Montreal Canadiens' 2020 Draft Pick Named the Team's Worst Prospect
Photo credit: NHL.com
Montreal Canadiens prospect Alexander Gordin has been ranked the team's worst overall prospect per a new ranking from Canadiens analyst Justin Blade.
Just because a player is taken by a club in an NHL Entry Draft, it doesn't guarantee them a spot on an NHL roster in the future.
The Montreal Canadiens have come a long way since being in the NHL's basement as recently as 2021-22 and 2022-23, and even made the playoffs for the 1st time since their incredible and unexpected run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
While they've gotten contributions from several young players that have helped them rise, there is one prospect that isn't expected to make anything happen for them.
Per Canadiens analyst Justin Blade of Habs Eye On The Prize, prospect Alexander Gordin, who was taken with the 171st pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, likely won't be part of the team's future.
I have some bad news for everyone: this is the last time you can seek out the name «Alexander Gordin» and bury him at the bottom of your list. While the Canadiens hold his signing rights indefinitely as a player drafted out of Russia, time has run out for inclusion in this project as he turns 25 on July 31, 2026. As it was for Arvid Henrikson in 2022, it's the end of an era for Gordin.
After bouncing around several teams in recent years, it appears that he is yet to receive a contract for this season. In 2024-25, still playing in the VHL, Russia's equivalent of the AHL, he scored 15 goals in 41 games, a per-game rate that would have ranked second on the team.
After bouncing around several teams in recent years, it appears that he is yet to receive a contract for this season. In 2024-25, still playing in the VHL, Russia's equivalent of the AHL, he scored 15 goals in 41 games, a per-game rate that would have ranked second on the team.
Gordin also isn't signed for 2025-26, and with training camp quickly approaching, his time with the club could be nearing an end.
Alexander Gordin was touted as a deceptive prospect
Gordin, who the Habs took in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, was described as a sneaky offensive threat in his Scouting Report via Elite Prospects.
Gordin can open up shooting and passing lanes with deception, and he uses his backhand and forehand just as effectively to move the puck. He knows how to attract multiple opponents and has a knack for manipulating their feet to escape and attack inside the slot. Gordin can fire under pressure, off either leg, and from different puck positioning, too.
If he remains unsigned by the Habs going into this year, he may soon have to assess his professional options.
TRENDING NOW
