Now that the Canadiens have announced the 26 players attending the rookie camp & tournament, we can take a closer look at the four skaters that were invited on a tryout basis. Of course, it’s rare that a player will make the team via a tryout, however it’s a good opportunity to evaluate some talent that may have slipped through the scouting cracks of recent drafts.
Dryden Hunt, 19, C/LW, 6’0″ 200 lbs
I was quite surprised when Dryden went undrafted this year, seeing as many publications had him listed as one of the top 150 prospects available.
The idea of inviting Dryden to the rookie camp has been in the Canadiens’ plans for a while now.
Here’s what Hockeyprospect.com had to say about Hunt:
“Dryden Hunt is an energetic and intelligent re-entry checking forward who has showed that he can score a lot of points at the major junior level while playing with the Medicine Hat Tigers this past season. Hunt is a decent skater who is strong and sturdy and difficult to play against. His game is underpinned by above average upper-body conditioning and strong work-ethic. This list of skills makes Hunt especially difficult to contain when he’s below the goal-line. In fact, teammates try to find him with the puck behind the net when playing on the power play, as he is known for making good plays from that position on the ice. When he’s not streaking to his office behind the net, he makes really smart streaks in front of the goaltender to create screens and deflections. More of a passer than a shooter, he gets most of his goals off of deflections or rebounds when he’s placed just outside the crease. He plays on the first line and in all situations, including four-on-four.
Especially when he’s a step or two ahead, Dryden Hunt is a wide-shouldered player who is very difficult to get around or to strip of the puck. Although he plays a a top-heavy style of game, he remains incredibly balanced and difficult to knock off of his feet. Because he is so good on the cycle and at containing the puck in the offensive zone his attack-zone time is usually very high. His backchecking speed isn’t always where you want it, but he’s more of a scoring winger anyways.”
Markus Eisenschmid, 20, C/RW, 6’1″ 180 lbs
You may recognize Eisenschmid’s name for two reasons; his sister is a well known hockey player currently at the University of North Dokata, and he impressed fans and coaches alike during his performance at the development camp.
He scored 4 goals in two scrimmages this summer, and seems to be on the right track to earn an AHL contract if his quality play holds up.
Angelo Miceli, 21, C, 5’9″ 179 lbs
Miceli put up very impressive numbers last season, however it should be noted that at his age anything less than domination at the CHL level would be a disappointment.
Here’s a short video via RDS with some footage of Miceli at the development camp.
Jamal Watson, 20, LW, 5’11” 179 lbs
Watson is a great skater, who’s slated to play his fifth year in the WHL this season as an overage forward. His numbers aren’t exactly earth shattering, however they were impressive enough to earn an invite to the development camp, and a follow up invite to the rookie camp. His skill level is definitely above average, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can take the next step up the ladder.
Goaltender Michael McNiven was also invited to camp.
