Brandon Prust: Should The Canadiens Invite Him To Training Camp?

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

Once a fan favorite in the Montreal Canadiens lineup, Brandon Prust is now on the outside looking in, hoping he’ll be able to start the 2016-2017 with an NHL club. Coming off a season where he only suited up for 35 NHL games, spent time with the Utica Comets, scoring one goal, six assists in seven games and had off-season ankle surgery.  Should the Canadiens give him an opportunity to earn a spot in the lineup?

Brandon Prust, Left Wing, Vancouver Canucks
March. 16, 1984 | London, Ontario, Canada
6-0, 195 lbs. | Shoots Left |
2015-’16 Stats: 35 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 7 Pts

Brandon Prust provided the Montreal Canadiens protection on the ice for three seasons, suiting up for 172 regular season games, scoring 15 goals, 30 assists, and accumulating 365 penalty minutes. He was a player the fans loved, had the respect of his teammates and often fought outside of his weight class to spark his team, sticking up for a teammate without hesitation.

He was then traded to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Zack Kassian and a 2016 fifth round draft pick (Casey Staum.) It was a trade that shocked many fans, and one that resulted in the Habs acquiring a player who never suited up for the team.

With all the talk of the Canadiens looking for players with “character,” Prust unquestionably fits that description. The Canadiens have also indicated numerous times that they aspire to become a harder team to play against. The addition of Prust to the fourth line could also help in that area, providing the team with a player who will bring energy to the lineup, giving that line a pulse.

When it comes to the financial implications of signing Brandon Prust, he would definitely have to take a pay cut from the $2.5 million that  he earned last season. With only $850,000 in cap space available for the Canadiens, Prust would have to be open to taking a pay cut.

If he wants to play in the NHL and show he still has gas left in the tank, Prust may have to accept a professional tryout. Personally I would welcome such an invitation 100 per cent (I trust several of his former teammates and fans would as well.) Given the fact he is coming off of ankle surgery, I imagine teams will be cautious to sign him to a contract without first seeing him on the ice. A professional tryout would be an appropriate way to proceed in this case.

Prust would clearly be fighting for a spot in the lineup versus players such as Brian Flynn and Stefan Matteau. In my opinion, a healthy Prust brings more to the lineup than either of these players.

Some will debate that Mike McCarron or Jacob De La Rose would be better suited for a spot on the fourth line full time. I wonder if they would benefit more from playing top minutes in the American Hockey League or limited minutes in the NHL? These would be two other players Prust would have to compete with if the Canadiens determined they’d be better suited to play in the NHL, regardless of the quantity of ice time they’d receive.

Prust recently stated he would welcome a return to the Montreal Canadiens organization, but is not limiting his options. If he does receive an invitation from Marc Bergevin, I hope he makes the most of his opportunity, and we can all start wearing our Prust shirts and jerseys once again (I own both, the jersey is autographed.)

Prust was also in the media recently in his hometown of London, Ontario, as he donated $100,000 in support of the Ivey Special Eye Examination Services (iSee) program.

What do you think Habs fans, should the Canadiens give him an opportunity to earn a second chance with the bleu, blanc et rouge?