NHL Midseason Rankings Update
In a recent update from Corey Pronman at The Athletic, the midseason rankings for NHL players and prospects under 23 years of age have been unveiled, highlighting a notable presence of the Montreal Canadiens. Previously, in the September edition, seven Canadiens players made the cut, but as of this update, that number has increased to eight individuals represented within the comprehensive list of 137 players:
- Juraj Slafkovsky
- Ivan Demidov
- Lane Hutson
- Alexander Zharovsky
- Michael Hage
- David Reinbacher
- Zack Bolduc
- Oliver Kapanen
Zharovsky, a second-round pick for 2025, is the one new addition in this latest ranking.
Player Tier Categorization
Pronman categorizes the players into six distinct tiers, assessing them based on their potential and current performance:
- Tier One: Elite NHL players
- Tier Two: NHL All-Stars
- Tier Three: Bubble All-Stars and top players
- Tier Four: Top lineup contributors
- Tier Five: Bubble top and mid-level players
- Tier Six: Middle of the lineup
Highlights of Canadiens Players
Leading the Canadiens’ contingent is Juraj Slafkovsky, who, despite sitting at seventh in the rankings—just as he did in September—has seen his status shifted from Tier Two to Tier Three. This shift prompts some surprise given Slafkovsky’s evident improvements during the season, showcasing a more rounded and responsible game where he’s become an integral component of his line rather than merely a supporting player. It’s possible that his recent placement on a lower line may have influenced this change, though it’s essential to recognize that his overall role has indeed expanded.
Ivan Demidov follows closely behind in eighth place, moving up two spots to Tier Two. Despite his progress, Pronman maintains concerns about Demidov’s skating ability, labeling it below average, although improvements have been noted since last summer. His recent performance has been stellar as he leads the scoring race among rookies, leading to questions about why his tier placement has declined despite his evident skill on the ice.
Lane Hutson has made a significant leap from 34th to 14th, remaining placed in Tier Four as a bubble All-Star and potential top player. Praised for his offensive talent, Hutson’s defensive capabilities have been emphasized as an area needing improvement, despite observers noting a positive evolution in this aspect of his game this season, as evidenced by his plus/minus statistic considerably improving.
Newcomer Alexander Zharovsky debuts at 39th place and is classified in Tier Six. Although his skating and effort are deemed average, his puck skills and hockey intuition are recognized as being above average, highlighting him as a promising winger with potential scoring capability based on his prior KHL performance.
Michael Hage has made a noteworthy jump from 131 to 51, garnering attention for his consistent efforts as he demonstrated creativity during the World Junior Championship, though he still necessitates further development to translate this success to the NHL level.
David Reinbacher experienced a decline in his ranking, dropping from 44 to 85, as issues regarding injuries hindered his development. His performance in the AHL shows he’s capable, but the recent assessments indicate areas needing further growth.
Zack Bolduc ranks in 90th place, having climbed ten positions. Despite average skating and puck skills, his shot has been singled out as notably elite, suggesting that there remains untapped potential within his game. Finally, Oliver Kapanen, now at 118 from 139, stands out with impressive point totals in rookie scoring while also maintaining a notable shooting percentage.
Conclusion
As the Canadiens continue to cultivate their young talent, the variations in Pronman’s rankings underline the evolving nature of player development and performance within the NHL landscape. Follow the latest developments regarding the Canadiens and their prospects through various hockey news outlets and discussions.
