Montreal Canadiens’ prospects in their playoffs so far

How are the Canadiens’ prospects performing in their respective league playoffs? In this week’s Habs Habs, we take a closer look at their playoff performances and what comes next once their seasons come to an end. Here’s your Habs Hebdo, the go-to source to stay properly informed on the Canadiens’ prospects.

The playoffs are currently underway in many leagues. In fact, in the NCAA, the Frozen Four is already in the books for 2026. The Denver Pioneers are the national champions, and two Canadiens prospects can claim that title: Quentin Miller and Sam Harris. While the latter displayed a strong, pro-style and physical game during the tournament, Quentin Miller did not get the chance to play in the Frozen Four due to an injury suffered in January. There are currently no rumors suggesting either player will sign. Sam Harris is expected to return for one more season in the NCAA.

In the American Hockey League, the Laval Rocket are approaching the postseason. The North Division title remains within reach for Pascal Vincent’s squad. It would mark a second straight division title for him. However, the team will aim to go further than last year, when the Rocket fell in the Eastern Conference Final to Charlotte Checkers. We will certainly be keeping an eye on the prospects involved, especially with the potential addition of Vinzenz Rohrer, as recently mentioned.

À lire: Renfort chez le Rocket pour les séries éliminatoires !

An incredible performance

Recently, we reported on TSLH that Mikus Vecvanags was turning heads in the BCHL. Considered too weak to secure a spot in the QMJHL, the Latvian goaltender opted to continue his season in British Columbia’s junior league. It’s generally viewed as a weaker league, and at age 20, most players there are no longer expected to progress toward the NHL. Still, Vecvanags stopped 78 shots in a playoff win on April 10. The following day, he allowed 5 goals on 47 shots — a total of 136 shots faced in just 24 hours. It must have smelled like rubber in there!

However, it wasn’t enough, as the Victoria Grizzlies were eliminated in seven games in the first round. Vecvanags can now turn his focus to his next objective for the 2026–2027 season: the University of Maine in the NCAA.

Flash news

– Bryce Pickford continues to dominate goal scoring in the WHL playoffs. It’s been smooth sailing for the Medicine Hat Tigers so far, leading 3–0 against Calgary Hitmen in the second round. Things are tougher for Hayden Paupanekis in Kelowna Rockets, who trail 2–0 against the dangerous Everett Silvertips. At least Paupanekis will benefit from the Memorial Cup experience as the host team.

– Bogdan Konyushkov’s season is likely nearing its end. Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod trail 3–0 in their series against Metallurg Magnitogorsk, the top team in their division. I’m not expecting a contract signing in his case either. He still has one year left on his deal, and I would even be very surprised to see him join the Canadiens organization at any point.

– Alexander Zharovsky was swept by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, coached by Bob Hartley, who had positive things to say about the Canadiens prospect during the series. Statistically and in terms of overall play, however, it was a disappointing playoff run. He averaged 14 minutes of ice time, including 16 minutes in the final game, without generating much impact. Not that he was poor, but his influence was far less noticeable — his flashes didn’t translate into meaningful contributions (or even the always-enjoyable highlight plays for fans). When you remove the weaker teams from the KHL, it becomes a much tougher league to play in. Still, it’s a valuable learning experience for Zharovsky.

– It’s a similar story in Brantford Bulldogs, who remain undefeated in the OHL playoffs. Owen Protz has had less of an impact on the scoresheet than Bryce Pickford, but it’s still a great experience for the player who recently signed his entry-level contract with the Canadiens. He will join the Rocket after his season.

– Dmitri Kostenko and HK Nitra have reached the final of Slovakia’s Slovak Extraliga.

– In the VHL, Alexander Gordin (Gorniak) and Yevgeny Volokhin (Khimik) are both in the quarterfinals. Through two games so far, Volokhin’s team has yet to allow a point, and the goaltender has only been beaten three times.

– In the SHL, Luleå HF are the defending champions and are facing Skellefteå AIK in the semifinals, trailing 3–1. Filip Eriksson has seen limited ice time on the fourth line, while Rasmus Bergqvist is no longer with Skellefteå despite playing 40 games with the team this season.