According to Slovakian media, there seems to be a developing divide between the Montreal Canadiens and one of their best prospects, Filip Mesar, a first-round pick in 2022. This is mostly due to Mesar’s approach to the development process, which is reason enough for the Philadelphia Flyers to avoid making any kind of deal.
To be clear, this is not exactly the same as the present problem with Rutger McGroarty and the Winnipeg Jets, nor is it a recurrence of the Cutter Gauthier scenario with the Flyers.
Mesar has openly criticized some of his Kitchener Rangers teammates after a lackluster OHL season, where he managed only 51 points in 52 games. Although he accepted playing junior hockey this year, he is unwilling to do so for a third consecutive year.
Instead, Mesar aspires to play professionally, either in the AHL or NHL.
“When I wanted to create something, my teammates were a bit late, causing some frustration, but I had to overcome it,” Mesar told Slovakian outlet TvNoviny. “The club’s leadership explained that players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield also played junior at my age, so it’s not a step back.”
However, Mesar skipped the Canadiens’ recent annual development camp to spend time with his girlfriend, as reported by TvNoviny, which brought to mind Gauthier and the Flyers.
The Flyers are looking to enhance their roster with young talent, but Mesar’s attitude might clash with their culture-first approach. Additionally, Mesar, a right-shot right wing, would add to the Flyers’ already crowded position, especially with Matvei Michkov joining in 2024.