Canadiens Defensive Prospect Ready for Bigger Role

Handel's debut season with the Mooseheads saw him post three goals and 23 assists for 26 points in 52 games. The German rearguard also added 1-3-4 through 10 QMJHL playoff games.

During the Canadiens' development camp, Handel didn't stand out from the pack, but blended in well, something that you want from your defenseman. He didn't hurt the team by taking untimely risks, and his mobility, intelligence and great passing allowed him to create and blend in with some of the Canadiens' top talents from the past few drafts.

Given that he was drafted in the sixth round, Handel could end up being a nice value selection, with expectations in-check, nobody is calling for him to pick apart defense's and produce troves of offense, however, if he can lean on his playmaking and be a bit more selfish with the puck this season, he could challenge for double-digit goal totals, and steady increase in his previous assist totals.

Adapting to having less time and space to operate, especially when retrieving pucks off the boards behind the net, and making a quick move to avoid getting hemmed in his own zone was something that Handel had to get used to, but his maturity and ability to learn on the fly and execute stood out.

In his interview with RG Media, Handel spoke about working on getting bigger and stronger, in hopes of earning some penalty killing minutes, and being able to throw hits and better handle himself physically, which will help him with the Mooseheads, but also in his bid to represent his country at the World Juniors.