Canadiens 2009 draft review

Louis Leblanc taking shot during yesterday's development camp drills (Photo credit: Phil Carpenter, The Gazette)

Excerpt from the Hockey's Future article by Jason Menard:

Louis Leblanc, C, Omaha (USHL)1st round, 18th overall

Ht: 6', Wt: 178, DOB: Jan. 26, 1991

Rarely does a pick match a team's need and fan desire -- but such was the case with the Habs' first-round selection of the Point-Claire, QC native. When the hometown club announced the selection of the hometown player in the hometown draft, the Bell Centre's rafters shook. Between the fan reaction and the media horde who quickly surrounded him, Leblanc had a crash course in Habs 101.

"Any young player from Quebec being a first-round pick of the Canadiens is going to face lots of pressure," Timmins said. "He's pretty mature, though, he'll be able to handle it."

Growing up in Montreal, becoming a Hab has been a life-long dream -- and after hearing his name called he was at a loss for words.

"It's impressive. I had goosebumps. There's not really any words to describe this feeling," Leblanc said. "My favorite team growing up and to wear this jersey tonight is unreal. Looking forward to this moment my whole life, and I'm just living it right now."

Leblanc was named USHL rookie of the year this year, after leading his Omaha squad in points. He caught the Canadiens' brass' eye much earlier than that.

"I saw him at the Canadian under-18 camp in Calgary and he really impressed me. He plays all facets of the game and he plays them with intensity and passion," Timmins explained. "He's a natural goal-scorer and he's a really smart kid."

This smart kid is heading to Harvard after forsaking the Canadian junior route for the USHL. Leblanc said he's going to make the most out of his opportunity at the prestigious university, however he wouldn't rule out leaving early -- adding that he could always return to complete his studies.

"I need to get bigger and stronger and I think a few years at Harvard won't hurt," Leblanc said. "When I'm ready, I'm going to leave and try to make this team."

Time is something the Habs are happy they have on their side. Timmins explained that the young forward still has some maturing to do, physically. "

Physically he's not there yet; he's got a way to go. But I have no doubt he'll catch up," he said. "Of course, he'll put on more weight and he's 6'0 -- that's not small. "

We don't put any timeline on any of our guys. We'll see where he's at and take it one year at a time. We'll watch him at the World Junior tryouts and see how he's doing."