For many, all things for the Montreal Canadiens don’t start until training camp. However, there is something else that is usually a pretty big draw for the organization, that being the Rookie Tournament against prospects from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. Last year’s Showdown roster had 2015 first-round pick Noah Juulsen at the forefront who was on the verge of making his professional debut. This time around, the honour goes to Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
The 18-year-old has been turning heads and raising eyebrows at U20 games and matches overseas in Liiga.