The Montreal Canadiens' drafting strategy in 2022 included selecting Juraj Slafkovsky first overall and Filip Mesar at 26th. While Slafkovsky made an immediate impact, Mesar faced challenges, spending time in the Ontario Hockey League before joining the Laval Rocket.

Despite a promising start this season with five points in five games, Mesar's progress has been halted by a lower-body injury that will sideline him for eight to ten weeks. The Canadiens' prospects are struggling, with David Reinbacher also facing a long recovery.

The latest NHL prospect rankings highlight the top 50 players affiliated with NHL teams, showcasing future stars outside the league. Notable absentees include rookies expected to play primarily in the NHL this season.

Several teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and Chicago Blackhawks, feature prominently with multiple prospects. Ivan Demidov leads the list, showcasing elite talent, while other players like Artyom Levshunov and Alexander Nikishin also stand out as potential future stars.

On a bustling day at La Ronde, a young boy's ice cream mishap mirrors the frustrations of Montreal Canadiens fans after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Social media erupted with complaints about players like Kirby Dach and rookie Lane Hutson, despite Hutson's strong performance.

Fans also criticized David Reinbacher, comparing him unfavorably to Matvei Michkov, while overlooking veteran Christian Dvorak's struggles. The piece reflects on the enduring debate between Carey Price and Anze Kopitar from the 2005 draft, emphasizing the need for patience as the Canadiens navigate their rebuild.

The Montreal Canadiens are facing a growing list of injury concerns as defenceman Mike Matheson missed practice following an upper-body injury sustained in a recent game against the Los Angeles Kings. He logged only 7:35 of ice time before leaving the game.

Additionally, defenceman Kaiden Guhle also suffered an upper-body injury during the same match and will be evaluated daily. In response to these injuries, the Canadiens have called up Logan Mailloux from the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

Adding to their woes, Juraj Slafkovsky left practice early due to a shoulder injury, and the team is already without forward Patrik Laine, who is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 months due to a knee injury. The Canadiens have a history of injury struggles, having set NHL records for man-games lost in recent seasons.

The Montreal Canadiens are set to begin their season with a highly anticipated matchup against their long-time rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. This will be the 769th regular season encounter, with the Canadiens holding a historical edge in their rivalry.

Recent clashes have seen the Leafs winning six of the last ten games, including the last five. The Canadiens are looking to turn the tide, especially with key players like Kirby Dach on the verge of reaching a career milestone.

As both teams prepare, the focus will be on securing a victory while navigating the physicality that often characterizes this storied rivalry.