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While some of the Montreal Canadiens’ CHL prospects aren’t living up to expectations, such as Carey Price, others have literally caught fire in the early games of the season, most notably Matt D’Agostini and Mathieu Aubin. Others, such as Guillaume Latendresse and Kyle Chipchura, continue to offer high-level play for their respective junior teams.

Western Hockey League
The Habs have two players in Western Canada this season: the team’s first pick in 2005, fifth overall, Price, who plays for Tri-City, as well as Chipchura, a hard-working center who suits up for Prince Albert and was also selected in the first round, in 2004.

Carey Price, G – Tri-City Americans - Selected in the 1st round (5th overall) in 2005
On paper, one could say that Carey Price is having a hard time. He has tasted victory only twice so far this season, and suffered losses on six of his other starts. He is, however, not getting much help from his teammates. The Americans are currently dead last in the WHL, with the third-worst offense (with 34 goals scored in 12 games) and a porous defense (53 goals-against in only 12 games). Given this context, Price maintains a 3.48 GAA and a pretty low save percentage of .878. It is only natural that Price’s statistics would reflect his team’s mediocrity, however, we can bet that the Habs want more out of him.

Kyle Chipchura, C – Prince Albert Raiders - Selected in the 1st round (18th overall) in 2004
Chipchura entered the 2005-06 season hoping to make it through without injuries – and so far, so good. He is taking advantage of his healthy situation and has already tallied 11 points in 12 games, totals that can only increase his stock, given that he is mostly being touted as a potential checking line center at the NHL level. Despite his good start, however, his team is struggling after a six-game losing streak put them second to last in the WHL’s East Division. Presumably as a result of this, Chipchura’s plus/minus rating has dropped to -2. Given his offensive production, this shouldn’t be a reason to panic this early in the season.

Ontario Hockey League
The Canadiens have three prospects suiting up in the OHL this season, all of them right wings: D’Agostini, for the Guelph Storm, Siarhei Kostsitsyn for the London Knights, and Gregory Stewart for the Peterborough Petes. They were drafted, respectively, in sixth round, 2005, the seventh round, also 2005, and the eighth round, 2004.

Matt D’Agostini, RW – Guelph Storm - Selected in the 6th round (190th overall) in 2005
D’Agostini has started off the season with a band, and his playmaking abilities have allowed him to tally 19 assists in only 16 games, adding 4 goals for a total of 23 points. These statistics put him at the 14^th spot in overall league scoring. His offensive talents have allowed the Storm to take the lead in the OHL’s Midwest Division, second overall in the league. If he keeps going at this rate, this might become a career year for D’Agostini.

Siarhei Kostsitsyn, RW – London Knights - Selected in the 7th round (200th overall) in 2005
Not much was known about this prospect before he came over to North America, but now we can say with certainty that he is here to make an impression. Siarhei, Andrei's brother, roared out the gate this season with 30 points in his first 15 games, placing him at seventh in league scoring, but, amazingly enough, only fourth on his team (the Knights have already scored 98 goals in 15 games). He is helping the Knights keep their status as a powerhouse intact after the loss of some key players from last season's championship team.

Gregory Stewart, RW – Peterborough Petes - Selected in the 8th round (246th overall) in 2004
This physical, fast player is looking to impress the Habs this season after an acceptable sophomore year. So far, he is doing well, having scored 7 goals and 11 points in 14 games. His team is looking sharp at this time of year as they are sitting at first place in the OHL, and Stewart has been contributing to the offense.

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
The Canadiens have a few choice prospects in the Q this season: Latendresse, selected 45^th overall in the 2005 draft, who has been causing a lot of buzz, Aubin, selected in the fifth round in the same entry draft, defender Alexandre Dulac-Lemelin, selected in the ninth round in 2004, and finally, Loic Lacasse, a depth goalie also drafted in the ninth round, in 2004.

Guillaume Latendresse, RW – Drummondville Voltigeurs - Selected in the second round (45th overall) in 2005
The Habs are projecting their hopes onto this power forward from Ste-Catherine, PQ, as he made quite a buzz during this year’s training camp, scoring five points in four games during the NHL’s exhibition period. The brass decided to send Latendresse back to the Voltigeurs for more junior seasoning. So far, he hasn’t disappointed anyone. However, strangely enough, his team has been on a losing streak since Latendresse joined them, in spite of the fact that he is over a point-a-game (17 points in 11 games) and playing some good hockey.

Mathieu Aubin, C – Lewiston MAINEiacs - Selected in the 5th round (130th overall) in 2005
Aubin has caught on fire this season. Despite his team’s disappointing standing at sixth place in the Eastern Division so far this season, Aubin has managed to put up 10 goals and 24 points in his 15 games, placing him 18^th in league scoring. He may be up for a career year, and though his plus/minus is a little low, he does play on a weaker team. He could see his stock rise this season.

Alexandre Dulac-Lemelin, D – Baie-Comeau Drakkar - Selected in the 9th round (278th overall) in 2004
Despite his team’s disappointing performances this season, which place them at ninth in the Western Division, Dulac-Lemelin has been a steady performer in the lineup. His two-way game has allowed him to score four goals and post 7 points in 15 games from the backline, as well as accomplish the not-so-simple task of maintaining his plus/minus at an even level within an under-performing team. He will most likely remain in the Drakkar’s top pairing this season.

Loic Lacasse, G – Baie-Comeau Drakkar - Selected in the 6th round (181st overall) in 2004
Lacasse continues to keep the Drakkar’s goal this season, a task that has been more than arduous over the years. Yet, despite his, and his team’s, losing record, Lacasse is once again showing that he is probably not the cause of his team’s low standing with his .900 save percentage. It would be interesting to see what this goalie could accomplish if he was given a good team in front of him.

 
All statistics as of October 30th, 2005.

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