8. Josh Brook, D [19] (2-56, 2017)
Stats (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL): 45 gp, 3 g, 29 a, 32 p, 1 PPG (11 A), 1 SHA, 2 GWG, 106 SOG, .71 pts/g (14 pgp, 1 g, 5 a, 6 p, 33 SOG, .43 pts/g).
Josh Brook is one of the better defensive prospects the Montreal Canadiens have, but he’s still a few years away from being in the NHL and his ceiling remains undetermined. He played well in the WHL in his first post-draft season, scoring 32 points in 45 games and adding 12 points on the power play.
He had good shot production with more than two shots per game and was solid in the playoffs as well. He’s one of the best puck-handling defensemen in the Canadiens’ system and has a ton of creativity to go along with solid vision.
He’s one of the best puck-handling defensemen in the Canadiens’ system and has a ton of creativity to go along with solid vision.
But Brook was far from the best offensive defenseman in the WHL. He came in tied for 35th in defensive scoring, was tied for 28th in assists amongst defensemen, and was 19th in points per game (scoring just three goals).
In the playoffs, he was 20th amongst defensemen in scoring, 15th in assists, and 35th in points per game. What that means for Brook is that if he’s going to make the NHL, he’s going to have to do it on the back of a solid all-around game, and continue to work on his defensive game.
His ceiling might be a less goal-oriented top-four defenseman. He’s got the skills defensively and the creative vision offensively and has continued to grow, and should continue to even as he ages out of the WHL. He won’t join the Montreal Canadiens in the near future, but he should in the mid-future (about two to four years). He’ll spend his final season in the WHL this season before making the professional transition next season.