Montreal Canadiens 2016 NHL Draft: Who Should the Canadiens Pick in the Second Round (Part 2)

by Matt Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine

As the 2016 NHL Entry Draft rapidly approaches, we find ourselves striving to conclude who the Habs should select with their first round pick (9^th overall), but we must not overlook that the Habs also hold the 39^th (Josh Gorges trade) and 45^th pick in the second round, picks that could hypothetically turn out to be a top prospect.

The last time Montreal had three picks in the top 50 was 2013. They used those picks to select Michael McCarron (25^th overall pick), Jacob De La Rose (34^th overall pick) and Zachary Fucale (36^th overall pick.)

Obviously first round picks are often seen as superior players, with a greater skill set, and an elevated overall potential, but this is NOT always the case… remember first overall pick Rick DiPietro? Below are players chosen in the second round, and I doubt that anyone will dispute their NHL contributions regardless of your preferred team.

P.K. Subban (43^rd overall pick 2007)
Shea Weber (49^th overall pick 2003)
Patrice Bergeron (45^th overall pick 2003)
Corey Crawford (52^nd overall pick 2003)
Paul Stastny (44^th overall pick 2005)
Milan Lucic  (50^th overall pick 2006)

As you can see, the second round is capable of generating remarkable players. Below are two skilled forwards that could potentially be added to that list one day, players I believe Trevor Timmins and the rest of the amateur scouting staff should have their eyes on during day two of the draft. Please keep in mind that I am not disclosing that the Habs WILL pick, or that these players have been one way or another tied to the Habs organization, this is simply my standpoint.

A couple of weeks ago, my All Habs colleague Blain Potvin had a first look at the second round of the Draft. You can find his post here. But now it’s my turn. Here are two forwards who should be on the Habs radar in the second round of the Draft.

Adam Mascherin, LW, Kitchener (OHL)

June. 6, 1998 | Maple, Ontario, Canada
5-9, 205 lbs. | Shoots L | @amascherin_23
2015-’16: 65 GP, 35 G, 46 A, 81 PTS (Kitchener Rangers)

CSB: No. 42 (NA Skaters) | ISS: No.?? | THN: No. 72 | HP: No. 44 | FC: No. 34

Selected with the second overall pick in 2014 OHL Draft, behind only Jakob Chychrun, Adam Mascherin was able to assist the Kitchener Rangers instantaneously, scoring 29 points during his rookie season, and being named to the OHL All Rookie Second Team. His second OHL season, he’d virtually triple his point production, finding the back of the net 35 times, while adding 46 assists. Mascherin  also added six goals and six assists during the Rangers nine playoff games, where they lost to the Memorial Cup Champion London Knights in four games.

Described as a tank, as well as a sniper, these two military terms are words that catch the attention of countless people. His shot is powerful, with a release that can fool opposing goaltenders, and with his strong lower body, he’s able to protect the puck and score goals in tight. Mascherin may not be a giant, but his low center of gravity makes it practically impossible to knock him off the puck, powering through opposing checks. He’s able to use his body effectively along the boards to win battles, as well as provide solid forechecking. With the puck on his stick, Mascherin is miraculous, he’s not just a goal scoring machine, his puck distribution is solid. He has the proficiency to make strong, accurate passes to his teammates.

Mascherin could work on his play without the puck, but with his work ethic, this shouldn’t discourage a team from selecting him. Players who can generate offense the way Mascherin can are chosen for a reason, to score goals… the defence will mature over time.

All in all Adam Mascherin would most definitely be a solid addition to the Habs list of young prospects, they need help scoring goals, we’re all very aware of this, and the Kitchener Rangers’ forward could certainly help in that department.

Nathan Bastian, RW, Mississauga (OHL)
Dec. 6, 1997 | Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
6-4, 208 lbs. | Shoots R | @14Nbast
2015-’16: 64 GP, 19 G, 40 A, 59 PTS (Mississauga Steelheads)

CSB: No. 35 (NA Skaters) | ISS: No.?? | THN: No. 30 | HP: No. 47 | FC: No. 37

Drafted in the 7^th round, 127^th overall by Mississauga in 2013, Nathan Bastian stood just under six feet and weighed in at only 157 pounds. Let’s just say that has changed immensely! (if only this change in size could happen to David Desharnais)

Nathan Bastian found himself playing on a line with two players that will both most likely be selected in the top 20 picks of the draft, rookie Alexander Nylander and Michael McLeod. Even though he’s not ranked as high as his line mates, do not underestimate his skill set and overall potential. His numbers were solid throughout the 15-16 regular season, collecting 19 goals and 40 assists, with four assists in five playoff games. Bastian was also a representative of Team OHL during the Subway Super Series, as well as Team Orr during the CHL Top Prospects Game.

A big, strong forward who plays a 200-foot game, his defensive play is very much an asset, allowing his teammates to take more risks in the offensive zone, as well as being relied on for his penalty killing abilities. He uses his stick effectively as well as his body to block shots and break up scoring chances as he can foresee the play very well. Overall he performs well in all aspects of the game, equipped with good skating ability/acceleration for his size. Bastian also possesses a heavy wrist shot with a rapid release and displays good passing ability.  His size allows him to plant himself in front of the net, and once there he is very hard to move, allowing him to knock in rebounds, and create space for his teammates.

Bastian may have the “power forward” size, but doesn’t play as heavy as he could each game. When he does make contact, it’s substantial, but he could certainly benefit from becoming a bit more aggressive, using his size to his advantage by crushing the opposing team. He’s still growing, and at 6-foot-4-inches, 208 pounds already, he could progress into an intimidating player on the ice, who can hurt you in all three zones.

When it comes to the Habs, we’re aware of their size (or lack thereof) and a player with the size/skill of Nathan Bastian shouldn’t be passed on if available at 39^th or 45^th overall, especially if the Habs select teammate Alexander Nylander with their 9^th overall pick.

The decision now rests with Trevor Timmins and GM Marc Bergevin. Will they use one of their picks (or both) to select these players? The NHL Draft is quickly approaching, and we’ll soon find out!

Need to catch up on potential draftees? You will find the All Habs draft archive here or use the quick links below to check out our most recent articles on the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

2016 NHL Entry Draft on All Habs Hockey Magazine
In case you missed them! Here are the most recent articles on the draft.
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