Five Canadiens Prospects Could Have Rights Expire This Summer

The Montreal Canadiens have accumulated a substantial number of drafted players over the past four years. However, constrained by a 50-contract limit, they face the challenge of managing their roster effectively.

As they strive to construct a competitive team capable of contending for the Stanley Cup, this upcoming summer holds immense importance for the organization.

With an influx of 29 prospects added to their Reserve List in the last three drafts, the Canadiens must navigate difficult decisions ahead.

Moreover, with an additional 12 picks in each of the next two NHL Drafts, the team has added incentive to be discerning in offering entry-level contracts.

To summarize the process, once a player is drafted, the selecting team holds an exclusive negotiation period, typically lasting between two to five years (except for Russian prospects). There’s a two-year window for CHL-based prospects, up to four years for European-based prospects (up to age 22), and up to four years for NCAA-based prospects (following their graduation).

For European and CHL-based prospects, the deadline to sign them is June 1, while NCAA-based prospects who have just graduated could see their rights expire by August 15.

This summer, the Canadiens face the expiration of rights for five players. Given the influx of prospects and abundance of draft picks, it wouldn’t be unexpected for the team to extend qualifying offers to only one or two of their young players, allowing the remainder to potentially re-enter the draft or explore free agency.

The question then becomes: which players will the Canadiens retain, and which will they let go? Let’s delve into that.

Jared Davidson

Jared Davidson presents a unique case, having been drafted from the WHL in 2022 at the age of 19, rendering him eligible to compete in the AHL this season under an AHL contract.

Although NHL draftees typically enter at 18, the Montreal Canadiens took a chance on Davidson, who was a late bloomer playing in Seattle. His contributions were notable, helping the Thunderbirds secure a WHL title in 2023 and subsequently playing a full season in the AHL before being sidelined by a season-ending injury.

Despite limited ice time, the 21-year-old showcased his potential as a goal-scorer, tallying 11 goals and 16 points in 38 games for the Laval Rocket this season.

With improved health and more opportunities on the horizon, Davidson could become a significant asset to the youthful Laval Rocket roster.

Furthermore, since Davidson turns 22 in July, the Canadiens only need to sign him to a two-year entry-level contract, providing them with flexibility in the long term should they require the contract slot.

Given these factors, it’s highly likely that Davidson will be signed before the June 1 deadline, representing a sound investment for the Canadiens.

Cedrick Guindon

Assessing Cedrick Guindon is quite challenging, given his often overlooked two-way prowess despite a stagnant offensive game since his draft.

During his draft year, Guindon displayed promise with 30 goals and 59 points in 68 games. While he improved to 69 points in the following season, his offensive output declined significantly this year, registering 57 points in 68 games.

To his credit, Guindon faced challenges, notably the weakened state of the Owen Sound Attack, especially with the absence of star forward Colby Barlow for a significant portion of the season.

Nevertheless, with numerous similar prospects already within the Montreal Canadiens system, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Habs opted to part ways with Guindon by the June 1 deadline.

Petteri Nurmi

Petteri Nurmi, another overaged draft pick from the 2022 NHL Draft class for the Canadiens, initially appeared to be a promising late bloomer despite being selected in the 7th round.

Drafted at the age of 20, Nurmi had a shorter evaluation period of just two years compared to the typical four years for draft-eligible prospects from Europe.

During this time, Nurmi displayed steady progress while playing for HPK in the Finnish Liiga. However, the Canadiens’ surplus of left defensemen, coupled with the recent acquisition of Adam Engstrom, has essentially determined Nurmi’s future with the team.

Miguël Tourigny

Miguel Tourigny was the Canadiens’ third overage selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, plucked from the QMJHL at the age of 20.

Following impressive offensive displays with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Tourigny ventured overseas to the Slovak Extraliga, suiting up for Trencin Dukla. There, he notched six goals and 26 points in 44 games.

Subsequently, Tourigny secured a two-way AHL deal with the Laval Rocket but spent the entire season with the Canadiens’ ECHL affiliate, the Trois-Rivières Lions.

Despite the roster’s fluidity, Tourigny emerged as one of the team’s most productive players, recording nine goals and 38 points across 61 games.

However, given the crowded defensive lineup in Laval, Tourigny’s long-term prospects with the organization seem uncertain. Nonetheless, a return to Trois-Rivières remains a viable option if Tourigny prioritizes proximity to home over opportunities in Europe.

Blake Biondi

Selected in the 4th round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Blake Biondi failed to establish his presence in the NCAA.

Despite a promising start at Minnesota-Duluth during his freshman year, Biondi struggled to maintain momentum. However, there were signs of improvement during his sophomore season.

Regrettably, injuries and reduced playing time in his junior and senior years halted his progress, resulting in a disappointing senior campaign with only eight goals and 19 points in 34 games.

Given these challenges, it’s highly conceivable that Biondi may remain unsigned beyond the NCAA deadline on August 15.