For the last two seasons, the Montreal Canadiens have been filling up on rookies selected at the NHL entry draft. Many of the players drafted in the early rounds seemed to be destined to a bright future, while later selections can become steals, such as goaltender Cayden Primeau, chosen in the 7th round, 199th overall, in 2017.
The early round selections are usually players who have more talent, while the team aims to fill a need. Later selections may be favorites or gambles, as few of them will play in the NHL one day.
From the 2019 group, there is Rafael Harvey-Pinard, selected 201st overall. The Quebecker is on cloud nine at the thought of having been drafted by his childhood team, but he will have a tough time making the Habs. Nevertheless, it represents a huge moment for him, as the team he grew up watching decided to give a chance to a young man from the area.
But, there is another young player who has been selected for a very specific reason and he will likely have the motivation to do whatever it takes to make it. This is Kieran Ruscheinski, the last player selected by the Canadiens in 2019, 206th overall.
Ruscheinski was in the sights of scout Elmer Benning, who passed away last December. In his honor, Marc Bergevin and his team decided to make the Calgary native a member of the team.
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