August 30, 2026 • 9:02 PM EDT
Updated 4 days ago
Montreal Canadiens fans had high hopes when the team grabbed Filip Mesar with the 26th pick back in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Fast-forward and it’s clear Mesar still hasn’t found his stride in pro hockey. The 22-year-old forward has yet to deliver that jump you’d expect from a first rounder—and the clock’s ticking as he heads into the last season of his entry-level contract.
Let’s look at what’s really going on. Mesar managed nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points over 71 games this past season with the Laval Rocket. The year before, he tallied four goals and 18 points in 42 games. Those numbers just aren’t what you’d want for a highly drafted prospect trying to force his way onto an NHL roster. You can see why the Canadiens’ brass might be getting impatient. According to Yahoo Sports, Mesar hasn’t even debuted in the NHL yet.
For context, other forwards picked near his draft slot have already cracked NHL lineups or put up strong AHL seasons. Mesar hasn’t had anything close to a breakout. The reality is, he’s got to show another level. There’s promise, but sooner or later, that promise needs to turn into production—or the Canadiens will start looking elsewhere for answers down the middle.
The coming season is more than just another lap around the AHL rink for Mesar. It’s his shot to prove the Canadiens made the right call and that he can be more than a footnote in their rebuild. At 22, he’s not out of time, but he’s running low on runway before the Habs are forced to make a hard decision about his future.
- Mesar was drafted 26th overall by Montreal in 2022, raising expectations from day one.
- His AHL stats this past season (nine goals, 27 points in 71 games) are a step up, but still not first round material.
- The 2026-27 campaign is the final year of his entry-level contract with the Canadiens.
- As of now, Mesar hasn’t made his NHL debut for Montreal.
- Continued AHL struggles will only put more pressure on both Mesar and the Habs’ development staff.
A Make-or-Break Season Coming Up
You don’t need to squint to see what’s at stake here. With one year left before he hits restricted free agency, Mesar has to put up numbers that force the Canadiens to keep betting on him. If he can’t produce in Laval next year, his future in Montreal gets a whole lot murkier.
The Importance of the Entry-Level Deal
Entry-level contracts are all about giving prospects a window to prove themselves. For Mesar, that window is closing fast. If he can’t make a convincing case in his third pro season, other younger players could overtake him in the Canadiens’ pecking order. Montreal fans want to see progress—and so does the front office.
Mesar Faces Pressure, but There’s Still Hope
Being 22, Mesar isn’t washed up by any stretch. He’s got tools and raw skill. But potential only matters if it translates into points, minutes, and trust from the organization. The next campaign will tell us if he’s destined to become an NHL regular, another AHL mainstay, or possibly a trade chip.
- Mesar’s slow development is putting pressure on Montreal’s prospect pipeline.
- The Canadiens need more production from their early picks to keep rebuilding momentum.
- Fans are starting to question if Mesar can stick at the NHL level.
- Whether he steps up or not, his 2026-27 season changes the outlook on Montreal’s future at forward.
- The organization’s patience is not unlimited—now’s the time for results.
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