Canadiens fans are getting excited, and not just because the Habs are competing for a Wild Card playoff spot, but also for the annual Christmas tradition of watching the 2019 World Junior Championships (WJC 2019).

There will be no shortage of Habs prospects to watch as there are seven invitees to their respective camps.

#Habs prospects named to their respective #WJC2019 national teams or selection camps:

Suzuki (CAN)
Brook (CAN)
Poehling (USA)
Primeau (USA)
Ylonen (FIN)
Olofsson (SWE)
Romanov (RUS)

The last 2 drafts look to have added some serious value@HabsUnfiltered @AllHabs #GoHabsGo

— Blain (@BlainPotvin_THW) December 5, 2018

Add in Joni Ikonen, who is just returning from injury, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is not likely to leave Montreal to join Finland who are both eligible and have places held for them by Hockey Finland. It’s a bumper crop of quality prospects as the Habs could have as many as nine prospects available to be playing in the tournament.

Even with as many as nine players who are on their respective national teams there is still a serious need for added quality depth on defence into the system. With that in mind, the WJC 2019 can be fun to watch for Habs fans beyond watching their own prospects as there are some quality prospect left-handed defencemen that are rated to be available for the Habs in the middle of the first round.

Here are two draft-eligible defenders that are likely to be on the Habs draft list in the middle of the first round where the Canadiens are likely to be selecting their first pick. While none are likely to be NHL ready by next season but would be a positive answer to the lack of left handed defensive depth

Mikko Kokkonen

Mikko Kokkonen, D, Jukurit (Liiga)
5-11, 190 lbs., Shoots L, Finland
2018-’19: 26 GP, 1 G, 10 A, 11 PTS (Jukurit)
McKeen’s: No. 28 | FC: No. 33

The five-foot-eleven-inch, 190-pound Kokkonen is a highly talented puck-mover. His skating is a strength as he can move almost effortlessly in any direction without a loss of speed. He uses his mobility to offset his lack of size and strength by closing gaps defensively taking away time and space forcing the puck carriers to make mistakes. He displays a very mature mind in his own zone with his defensive positioning which helps him win a majority of one on one battles in his own zone.

Once he has the puck in his zone he is quick to transition to offence. Kokkonen displays a very good hockey IQ in identifying outlets to make an excellent first pass which clears the defensive zone and puts the opposition on their heels defensively. He can also carry the puck and keep possession in high traffic which adds options for him as he is able to control the pace of the game offensively.

Kokkonen’s shot isn’t considered powerful but it is strong and accurate which helps keep opposition defenses honest in covering him. Once in the offensive zone he is able to use this to his advantage as his vision and mobility open up passing and shooting lanes. He has been able to quarterback the power play for his club team as well. Despite being one of the youngest members of his club team, he is the leading scorer among the defenders on the club.

He would need time to develop once drafted but projects to become a talented second-pairing two-way defender who can help offensively and on the power-play.

Cam York

Cam York, D, US National U18 Team (USDP)
5-11, 172 lbs., Shoots L, United States | @camyork2
2018-’19: 24 GP, 2 G, 15 A, 17 PTS (US National U18 Team)
ISS: No. 15 | McKeen’s: No. 17 | HP: No. 16 | FC: No. 11

The five-foot-eleven-inch, 172-pound left-handed defender fits into the prototype of the new age defender. York is a highly-mobile defenceman who can add offence. His strength is his skating as he works his edges to change directions at top speed. He uses this asset to his advantage defensively as he uses tight gaps and a strong stick to keep pressure on opposition forwards.

“Think prototypical new-aged defenceman. A great skater who moves pucks quickly and efficiently,” said Sportsnet analyst Sam Cosentino. “A southern California native once coached by Scott Niedermayer.” 

York is also calm under pressure and that aspect of his game shines through when he uses his puck-control skills to carry the puck to gain and keep the offensive zone. His passing game is very strong as well as he is capable of making strong accurate passes in traffic.

York is also always looking for offensive opportunities, be it by jumping into the rush or with his deft passing ability. What he will need to work on is his decision-making as he still prefers to take offensive risks that pay off at lower levels but could come back to haunt him more as he moves up to more competitive leagues.

York has committed to the University of Michigan for the 2019 season and looks to be taking a longer route to develop to help him add muscle and strength to his smaller frame which can only help him deal with the rigors of the professional game when he decides to make that jump.

The Canadiens have an opportunity to add more high-quality prospects that will begin building their international legacies in the upcoming WJC this holiday season. Habs fans can take added time to watch the tournament for a possible glimpse for the Canadiens next top pick. Not that they needed another reason to watch the best junior hockey players in the world anyway.