31 Teams in 31 Days - Montreal Canadiens

Without question, the Montreal Canadiens have one of the best farm systems in the league right now and that includes a talented group of OHL players.

1. Nick Suzuki - Guelph Storm
Another solid season for Suzuki, capped off with a tremendous playoff performance and OHL Championship with the Guelph Storm. Suzuki's confidence with the puck really grew this year, especially in terms of his ability to work through traffic and his poise in the face of pressure. Previously, I had found that he could be forced into rash decisions with the puck as coverage grew tighter, but with some added strength and confidence, he now possesses the ability to really dominate time of possession in the offensive end at even strength, and not just on the powerplay. The rest of his game was relatively status quo from the year prior. He has a great wrist shot and release, and really understands how to get himself in scoring position without the puck. Suzuki is just such an intelligent player overall. I think his skating will still need to improve if he hopes to be the impact player at the NHL level that everyone is hoping he will become. He still lacks power in his stride that will make him an easier target for pro defenders, giving him less room to operate. And the consistency of his play outside the offensive zone remains a talking point. I do ultimately think that he will settle into being a good defensive player at the next level, but it may take some time. I know that some Montreal fans are hoping Suzuki can jump right into the NHL lineup next year. And that's certainly possible. But I do think that he will at least require a half a season or more at the AHL level first. 

2. Allan McShane - Oshawa Generals
Talented offensive player who had a solid D+1 year with a successful and deep Generals team. McShane is a talented playmaker who really sees the ice well and whose hands bide him time to operate. But his goal scoring ability and confidence really took a nice step forward this year. Last year I wrote that I felt that he needed to attack the middle of the ice and play between the hash marks more and he really did that this year. We saw him look to take the puck to the net, and we saw him navigate the middle without the puck, hunting for those soft spots in the defense to receive passes. Thought McShane was also more consistently engaged in the corners and in the defensive end. Moving forward, continuing to improve his skating will be the top priority. It's still a weakness, and prevents him from being a more consistently dangerous offensive player, especially with the puck on his stick in transition. His stride still lacks power. But he'll return to Oshawa next year and have a chance at having a big offensive season. I would expect him to be an 85+ point player, with a chance at the 40 goal mark. 

3. Cam Hillis - Guelph Storm
Really tough year for Hillis as he battled through injury. An MCL injury and a collarbone injury limited him to only 5 games post December (including playoffs). That means that he wasn't really able to experience the playoff run or Memorial Cup. Couple that with a slow start that had him pushed down the Storm depth chart to start the year and this is a year to forget. Just as he was getting his feet under him offensively, the injuries started. But it's way too early to write off Hillis. He has already been named the Storm's captain for next year and should be in for a bounce back year that puts him over the 75+ point mark. Anything I wrote last year still applies. I love Hillis' tenaciousness and his vision with the puck. But his skating and consistency will be the focus areas in terms of improvement. 

4. Jacob LeGuerrier - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Really liked the pick by the Canadiens. I think LeGuerrier has a lot of potential to improve and I wrote about how he was one of my favourite "sleeper" picks several times. He has that size and mobility combination on the back-end that is so appealing now. As such, I think he eventually develops into a premier shut down defender who can use his length, physicality, and fluid stride to dominate his own end. What I am less sure of is his offensive potential. He showed flashes this year of being able to use his skating ability to skate the puck out of trouble and lead the rush. He also occasionally jumps up into the play and will look to get himself into scoring position. But turnovers can be an issue as he tries to escape the forecheck or extend rushes too deep. But he will get all the ice time he can handle next year in the Soo. He should receive powerplay time and will have a chance to have a major breakout, perhaps even in the 10+ goal, 30+ assist range.