It’s been years since the Montreal Canadiens had real depth down the middle. For a single season, it felt like they were getting there with Nick Suzuki, Philip Danault, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. However, Danault left in free agency, and Kotkaniemi was signed to an offer sheet, leaving Marc Bergevin to try and patch the holes as best he could.

Suzuki has proven to be a real number one center so far, but Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook haven’t panned out, and it’s too early to say how well Michael Hage will fare. Sure, there’s Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen in Laval, but it’s far from a certainty that either could end up in the top-six. Meaning the Canadiens should be open to drafting a good pivot at the upcoming draft, and one may fall into their lap if Brady Martin is still available when it’s their turn to pick.

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Martin is ranked 11th amongst North American Skaters in the final Central Scouting rankings, and he plays a complete game. The 6-foot, 178-pound centreman finished the season with 72 points in 57 games in Sault-Sainte-Marie, despite having a limited supporting cast. However, playing for Canada at the U-18 level, he managed to gather 11 points in seven games.

What sets Martin apart from other players is his competitive level and the intensity with which he plays at both ends of the ice. When you send him on the ice, you know exactly what kind of effort you will get. He’s always fully committed and is the kind of player who can raise a team’s quality just by leading by example.

His compete level makes him a great forechecker who’s also able to scoop up the puck, just the kind of player Martin St-Louis likes to have at his disposal. Someone ready to do what it takes to win, even if it’s not fun or glamorous.

He also has a knack for funding shooting lanes and has a great shot, but his playmaking skills are still in development. Defensively, he plays a hard-nosed game and likes to throw his weight around when given the opportunity. He’s as relentless when it’s time to backcheck as he is when it’s time to forecheck, proof of his fantastic work ethic.

For those who would like the Canadiens to go after Mason McTavish this Summer, it's worth noting that he has drawn comparisons with the Anaheim Ducks pivot. 

TSN’s Bob MacKenzie has him going at number 13 while Craig Button puts him at six. Meanwhile, THN’s Tony Ferrari has him at number 22, while Ryan Kennedy put him at 16. There’s no guarantee he’ll still be there when the Canadiens pick, if they use their picks in the end, but if he is, he’s worth considering.

Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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