Montreal Canadiens Top 10 Prospects: #10-#9

During Xhekaj’s AHL rookie season, he scored 24 goals and 35 points in 69 games, despite getting next to no power play time. Xhekaj became the second-ever AHL rookie to score over 20 goals and get 200 penalty minutes, showing how unique a player he is. His four shorthanded goals were tied for fourth in the entire AHL that year. 

Last season, he didn’t put up as much offence, dropping to 17 goals, though it was more a matter of his shooting percentage coming back to earth. In reality, he improved his all-around game to get closer to being an NHL forward someday. Xhekaj continued to be a threat on the penalty kill as he once again scored four shorthanded goals, which was good enough to be tied for fifth in that category during the 2025-26 season. 

The main reason that Xhekaj isn’t higher on the list is that the other players ahead of him have higher potential. At the same time, he does have a better chance of playing in the NHL as a fourth liner than many others ahead of him. It is especially the case considering the Canadiens could use the sandpaper that he brings on their fourth line. Not to mention, Xhekaj is a versatile forward that can play centre or winger. 

#9. LJ Mooney, Forward, University of Minnesota 

Montreal Canadiens fourth-round pick in 2025, forward L.J. Mooney is one of the most skilled playmakers in the organization. However, at 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds, he is also the smallest prospect in the pipeline. Despite his size, Mooney isn’t afraid to be physical and often hits players much bigger than him. Still, his chances to make the NHL are still against him. 

Mooney could be an amazing middle-six forward with the Canadiens someday, but unlike the other smaller players in the organization, like Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson, he has yet to show the ability that he can be a game-breaker. Therefore, the path to the NHL for Mooney won’t come as easily for someone as undersized as him. 

Luckily, he has a similar work ethic to former undersized Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher but brings a faster and more skilled game to the table. With that being said, Mooney has the opportunity to be a solid NHLer if the Canadiens give him a proper look in the next few years. One thing that helped Gallagher make the NHL was that even though he didn’t have the most speed and skill for a smaller guy, he still managed to put up a lot of points in his junior days with the Vancouver Giants.

Unfortunately, Mooney’s skill has yet to show up consistently on the scoresheet, and while points aren’t everything, Mooney will need to show that he can be a dominant offensive force at the NCAA level before he has any chance of being an NHL forward. The reason for that is smaller players don’t work well in a bottom-six role. Nearly every forward 5’9″ and under in the NCAA who ever became an impact NHLer had massive freshman seasons. Mooney’s seven goals and 30 points in 34 games during the 2025-26 season were a solid freshman year, but it was far from a dominating performance. In fact, he has never shown the ability to dominate consistently at any level.

Still, the one thing that Mooney has that most others don’t have is a physical side of his game, which may be enough to sneak his way to the Canadiens roster someday. Nonetheless, Mooney has a ton of skill and potential, but that still may not be enough to ever be an NHL regular, and for that reason he is listed as the ninth best prospect currently. A great season at the University of Minnesota could see Mooney move up the list next year.