The Montreal Canadiens have recently had several prospects that are looking to benefit from some additional experiences at this time of year. Jarred Tinordi got a taste of the NHL playoffs, Danny Kristo and Tim Bozon made their debut at the World Championships while teammates Darren Dietz and Dalton Thrower are about to take part in the Memorial Cup. Management must be thrilled to see them getting quaility ice at this time of year and hopefully all can use this in the off-season to build off for next year.

Habs Sign Deitz

The Montreal Canadiens have one less prospect to sign before the June 1st deadline, as the Habs signed Darren Dietz to a three year deal that starts next season. Dietz was a 5th round pick in 2011 that just wrapped up an outstanding regular season in the WHL, he will be Memorial Cup bound later this season but should be a welcome addition to Hamilton in the fall.

After last year's nightmare of a season the surprising Montreal Canadiens have gotten off to an outstanding start to the season that almost wasn't. The Habs were rewarded though in June for having to sit through such a painful season by getting the 3rd overall pick and a new management team and new coaching staff. So far those rewards are paying off large dividends as Alex Galchenyuk has become the first 18 year old to make the team since the mid '80's and has not disappointed. In addition the new General Manager put his stamp on the team by changing up the culture by adding grit in players like Prust, Bouillon and Armstong. The return of Michel Therrien behind the bench with a new staff has also helped turn things around as the team is playing it's best hockey in some time.

It's been a tough season for the the Montreal Canadiens 1st round pick in 2009, as Louis Leblanc has not had a lot of things go his way during his second pro season between the NHL lockout, a high ankle sprain that cost him a chunk of the season and playing on one of the youngest teams in the AHL with a new coaching staff and lots of rookies his production is way down from where it was a year ago when he made successful debuts in the AHL and NHL.

To say it's been a rough year in Hamilton would be a major understatement unfortunately as things have been painful to watch unfold as the youth movement has struggled to find ways to win and injuries to key players weren't able to be replaced as Geoffrion is thought to be out for the season and Palushaj has not played for over a month although he should be back soon. Losing their top veteran forwards has put a great strain on the offense, the recent addition of Joey Tenute should help some as he has looked sharp so far.

NCAA Prospect Update

Fans were up in arms when the Habs 1st picks of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft opted not to sign a pro contract last summer and instead gave notice that he intended to return to North Dakota University for his final season in the NCAA. Flash forward several months and those fans may feel a bit different now that Danny Kristo is tied for 2nd in the NCAA in goals scored and 3rd in the league for points, while the over abundance of rookies in Hamilton would have meant one would be added to the already youthful team.