I sent an e-mail to Dan Linn who covers the Habs' prospects about who might be ready for this season. Here is his reply.

Habtastic


It's something to consider although it would be very tough to do since it's close to impossible to know what Gainey is thinking. My personal guess is that more guys will be filtered into the lineup but I don't see Lapierre making it full time. I do expect him to see time with the Habs and wouldn't be shocked if he made the team but we know that management has always brought our prospects along slowly and Lapierre is still very inexperienced.

I do think Lapierre will make it hard for Gainey to send him down but I think it's more important that he play a lot and he can do that in Hamilton.

Latendresse I don't think he will make the Habs but we'll have to see how he does at camp. His skating, mobility and foot speed are still a concern and need to be improved. But as a big fan of his game, he could force the Habs to keep him, although he will need a great camp to do so.

I don't know what if any prospects make the team full time. Kostitsyn is one guy I could see either making it full time or if not at least playing a lot more games with the Habs then he did last year.

Grabovsky is a darkhourse, I could see him getting a spot if he can adapt to the smaller ice quickly. His speed, skating and offensive skills could really be interesting in the new NHL but who's to say how he will react to North America.

Ferland I have hopes for making the team but the injuries have really hurt his development. That said he still might work his way onto the team since he has size and works hard plus he's willing to goto the net and plays strong along the boards/corners. He needs to get a quicker first step though, imo.


I'm glad you like the site and feel free to send any questions or comments about the prospects or the site.

Dan Linn
Habprospects.com