1. Alexander Romanov, D
How acquired: Selected with No. 38 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: CSKA Moscow (KHL): 43 GP, seven assists
Romanov (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) could start this season on Montreal's third defense pair. The 20-year-old agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract July 13 and joined the Canadiens in Toronto, the Eastern Conference hub city for the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He was named the best defenseman at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring eight points (one goal, seven assists) in seven games and helping Russia finish third.
"I just feel confident that he's capable of making that jump to the NHL," Canadiens coach Claude Julien said. "But then again, he still has to prove it, but he has all the attributes when you talk about size, skills, determination, all that stuff to be there for him. He's a very confident individual and his skill level is extremely good."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
2. Cole Caufield, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 15 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Wisconsin (NCAA): 36 GP, 19-17-36
The 19-year-old right wing began his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin on Nov. 13 and attended the 2021 U.S. National Junior Team Evaluation Camp held Oct. 8-13. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year for 2019-20 was the top goal-scorer in the conference and second in points.
Caufield (5-7, 162) trained in Michigan with USA Hockey National Team Development Program alumni Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes during the offseason.
"[Wisconsin coach Tony Granato] had nothing but great things to say about Cole this season as far as his work ethic, taking a little bit more of a leadership role," Canadiens director of player development Rob Ramage said. "He said his whole demeanor since he came back from the U.S. World Junior evaluation camp was at another level altogether. I think he's in the right spot. Let him mature physically, emotionally, and he's doing that. We just hope he gets a good college season under his belt this year and then we'll see where he's at."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
3. Ryan Poehling, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 25 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Montreal (NHL): 27 GP, 1-1-2; Laval (AHL): 36 GP, 5-8-13
Poehling (6-2, 204) has a shot to earn a full-time job in the NHL at training camp. The 21-year-old center is healthy after sustaining a torn labrum and a concussion last season.
"Tough year last year, he'll admit that," Ramage said. "A little adversity is not a bad thing. He's hungry. I think his attitude is really, really good. He looks at last year as a learning experience, take that and move on."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
4. Cayden Primeau, G
How acquired: Selected with No. 199 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Montreal (NHL): 2 GP, 1-1-0, 2.52 GAA, .931 SV%; Laval (AHL): 33 GP, 17-11-3, 2.45 GAA, .908 SV%
Primeau (6-3, 198) completed his first pro season after going 44-18-6 with a 2.00 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and eight shutouts in two seasons at Northeastern University. The 21-year-old is the heir apparent to Carey Price and will play in the American Hockey League with backup Jake Allen signed for the next two seasons.
"If he came to Montreal and had to watch a lot of games, watching Carey Price play, it would slow down his development," Julien said. "I think by allowing him to spend more time playing a lot more in Laval is a great way of managing his progression."
Projected NHL arrival: 2022-23
5. Kaiden Guhle, D
How acquired: Selected with No. 16 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Prince Albert (WHL): 64 GP, 11-29-40
Guhle agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract Oct. 20 and was invited to Canada's national junior team selection camp. Julien said the 18-year-old made an impression with his size (6-2, 186) and maturity.
"Our scouts really feel strongly about the fact that this guy down the road could be one of your core players, and we're hoping that's how he's going to end up developing," Julien said.
Projected NHL arrival: 2022-23
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