Power Forward Famine
April 1, 2024
By Bob Trask
A quick scan of the Montreal Canadiens’ prospect pipeline reveals a lack of power forwards in the organization. Other than Luke Tuch, who may or may not sign after his college career, and Florian Xhekaj the Habs lack a true power forward prospect in their system. Xhekaj has really come into his own during the last half of the season and is somewhat of unicorn among Habs prospects. Emil Heineman may be the closest among the rest but he seems to lack the “bite” of a prototypical power forward. Last year Kent Hughes has shown a willingness to draft for need in the later rounds when he selected three goaltenders. Given that every successful team seems to have this type of player on their roster, will he take a similar approach at this draft to address the shortage of power forwards. – Trask