Canadiens Sign Forward Prospect

 

Around noon on Wednesday, the Montreal Canadiens signed their 2021 second round pick Riley Kidney to his three-year Entry level contract. Kidney is currently getting ready for the playoffs with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL.

The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract (2022-23 to 2024-25) with forward Riley Kidney.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/W9pdoEqGrV

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 4, 2022

He has had a very strong draft plus one year as he put up 30 goals and 70 assists for 100 points in 66 games for the Titan. His 70 assists are tied for the most in the QJMHL with Jordan Dumais and Josh Lawrence. 

Kidney showed last year in his draft year that he can come up clutch in the playoffs after breaking out with two goals and 15 assists for 17 points in nine playoff games. He will be looking to give the Titan much of the same production in their playoff series against the Halifax Mooseheads and possibly beyond. 

The Nova Scotian native will likely play another year in the QMJHL which means his three-year contract will slide for another season. Following next season, he will either join the Laval Rocket or make a push for the Montreal Canadiens roster right out of Junior.

While it is possible he could make the NHL next season, it is very unlikely and not in the best interest for the player's development at this point. With already being one of the best players in QMJHL, next season he may put up even more dominant stats.

Nonetheless, the Canadiens may have stolen a premier playmaker in the second round of last year's draft, as his pass first mentality has helped him find great success.

Photo Credit: © Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports