31 Teams in 31 Days - Montreal Canadiens

1. Cam Hillis - Guelph Storm
Make no mistake, Hillis was no shoe in to be signed by the Canadiens after an injury plagued draft +1 season the year prior. But his sensational year forced Montreal's hand and made him an easy sign (over some similar junior players that Montreal chose to release). Hillis has a long been a player that I have enjoyed watching, so it was great to see him take it to another level this year. Obviously, we have to talk about Hillis' playmaking ability as it is his calling card (his 28 even strength primary assists were second in the OHL to Cole Perfetti). He is just so poised and calculated with the puck. Usually players like Hillis play a higher risk style of game that can see them post high turnover rates, but not Hillis. He demands attention, but always seems to make the right play with the puck. His anticipation and precision are truly fantastic. I lost count on how many feathered saucer passes I saw Hillis make this year in transition, leading his linemates (Gogolev in particular) to open ice and scoring chances. I think Hillis' skating ability really took a nice step forward this year too. He is never going to be an elite mover, however I think his stride had more power this year and it really helped him to be more elusive with the puck. He's strong on the puck and does a great job creating from the cycle, but improving his foot speed really helped him be more explosive in transition. With his well rounded skill set, I think Hillis projects best as a high end third line center at the NHL level. There most definitely could be a learning curve at the pro level. I think a lot of it could have to do with who Montreal chooses to play with Hillis at the AHL level. He would operate best with a goal scoring forward with speed who can help him stretch the ice and take some pressure away from him handling zone entry responsibilities; at least until he gets up to speed. Look for him to be around the 30-40 point mark next year. 

2. Jacob LeGuerrier - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
A minute eater for the Greyhounds, LeGuerrier took some nice steps forward this year, especially in the defensive end. With his size (6'3, 200lbs), SSM depends heavily on LeGuerrier to be a defensive stalwart and PK anchor. He pairs with the offensively inclined Robert Calisti (2020 draft eligible) and as such, is faced with some difficult tasks in defending odd man rushes. There's a lot to like as a defensive player. His mobility is good. His physical intensity increased this year. He is a terrific shot blocker who takes away shooting lanes. As an offensive player, LeGuerrier is still a pretty raw player. He defers to Calisti a lot to lead the breakout and receives very little powerplay time. He can make a clean exit and does show some potential in using his skating ability to lead the attack (as I stated last year), however, this can also lead to some turnovers when he's taken outside of his comfort zone. He is at his best when he keeps things simple. Next year, LeGuerrier will return to SSM for his OA year and the Soo intend to contend for the West. He will likely resume his partnership with Calisti and will take on a similar role. As such, it may not be expected for him to improve his production much. He is probably a bubble player to be signed by the Canadiens next year. In order to earn that contract, he will need to continue to become of the league's elite players in the defensive end, cut down on his turnovers, and be a leader in helping the Soo rise to the top of the standings.

**Frederik Dichow - Sudbury Wolves
Dichow has already signed on to play for Sudbury next season after being selected in the previous year's Import Draft. He will be counted on to be the starter for a team that has aspirations of winning the Eastern Conference (pending Quinton Byfield returns). Needless to say, he will be tested. I'm very interested in seeing him play and hope that he can establish himself as one of the best goaltenders in the OHL.