Calling a player up to the podium or over to your table on the floor is the first step of a young player’s career in the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens have had a lot of positive energy from that aspect of their management group with all the skilled players they’ve drafted over the last two seasons. The prospects likely take the time to train and develop in their respective leagues getting to a point where their organization feels they’re a fit long term, but the next milestone is earning that entry-level contract.
However, that next milestone can’t take forever.