Canadiens’ Prospect McCarron’s Stock Rises With Memorial Cup Win

Montreal Canadiens‘ prospect, Michael McCarron, has now added “Memorial Cup Championship” to his resume. With his team, the Oshawa Generals, McCarron hoisted the prestigious trophy and enjoyed the accolades of many, including Habs’ fans.

McCarron has effectively ended his Junior career with a national championship, which is quite a spectacular way to “graduate” Juniors. It also makes him the 5th Habs prospect to win the Cup since 2011:

This could mean a spot on the Habs’ roster in the not-too-distant future, and one that would give him the opportunity to break out and use his size to give the Canadiens that extra edge.

It’s been a while since the Canadiens have had a big forward like 6’6″ McCarron. For 3 years, from 2009-12, the Habs enjoyed the 6’7″ Hal Gill.

Gill, traded to the Nashville Predators in 2012, gave the Canadiens that advantage on the ice; his extensive reach helped penalty kills tremendously. All he had to do was sweep the ice; opposing players had a challenge trying to shoot the puck past his long-reaching stick.

Considering McCarron’s youth, his experience, and his continuing improvement, we could be treated to that added confidence as well as a player who can grow with the team. McCarron is more than his size: he is an effective player, getting better with each season.

Drafted the same year (2013) as Jacob de La Rose and Sven Andrighetto – both of whom played with the Habs for the first time this season – McCarron is a new hero on the long list of Canadiens’ future players.

As a first-round draft pick, McCarron had a particular responsibility to shine, and he definitely made his presence known. He received accolades through the season, as he continued to improve. His team became the 2015 OHL Champions, and McCarron scored the game winner to propel his team to the win.

McCarron is projecting ahead, though he still needs time to get to the level he needs to achieve in order to play in the NHL. He does have hopes, though:

I don’t know if I look ahead and see where I’m going to fit in the lineup, but I look ahead to playing in the NHL and being a physical force for the Montreal Canadiens one day. Hopefully sooner than later, and hopefully I’m ready sooner than later, as well. I do see myself playing there one day in the short term.

With that kind of motivation, the Memorial Cup and the attention he’s received, his star is rising, as has his value. I believe he will be an incredible force when he does don the CH.

Here are some of his highlights – if you haven’t seen his moves, you will be impressed too.