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![\"Finland](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/678558.webp\" "\\"Finland")
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Photo credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Here’s another successful acquisition by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.<\/p>\n
There’s plenty of talk about Hughes’ strong work at the draft, with Lane Hutson<\/a>, Michael Hage<\/a> and Jacob Fowler<\/a> all selected outside the earliest picks, but a recent acquisition deserves recognition.<\/p>\n L.J. Mooney is turning heads once again, to the point where his fourth-round selection could become a major steal for the Canadiens.<\/p>\n The 20-year-old forward is having an excellent camp with Team USA ahead of the World Junior Championship.<\/p>\n He has established himself as one of the most noticeable players on the ice.<\/p>\n His latest performances have supported the high expectations surrounding him. But it’s his consistency that has caught the attention of observers.<\/p>\n One question keeps coming up: Will his size allow him to succeed at the next level?<\/p>\n So far, the Canadiens prospect is answering in the best possible way.<\/p>\n Rather than trying to physically match bigger opponents, he leans into his strengths.<\/p>\n His mobility, anticipation and speed create space for him, much like Lane Hutson did.<\/p>\n L.J. Mooney gives the Canadiens another draft steal<\/p>\n Martin Th\u00e9riault has been full of praise for him.<\/p>\n “He isn’t big, but he can do everything.<\/p>\n When he goes into the corners, he avoids contact.”<\/p>\n “He’s extremely agile and very smart when it comes to escaping pressure.”<\/p>\n That ability to avoid contact while remaining involved offensively has become his trademark.<\/p>\n It explains his 30 points in 34 games during his first college season, an impressive total.<\/p>\n His development has been just as encouraging.<\/p>\n Mooney is no longer only a creative forward. He is getting more involved in battles around the crease.<\/p>\n He has also become more effective at recovering pucks and taking advantage of second-chance opportunities.<\/p>\n That progress has earned him the trust of Team USA’s coaches during camp.<\/p>\n For the Canadiens, that’s excellent news.<\/p>\n How high can Mooney climb?<\/p>\n Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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