With NHL teams getting set to open their annual rookie camps next week, it's a prime time to look at Montreal's youngest players to determine who could rise above the rest.
Can you feel that buzz in the air? The electricity of fans and media members alike catching up after summer holidays and turning their attentions towards...hockey? Well, next week is when the 2023-24 season truly makes its first baby steps, when the Montreal Canadiens welcome this year's rookies to their annual camp.
Things kick off on Wednesday, October 13th, when the group reports for medical evaluations and physical exams. They won't have much time to get settled, however, before they're off to Buffalo for the Prospects Challenge.
Sure, the three games they'll play against prospects from the Ottawa Senators, Buffalo Sabres, and Boston Bruins will be entertaining, but it's really an immediate test of skill and conditioning for Habs' executives to evaluate.
They'll be looking for progress in areas defined throughout last season, and at development camp in July. Did each player improve in the places identified by the Canadiens? Have they arrived at camp well on their way to game-level conditioning?
It's the perfect tool to begin rookie camp, a fact-finding mission to help the coaching and development staff determine what needs to be focused on once the group returns to Brossard. With such a strong prospect pipeline, and a franchise committed to the youth movement, this year's camp promises to feature plenty of intense competition. But which ones will stand out above the rest?
I've selected five Habs rookies who I believe will make the biggest impact over the course of this year's camp. Want to hear my full analysis...including which prospect I think has the best shot of making the NHL roster on opening night? Just click the following link to watch this week's episode of Habs Hockey Report on YouTube: Which Canadiens Rookies Are Set to IMPRESS at Camp?