Canadiens’ Biggest Draft Busts of the 2010s
T
The Hockey Writers
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The Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL's most storied franchises, have had their share of draft disappointments over the last decade. Notably, their high-profile selections in the draft have sometimes led to unexpected outcomes. One such player is Louis Leblanc, a forward chosen in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Despite being heralded as a potential NHL star, Leblanc struggled to find his footing in the league and ultimately played just a handful of games with the Canadiens before moving on to other teams.
Another significant name on the list is Michael McCarron, selected 25th overall in the 2013 draft. McCarron was expected to bring a physical presence to the Canadiens, yet his performance never matched the high expectations placed on him. After several seasons in the AHL and limited appearances in the NHL, McCarron was eventually traded, marking him as one of the team's more notable draft missteps.
The Canadiens also invested heavily in players like Nikita Scherbak and Jarret Stoll, who, despite flashes of potential, failed to make a lasting impact in Montreal. Scherbak, taken in the first round of the 2014 draft, never solidified his role with the team and ended up bouncing around different leagues. The struggles of these players serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NHL draft, where even the best scouting can lead to unexpected outcomes.
As the Canadiens reflect on their drafting history, it’s clear that building a successful team requires not just talent evaluation but also an element of luck. Moving forward, Montreal will aim to navigate the draft with greater success, learning from past errors to ensure they can develop future stars for their franchise.
Another significant name on the list is Michael McCarron, selected 25th overall in the 2013 draft. McCarron was expected to bring a physical presence to the Canadiens, yet his performance never matched the high expectations placed on him. After several seasons in the AHL and limited appearances in the NHL, McCarron was eventually traded, marking him as one of the team's more notable draft missteps.
The Canadiens also invested heavily in players like Nikita Scherbak and Jarret Stoll, who, despite flashes of potential, failed to make a lasting impact in Montreal. Scherbak, taken in the first round of the 2014 draft, never solidified his role with the team and ended up bouncing around different leagues. The struggles of these players serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of the NHL draft, where even the best scouting can lead to unexpected outcomes.
As the Canadiens reflect on their drafting history, it’s clear that building a successful team requires not just talent evaluation but also an element of luck. Moving forward, Montreal will aim to navigate the draft with greater success, learning from past errors to ensure they can develop future stars for their franchise.