The Montreal Canadiens, with their storied history and NHL-leading 24 Stanley Cups, hold a unique place in hockey lore. However, beneath the glittering legacy lies a more sobering reality: a persistent struggle to consistently translate draft picks, especially high ones, into impactful NHL players. Examining the Canadiens' drafting record in the 2010s reveals a number of players who, for various reasons, didn't live up to expectations, earning the label of "draft busts."
One prominent example is Jarred Tinordi. Selected 22nd overall in 2010, the towering defenseman was envisioned as a future top-four shutdown presence. While the Canadiens admired his potential, they passed on talents like Evgeny Kuznetsov and Charlie Coyle. Tinordi's development never quite matched the initial projections. Although he eventually reached the NHL, his contributions were minimal, and he was later traded. Tinordi bounced around several teams before finding some stability later in his career, but he never became the player the Canadiens hoped for.
Sebastian Collberg, drafted 33rd overall in 2012, represents another swing and a miss. After selecting Alex Galchenyuk third overall, the Canadiens chose Collberg, a promising Swedish forward. He had shone brightly at the World Junior Championships. However, Collberg failed to make a significant impact in North America. He struggled to adapt to the smaller ice surface and the more physical style of play. He eventually returned to Europe, never realizing his potential within the Canadiens organization.
Michael McCarron, chosen 25th overall in 2013, was meant to be the big, skilled center the Canadiens had long craved. His imposing size and raw talent were undeniable. However, his skill never translated consistently to the NHL level. McCarron played sparingly for the Canadiens. He spent considerable time in the AHL. Eventually, he was traded, leaving Montreal without having filled the role many had envisioned for him. The selection was even more painful for fans as Shea Theodore was picked right after McCarron.
Nikita Scherbak, drafted 26th overall in 2014, possessed undeniable offensive talent. But he struggled to crack the Canadiens' roster on a full-time basis. Despite showing flashes of promise in the AHL, Scherbak couldn't find consistency or earn the trust of the coaching staff at the NHL level. His work ethic was questioned, and he ultimately moved to the KHL after a brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings, failing to live up to the expectations that come with being a first-round pick.
These examples highlight a recurring theme: the Canadiens' difficulty in developing drafted talent into consistent NHL contributors. While not every draft pick can become a star, the high number of players who failed to meet expectations during the 2010s points to potential issues in scouting, player development, or a combination of both. It's worth noting that some players drafted outside the first round, like Brendan Gallagher (2010, 5th round), exceeded expectations and became key contributors for the Canadiens, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the draft. However, the misses in the first round, especially, are the ones that often sting the most, representing missed opportunities to add impactful talent to the roster.
