Louis Leblanc

Leblanc's status as a prospect took a hit in 2012-13 after a promising stint with the Canadiens in 2011-12. An early-season ankle sprain lingered and he finished with 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 62 games for Hamilton of the AHL. This is a player who was expected to compete for a roster spot with Montreal, but didn't even get to participate in the shortened training camp. He's looking for a fresh start with Hamilton this coming season and the organization still values him.

Leblanc got a sniff of the NHL as a 20-year-old rookie last season, skating mostly on the third and fourth line. He showed some of the offense that was on display in juniors, but the 2011-12 Canadiens weren't an ideal situation for a young prospect to thrive. There's an opportunity for him to grab a starting wing spot this year, possibly as high as the second line. Leblanc showed more combativeness than we expected and made an impression on an often listless squad. There's some sleeper potential here, particularly if he can get on a line with established veterans like Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta.

Leblanc had a successful entré to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after one year at Harvard University, registering 58 points (26 goals) in 51 games for the Montreal Juniors. This, despite suffering a shoulder injury that he played with for much of year. The injury required surgery in the offseason and he's facing 4-to-6 months of rehab. He looks ticketed for AHL Hamilton this year. The 20-year-old forward plays a two-way game and is comfortable in open ice or along the boards.