The 2022 NHL Entry Draft, held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the Canadiens' franchise rebuild. Armed with 11 selections, including the coveted first overall pick, General Manager Kent Hughes and Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton aimed to inject new life into the team's prospect pool. Three years later, it's time to revisit that draft class and assess the progress of the players selected.
The Canadiens made headlines by selecting Juraj Slafkovsky first overall, a decision that raised eyebrows as many expected Shane Wright to be the top pick. While early returns brought some skepticism as Slafkovsky struggled to adjust to the NHL pace, the Slovakian winger has since become a key player for Montreal. Now 21 years old, Slafkovsky has recorded back-to-back 50-point seasons and has become one of the team's most relied-upon forwards.
With their second first-round pick (26th overall), the Canadiens selected Filip Mesar. While the pick initially inspired hope, Mesar's development has been slower than anticipated. However, the Canadiens remain in control of his development, giving him time to mature and potentially become a valuable asset.
Just outside the first round, Montreal selected Owen Beck with the 33rd overall pick. Beck has proven to be a gem, showcasing his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and earning a spot on the Canadiens' roster. His versatility and hockey sense make him a promising prospect for the future.
Lane Hutson, drafted 62nd overall, might be the steal of the draft for the Canadiens. The young defenseman's offensive abilities and hockey IQ have drawn comparisons to some of the league's best. While questions about his size remain, Hutson's potential is undeniable, and he could become a cornerstone of the Canadiens' defense for years to come.
In the later rounds, the Canadiens took several swings on players with potential. Vinzenz Rohrer (75th overall) and Adam Engstrom (92nd overall) are still developing, with the organization hoping they can become valuable contributors at the NHL level. Jared Davidson, selected 130th overall, has shown promise in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Other selections from the 2022 draft include Cedrick Guindon (127th overall), who had an impressive season in the OHL. However, the Canadiens did not offer him a contract, suggesting concerns about his projection to the professional game. Goaltender Emmett Croteau (162nd overall) is an intriguing project, posting strong numbers at Dartmouth College.
The Canadiens also selected Petteri Nurmi (194th overall) and Miguël Tourigny (216th overall). While their paths to the NHL may be longer, they represent the Canadiens' commitment to finding talent in all rounds of the draft.
The 2022 NHL Entry Draft was not just about selecting players; it also involved strategic trades. The Canadiens sent Alexander Romanov and the 98th overall pick to the New York Islanders for the 13th overall pick, which was then packaged with the 66th overall pick to acquire Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks. This move addressed the need for a center and brought in a young player with top-six potential.
