Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

Many questions were raised when new general manager Bob Gainey took over if any of the Canadiens prospects would get roster spots with team. Having one of the deepest groups of prospects in the entire NHL, fans were waiting to see a few of them in action, especially after the signing of two first round picks, Alex Perezhogin and Chris Higgins. The success of some of the standouts from the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs like Jason Ward, Mike Komisarek, Michael Ryder and Matthieu Garon, only made the competition that much tougher to secure a roster spot. Several players were able to see limited ice time with the Canadiens this year, and only one was able to keep a full time position with the team.

Michael Ryder, RW -- Taken in the 1998 entry draft in the eighth round 216^th overall, Ryder was often overlooked and underappreciated until last year’s impressive season with Hamilton and his offensive production in the AHL playoffs. Having his former junior coach and AHL coach now with the Canadiens had to have had an impact on Ryder, as Coach Julien knew just how to use the 24-year-old Newfoundland native. Not many would have expected the kind of stellar season Ryder had this year. He was the top rookie scorer in the NHL, and was second on the Habs in goals, an impressive feat for a player who never played an NHL game before this season and had twice spent time in the ECHL. He is one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy.  While the playoffs weren’t as productive for him, Ryder was able to get a feel for what it’s like to play at the highest level and what it takes to win on a consistent basis.

Mike Komisarek, D -- Taken in the first round of the 2001 entry draft, seventh overall, Komisarek was not able to crack the lineup of the Canadiens coming out of camp this year, and was sent to in Hamilton of the AHL where he was on the top defensive pairing. Komisarek was recalled to Montreal on November 25, where he would play third pairing minutes. He was effective in his first ever NHL playoff series as the 22-year-old got some experience at a higher level.

Ron Hainsey, D -- Taken in the first round of the 2000 entry draft 13^th overall, Hainsey was able to make the team right out of camp after having an impressive showing in the preseason. It didn’t take long for the former product of U Mass Lowell to record his first ever NHL goal, as the gifted offensive defensemen was able to pinch in on the rush often and his shot from the point was also effective as well. But some defensive lapses and a lack of physical play in front of the net forced the Canadiens to send the 23-year-old to work on his game in the AHL on November 25.

Chris Higgins, C/LW -- Taken in the first round of the 2002 entry draft, 14^th overall, Higgins was signed over the summer after two successful seasons in the NCAA where he led the Yale Bulldogs in scoring. An impressive showing in camp earned Higgins a two-game stay in the NHL, where he saw some limited ice time on the fourth line. In an effort to get him more ice time, the 20-year-old Higgins was sent down to Hamilton to play on one of the top lines to further his development.

Tomas Plekanec, C -- Taken in the third round of the 2001 entry draft, 71^st overall, Plekanec was able to earn himself a promotion for his impressive play this season in Hamilton. He was recalled to Montreal on January 1. While he was only able to dress for two games in limited ice time, Plekanec was able to get an idea of what it’s like to play in the top league in the world. After being sent back down to Hamilton two weeks later, Plekanec went on to lead the Hamilton Bulldogs in scoring, enjoying a very successful sophomore season.