s season finale. During his 21:14 minutes on the ice, he made his first career NHL point.

Florian Xhekaj – Left Wing
Drafted 101^st overall by Montreal in 2023

20-year-old Florian Xhekaj is well aware of the significance of Rookie Camp. The native of Hamilton, ON saw his brother, Arber, break out two seasons earlier and secure a place on the Canadiens’ 23-man roster for the season’s opening. Now, Florian, who increased his offensive production by 160% in the previous season, is targeting to replicate his brother’s success. The weekend series against the Leafs may be just exhibition games, but for this tough winger, it means much more!

David Reinbacher – Defenseman
Drafted 5^th overall by Montreal in 2023

Supporters of the Habs were able to see Reinbacher’s potential towards the end of the previous season when he moved from Europe to North America. The 19-year-old, originally from Hohenems, AUT, managed to score an impressive five points during his 11-game run. Despite the crowded roster of defensemen in Montreal, he has not held back from expressing his aspiration to play in the NHL this season.

Honorable mentions

Adam Engstrom, who signed his entry-level contract in May, may be seen by Montreal fans on North American ice for the first time. Concurrently, Filip Mesar is aiming for a standout season as he transitions to a professional level.

Rookie Camp serves different purposes for different players; some aim to make a good first impression, others see it as an opportunity to seize a second or third chance. However, it’s almost a yearly tradition that at least one player makes it far into the training camp, or even secures a place on the team. Last season, it was Emil Heineman who made the cut. The season before that, it was Xhekaj, and also Beck who was one of the last Canadians to be cut. So, the question is, who could it be this season?

Find out when the journey starts on Sept. 14 and 15 at the Bell Centre. Tickets start at just $10! Get yours while supplies last.