To properly evaluate a draft class, at least five years have to pass, sometimes more. Only after prospects complete their Junior or college paths, only through the benefit of hindsight and with seasons of data can their draft selections be fully and correctly evaluated.
But who has that kind of patience? It’s much more fun to judge harshly now and be wrong later.
Some prospects have a base of skills that scale better to the NHL and respond better to specific coaching. They are the ones you draft. By looking for projectable NHL elements, it is possible to evaluate the Montreal Canadiens’ 2020 class, and do so now, while keeping in mind the uncertainty of the forecast.