CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: (L-R) Assistant general manager Rick Dudley, Bill Berglund, draft runner Jake Timmins, VP of player personnel Trevor Timmins, 25th overall pick Ryan Poehling, director of amateur scouting Shane Churla, owner/president Geoff Molson, executive VP of and general manager Marc Bergevin and head coach Claude Julien of the Montreal Canadiens pose for a photo onstage during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

It’s not just Joni Ikonen, but 2017 first round pick Ryan Poehling is giving Montreal Canadiens fans something to be excited about.

One of the greatest things ever is to see something amazing, point at something and say, “that’s mine”. The Montreal Canadiens have had the pleasure of saying that as the World Junior Summer Showcase continues in Michigan.

Today, Ryan Poehling‘s Team USA went against Team Finland. The 18-year-old was the team’s number one center playing in between Brady Tkachuk and Joey Anderson. It was a tight game for the American’s, but they pulled through and won by a score of 4-3.

It’s good for the Canadiens to have their young players be placed in positive situations. However, Habs fans weren’t just talking about the team’s win, but how they won. Poehling was on fire during the entire game and finished with three assists.

The first was a solid feed from behind the net to Adam Fox. Sure he was wide open, but it’s good vision on Poehling’s part to notice the opportunity and dish the puck to Fox. The second assist wasn’t anything too special, but the center did a good job in creating a lane for Fox to score another one.

As for assist number three, the assist itself wasn’t the best part of the play. While being a great player, one of Poehling’s main knocks has been his skating. That’s something that obviously needs to improve in order for him to reach the next level. However, watching Poehling skate with the puck from his own end, through the neutral zone, and pass the puck off are definite signs at what’s to come.

Now obviously, one game doesn’t make a player. With that being said, I think it’s safe to say that this tournament is allowing Canadiens fans to see what the future holds.

What did you think of Poehling’s performance? Are you excited to see what he does next? Let us know what you think in the comments!