Olympic Break Top 10 Habs Prospects: Honourable Mentions

The first player who just missed my list is forward Hayden Paupenakis, who is playing with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. Paupenakis is showing signs that he could one day be a big 4th-line centre in the mould of someone similar to former NHLer Brian Boyle. Getting drafted 69th overall by the Canadiens during the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, there was hope that he could improve his offensive numbers from his 22 goals and 43 points from last season up to a point-per-game player. However, at this point, he’s only on pace to put up around the same numbers once again this year, just in fewer games. If it weren’t for the injuries that have set him back this year, he would have likely been on pace to produce more points.

However, it’s become clear that he likely won’t bring much offence to the next level. Nonetheless, he has the qualities to become a strong defensive centre that can win faceoffs and be a physical energy guy on a 4th line someday. The main reason that, with his strong 6’5″ frame and defensive abilities, he couldn’t crack the top 10 is that the upside offensively is looking very limited. If he can find a way to improve his offensive game in the WHL, he might be able to creep his way up to the Top 10 at some point. He’s still only 18 years old, and there is a lot of time for him to grow his game.

Tyler Thorpe, Laval Rocket, RW

Montreal Canadiens prospect Tyler Thorpe has not had a smooth transition to the pro game, but being in just his 1st season in the AHL, there is still time for the big power forward to continue finding his game to eventually make the NHL. At 20 years old there is still time for him to grow with the hopes that he can become a solid physical presence on the Habs or another team’s 4th line. He has the tools to be an energy guy at the NHL, but like Paupenakis, he needs to see some improvement in his offensive game going forward. Time will tell if he can make that happen.

Vinzenz Rohrer, Zurich Lions, F

Vinzenz Rohrer is a speedy forward that can play both on the wing and at centre. Despite having a breakout season with the Zurich Lions of the NLA Swiss League last season, where he scored 15 goals and 25 points in 52 games, this year he has taken a serious step back. In 35 games with Zurich, he has just 3 goals and 9 points. Rohrer still has a ton of potential to be a speedster on the penalty kill, but he needs to get back on track and progress as a player. The season he’s having is really a shame after just how good he looked in training camp before getting loaned back to Zurich. Next season he should be in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, where we will get to see how he adapts to the North American game. His speedy game should make him a great asset for the Rocket.

Filip Eriksson, Lulea HF, C

If there is one Habs forward prospect that went from unknown in the summer to jumping up the rankings of the pipeline, it would be Filip Eriksson, who plays for Lulea HF of the SHL. Eriksson came into his regular season scorching hot by registering 7 goals and 14 points in his first 11 games of the SHL campaign. While he’d cool off a bit, he has remained as one of the top players on his team as a 21-year-old this season. In a league where veterans get a lot more playing time than their younger counterparts, Eriksson’s 13 goals and 26 points in 42 games rank 3rd on his team. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets an entry-level contract over the next two summers with the Habs. Getting him over to North America would also be good for his development as a player, since he looks really good but doesn’t have to deal with much physicality, which is a knock on his game currently.

William Trudeau, Laval Rocket, D

The oldest prospect on my honourable mentions and the only defenseman on this list is William Trudeau. While I almost went with Bogdan Konyushkov, it is seeming less and less likely that he will one day come over to North America. However, Trudeau may be among the most underrated prospects, as he’s continuously been among the Rocket’s top defenders over the past two seasons, but due to a very crowded blue line, he has never gotten a chance to show what he can do in the NHL. At the very least he seems like he could be a solid 7th defenseman that could hold his own in the NHL. Although he’s 23 years old with no NHL experience, I believe there is still some NHL ability in him, and he deserves a shot in Montreal or somewhere else in the league in the near future.

I will start my official top 10 prospects tomorrow. Stay tuned to see who makes the list.