Filip Mesar, a first-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Draft, originally honed his skills as a professional in Slovakia before making the move to North America for the subsequent season. The talented winger spent a significant portion of that season with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL, concluding with an impressive 17 goals and 51 points in 52 games—marking his promising debut in North American hockey.
Returning for a second stint with the Rangers this season, Mesar faced the challenge of demonstrating growth and improvement. While it wasn’t essential for him to dominate every shift, showcasing progress was pivotal in affirming his potential as an NHL player. Mesar quickly dispelled any doubts about his development by elevating his game to new heights.
Recording 22 points over 13 games in November, #GoHabsGo prospect Filip Mesar of the @OHLRangers is the #OHL Player of the Month. đź“°: https://t.co/zwKK09OmvO pic.twitter.com/Yel96f6osn
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 1, 2023
In the initial weekend of October, Mesar made an impactful statement with four points in his first two games, setting the tone for a stellar performance throughout November. Over the course of 13 games in that month, he amassed an impressive 22 points, including ten goals and 12 assists, maintaining an average of nearly two points per game. Remarkably, he found himself tied for 26th in the league’s scoring standings, despite missing 11 of the team’s first 26 games while with the Laval Rocket.
This remarkable leap forward is a testament to Mesar’s exceptional skills. At the age of 19, he is demonstrating dominance in the top Junior league in Canada, showcasing extraordinary vision, playmaking abilities, and stickhandling. His agile skating style and a potent release further highlight his prowess, leaving goaltenders struggling to contend with his offensive prowess.
Recording 22 points over 13 games in November, #GoHabsGo prospect Filip Mesar of the @OHLRangers is the #OHL Player of the Month. đź“°: https://t.co/zwKK09OmvO pic.twitter.com/Yel96f6osn
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 1, 2023
Mesar’s professional experience shines through, positioning him a step ahead of the competition on most nights. His ability to control the puck, execute precise passes, and create scoring chances independently underscores his potential impact in the NHL.
This significant improvement should be a source of joy for Canadiens fans, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Mesar’s performance in the previous season. As the current season unfolds, Mesar is making a compelling case for a prominent role in the Canadiens’ top six, indicating a promising future as a dominant player in the NHL.
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