The Montreal Canadiens have signed undrafted free agent Alexandre Alain to a three-year, entry-level contract. Alain is still playing with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL playoffs, where the team has advanced to the semi-finals and leads Charlottetown two games to none.
There is a lot to like about Alain, who has taken strong steps forward every year of his junior career. Initially seen as a future dynamic two-way center prospect, he struggled to create offense in his first few seasons and needed a trade from Gatineau to really find his game. This season he took it to another level, producing 87 points in just 65 games and adding another 19 in 11 playoff contests.
Absolutely one of the hardest centers in the league to match up against, there isn’t a single moment Alain stops working on the ice. His tenacity and willingness to go into rough areas are what have really stood out to scouts, even before his offense caught up with him this season.
Somewhat unfortunately, to stick as a center in the professional ranks there needs to be more than just work ethic. He’ll need to show that he can be a consistent offensive producer—or at least facilitate for his linemates—to ever sniff the NHL, though there is certainly a role for him in the minor leagues as the Canadiens try to find more depth down the middle. Alain was playing as an over-ager in junior, meaning he’ll be heading to the AHL’s Laval Rocket next season.
I like it. Adds centre depth to a Laval team that desperately needs it. He apparently has a strong work ethic and has talent. Not going to get my hopes up but he could be an NHLer at some point.