The first time I watched Alex Galchenyuk play live was on October 28, 2012 at Brampton's Powerade Centre. Galchenyuk led his Sarnia Sting into town to face the hometown Battalion. Unbeknownst to he or to any of the spectators, it would be one of the final games of Alex Galchenyuk's amateur career.
Galchenuk was, and remains, the prized prospect of the Montreal Canadiens, who had used their third overall selection that summer to pluck the dynamic Michigan-born son of Belarussian Euroleague veteran, Alexander Galchenyuk. Despite the younger Galchenyuk's formidable skill level, the move was regarded as somewhat risky, given the fact that Alex had missed nearly the entire previous season due to a serious knee injury.
With the NHL at that time embroiled in what appeared to be a season-threatening work stoppage, the opportunity was perfect for Galchenyuk to prove to the Montreal Canadiens that their faith in him was well-placed. His former Sarnia teammate, Nail Yakupov, was the only forward selected higher than Galchenyuk at the draft and had decided to wait out the NHL lockout by playing for Nizhnekamsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. This set the table beautifully for Galchenyuk to show that not only had he fully recovered from his injury, but that he could lead the Sting without the benefit of his star winger.
Galchenyuk had, thus far, seized the day. By the time Sarnia's late October date with the Brampton Battalion had arrived, Galchenyuk had stormed out of the season's gate, quickly jumping to the top of the OHL's scoring ladder.
All signs were pointing to this young man becoming a very bright silver lining to the dark cloud that had been the Canadiens' 2011-12 season. With all of this to consider, it was with great enthusiasm and expectation that I entered the doors of the Powerade Centre that afternoon. Upon taking my seat though, I tried to curb my own enthusiasm, rationalizing that although Galchenyuk had been playing brilliantly, it wasn't as though I was about to watch a lone Harlem Globetrotter among two teams of Washington Generals. (Habs fans tend to get carried away and I am no exception). I decided instead to simply watch the finer points of the young man's game and would be satisfied if I could catch even a glimpse or two of the much-lauded skill that I'd read so much about.
It was almost as though Galchenyuk heard these thoughts and wanted to prove them wrong. From the moment the opening puck was dropped, it was clear that Galchenyuk was on another level. His speed, tenacity and deft puck-handling more than once drew gasps out of the hometown Battalion's own fans. He amassed two assists in fine fashion, which more than satisfied my expectations - even exceeding them. So it was simply a massive helping of hockey gravy when, later in the game, Galchenyuk found himself on a breakaway, executed a signature shake-and-bake dangle and potted an NHL caliber goal on OHL ice.
The kid could play...and by God, he did.
Less than three months later, the NHL's shortened 2012-13 season began and Alex Galchenyuk cracked the roster of the Montreal Canadiens. Two years later, he has not looked back.
Thus far, Alex Galchenyuk has progressed nicely. He is not scoring at the near point-per-game clip of fellow 2012 draftee Filip Forsberg, but at the time of this writing, Galchenyuk is on pace for 24 goals and 55 points overall on an 82-game season. Excellent numbers for a man of only 20. (Just ask Max Pacioretty, who at the age of 20 was still 3 years away from cracking the Canadiens' roster on a permanent basis).
It remains to be seen, of course, whether or not Galchenyuk will develop into a consistent point-per-game performer, but in my opinion, there is no reason to believe he will not. Because the Canadiens rarely have high draft positions, previous Habs prospects with 'star' potential always came with major caveats. Either they had questionable character (see: Kostitsyn, Andrei) or they were considered undersized for the NHL game (see: Most Habs prospects of the past 20 years). Galchenyuk not only has size and skill, but so far he appears to have great character. It is clear that he wants to succeed not only individually, but as a member of the Montreal Canadiens. He wants his team to win and he wants to be a big part of it. Galchenyuk's work ethic on the ice is unquestioned and his off-ice dedication is well spoken of. He is anything but 'soft'. Finally, there is a humility to Galchenyuk that is refreshing, considering his high draft position and the pedestal the Montreal media have elevated him to.
But what if Galchenyuk doesn't become a star? Well, that would truly be catastrophic for the Montreal Canadiens. Much of the Habs' 20+ year Stanley Cup drought is attributed not only to some very poor first round drafting (from Eric Chouinard to David Fischer and beyond) but also some very mediocre draft positions. This has drastically hampered Montreal's ability to bring in the next Lafleur or even the next Stephane Richer. As was stated earlier, the 3rd overall draft pick used to select Galchenyuk was the Habs' highest selection since 1980. The highest in a hockey generation.
Galchenyuk simply must become the star he is destined to be, for the Canadiens to have any hope of returning to glory in the near future. No pressure, kid. Luckily for the Habs, the kid is on the right track and I, for one, believe the young man who exceeded my lofty expectations on October 28, 2012, is poised to do so again and again.
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