Here are a couple Canadiens prospects updated evaluation ratings within the Canadiens top 20 prospect rankings by Hockey’s Future (Jason Menard):
4. (4) Max Pacioretty, C, 19 Acquired 1st round, 22nd overall, 2007
It’s no secret that the Canadiens absolutely love Pacioretty. In fact, despite completing only one season at the NCAA level, the club inked the offensively gifted center to a three-year contract.
While that means the Connecticut native forgoes his collegiate eligibility, it does allow the Canadiens to accelerate his development by matching him up against tougher competition — something Pacioretty showed he was more than ready for. He’s expected to contribute strongly to the Hamilton Bulldogs this season and could even see time as a late-season call-up to the big club.
Bringing offensive talent matched with solid size and grittiness, Pacioretty would be a welcome addition to a team that’s not overly big up front.
14. (NR) Danny Kristo, F, 18 Obtained 2nd round, 56th overall, 2008
Although the Canadiens ended up without a first-round selection in the 2008 NHL entry draft, it’s safe to say they’re delighted with their haul. While the acquisition of Alex Tanguay got the most immediate response, Kristo’s addition could prove to be the biggest steal long-term.
Kristo still has one more year of high school development ahead of him, even before breaking into the collegiate ranks (he’s committed to the University of North Dakota). He’s a high-motor player who skates like the wind and has a nose for the puck. In 47 games with the USNTDP Under-18 squad, Kristo netted 18 goals and added 13 assists.
A young 18 (his birthday was just three days before the draft), it will be a few years before Kristo makes it — but the club firmly believes that it will be well worth the wait.