Welcome to this new edition of Habs Hebdo, your weekly column on the Montreal Canadiens’ prospects. For all previous columns: Habs Hebdo section.
Stars in the Notebook
L.J. Mooney was selected as the top prospect of this edition of Habs Hebdo. With a six-point offensive performance over his last five games, L.J. Mooney has rediscovered his stride since mid-November. Before that, he had collected eight points in his first 12 games in a rather inconsistent fashion. However, it’s on the power play where Mooney stands out the most offensively. Of his four assists in his last five games, the 5’7 forward recorded three helpers on the power play and one in three-on-three overtime.
Despite his small frame, Mooney didn’t shy away during the game against Penn State on November 21. The Canadiens prospect absorbed a cross-check after the final whistle from Shea Van Olm (6’1, 198 pounds). Mooney did not hesitate to take on his opponent, earning 27 penalty minutes in the process.
Furthermore, as we write this, we’ve learned that L.J. Mooney has been named to Team USA’s roster for the World Junior Hockey Championship. He is the only American Canadiens prospect on the roster for the 2026 WJC.
Michael Hage at Center
Michael Hage also earns a star in the notebook for his recent performances. In his last five games, the Wolverines forward has collected seven points, including six in his last two outings. Hage’s performances were also highlighted in another recent article, which mentions that he was moved back to center on a unit with Will Horcoff and Nick Moldenhauer. The Canadiens prospect has produced heavily at five-on-five, an important achievement noted in his report. However, he finished his last five games with a 33% faceoff success rate.
For the top-prospect nomination, two other Canadiens gems were in the running: David Reinbacher and Adam Engström. The latter had a strong game (1 goal and 4 assists on November 22) and was recalled by the Canadiens. He was ruled out due to his production coming from a single game. As for David Reinbacher, I’d rather refer you to the excellent piece my colleague published this week about the defenseman.
Slump Over for Zharovsky
Alexander Zharovsky’s highlights had been scarce in recent weeks. The Salavat Yulaev forward was going through an offensive slump lasting five games. After his highly praised performances in a 3-on-3 tournament against low-talent teams, Zharovsky didn’t fill the scoresheet as easily. He was even used at center on a few occasions, but the experiment didn’t produce much.
In his last two games, he was moved back permanently to the wing. His ice time increased slightly by one or two extra shifts per game. The forward has collected three points in his last two games. It will now be worth watching whether he can maintain the pace he set early in the season. Let’s now look at the comparison between Ivan Demidov and Alexander Zharovsky in their first full KHL season.
PlayersGPGAPTST.O.IPP T.O.IIvan Demidov (KHL in 2024-2025)226131910:590:36Alexander Zharovsky (KHL in 2025-2026)227111814:012:41
Flash News
Quentin Miller: After an excellent start to the season, the Quebec goaltender had two rough outings on November 22 and 29. Allowing three goals on 27 shots against Arizona State, things didn’t get better against the powerhouse Minnesota Golden Gophers, where Miller gave up six goals on 23 shots.
Sam Harris: Still with Denver in the NCAA, prospect Sam Harris is riding an impressive six-game point streak. He has 12 points in 15 games so far in 2025–2026.
Emmett Croteau: Once again this season, the goaltender is struggling to seize the #1 job at Dartmouth in the NCAA. Splitting starts with Roan Clarke, Croteau is having an incredible start to the season. In his most recent start, he stopped all 24 shots he faced. The Canadiens’ 2022 sixth-round pick holds a 4-0 record along with a 0.75 goals-against average and a .970 save percentage in four starts.
Logan Sawyer: The prospect playing at Providence in the NCAA has stood out recently. Over his last five games, the Canadiens’ 2024 third-round pick has recorded three beautiful primary assists. He currently has five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 15 games. All eight of his assists are primary, meaning they directly lead to goals. Pretty impressive!
The Hot Ones!
Which Canadiens prospects are on fire statistically over their last five games?
Michael Hage (2-5-7 in 5 games)
David Reinbacher (3-4-7 in 5 games)
Adam Engström (3-4-7 in 5 games)
L.J. Mooney (1-5-6 in 5 games)
Sam Harris (2-4-6 in 5 games)
Alexander Gordin (3-2-5 in 5 games)
Bryce Pickford (2-3-5 in 5 games)
Sean Farrell (2-3-5 in 5 games)
Alexis Cournoyer (7 goals allowed in 5 games, 94% SV%)
The Cold Ones!
Which Canadiens prospects have been “slumping” statistically compared to their usual output over their last five games?
Vinzenz Rohrer (0-1-1 in 5 games)
Aatos Koivu (0-0-0 in 5 games)
Andrew MacNiel (0-0-0 in 5 games)
Daniil Sobolev (0-0-0 in 5 games)
Habs Hebdo (2025–2026 Season)
Where the prospects will play this season
Vinzenz Rohrer looking for a point!
Michael Hage pushed off center
The goaltending pipeline is shining!
Slump over for Alexander Zharovsky