NHL: Habs Camp Review

The Montreal Canadiens have done a great job drafting and developing players during the past few years with many playing important roles in the current lineup and many more on their way in the coming years. McKeen's contributor Rick Springhetti has been spending time at the Montreal Canadiens training camp and reports on the progress of some of their current prospects. In part one of a two-part series we have notes and quotes on Olivier Fortier, Danny Kristo, Ben Maxwell, Brock Trotter and camp standouts Yannick Weber and Max Pacioretty.

Olivier Fortier (Mtl), C, Rimouski

The 5-foot-11, 182-pound center is never going to light up the NHL with his scoring touch but that is not why he was drafted by the Habs in the third round in 2007. Instead, his defensive play, skating, intensity, and leadership qualities are the strong points of Fortier's game. During camp, he continued to show some of these qualities, but will need to continue improving his shooting skills, and gain strength. Fortier has been named team captain for the Rimouski Oceanic heading into his final year of junior hockey eligibility. With Rimouski hosting the Memorial cup this season, Fortier knows that this is going to be a huge year for him but he feels up to the challenge.

"I want to continue doing all the good things I did last season for the team but I also want to bring some more offensive. I have the abilities to do so and it's up to me to step it up. I also want to get a spot on the Canadian junior team this season," Fortier told McKeen's hockey.

Danny Kristo (Mtl), RW, Omaha

The first pick of the 2008 entry draft for the Canadiens, Kristo was known primarily for his speed and intensity but he showed other sets of skills that have impressed the coaching staff, namely very good puckhandling abilities, and a strong awareness of the defensive game. Although he tends to run around a little too much at times and can try to rush things with the puck, there is little doubt that there is some upside to his game.

"The minute he got on the ice, he surprised me with the skating ability, not only going forward, but side to side also. What is even more surprising is that we still noticed a few small details that he could improve upon," said former NHLer Gaston Gingras, who was on hand as a skating instructor. Kristo himself told McKeen's that while he was happy with his progress, there is still a lot of work to do.

"I have to continue working hard off the ice to get bigger and stronger, and I would like to continue to improve my passing and shooting skills. Those are the goals this year. Besides that, continue to try and take a leadership role for my team this season."

Ben Maxwell (Mtl), C, Hamilton

To say the last few years have been tough on Ben Maxwell would be an understatement. Having played less than 40 games the last two seasons with the Kootenay Ice due to injuries, one would think that he is a little behind many of the prospects at this years camp but in fact, he was one of the better players. His vision and hockey IQ were always considered two of his strongest points but he also showed good skating abilities, and willingness to backcheck. Although not a physical player by any means, he is usually well positioned on the ice taking away the passing lines from opponents. The fact that he seems to have developed some chemistry with Max Pacioretty does not hurt. However, some people question his effort level, as he seems to be aloof on the ice, this is something that Trevor Timmins, Montreal's director of player recruitment and development feels is an not case.

"When he is on the ice, he looks like he is not exerting much energy but that is the way he plays. He is a thinker. He does not waste any energy running around. The coaching staff really likes him. For now, he needs to get some more game experience."

Max Pacioretty (Mtl), LW

When Max Pacioretty was drafted by the Habs in the 2007 NHL draft, not many fans knew much of him. Since that time, he has become one of the players that the fans are looking the most forward to see make the big jump. That day may come sooner rather than later. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound winger is making quite a name for himself with his physical play, solid skating ability and a developing scorer's touch. During camp, he continued demonstrating these traits while working hard with the coaching staff to improve some other areas of his game, most importantly, his shooting skills, which could use some improvement in accuracy. For now, Pacioretty will probably have to get used to playing a longer season than he had in College hockey, but he is making it hard for management to send him to Hamilton.

Yannick Weber (Mtl), D

Goodbye Mark Streit, hello Mark Streit version 2.0. That is the consensus from most that have seen Weber play and the similarities are valid. Both are Swiss-born, undersized, offensive defensemen, with very hard shots, but while Streit came to North America at 28 years of age, Weber has been here a few years already. The difference is noticeable, as Weber seems to be more capable of handling the physical play, not only taking it but also dishing it out. His skating is very good and he has good vision. He started out having some problems at camp with his decision-making, especially knowing when to pinch in on offence, but he seems to be adapting very well. Coach Carbonneau has noticed and is impressed.

"It will be hard for him to make the team, but it's great to know that he is an option for us, especially if we run into problems on the powerplay".

Brock Trotter (Mtl), C, Hamilton

Having suffered a serious injury during his draft year, Brock Trotter is an undrafted center signed as a free agent by the Canadiens in February of 2008. Playing with the University of Denver, he tallied 13 goals and 18 assists in just 24 games with the Pioneers. A complete player in the offensive zone, he can distribute the puck very well to his teammates or shoot the puck depending on the situation, so opposing players have a tough time defending against him. While his skating is fluid, he does need to gain some strength to take advantage of his skills. He will probably be spending the season in Hamilton with the Bulldogs, but he will be an important part of the team this season.