2025 Canadiens Top 25 Under 25: The Long Shots
Carlos Händel: A Long-Shot Montreal Canadiens Prospect with High Upside
Table of Contents
Carlos Händel – 18 – Halifax mooseheads (QMJHL)
!Carlos Händel – Halifax Mooseheads
Carlos Händel was a standout performer on a Halifax mooseheads team that faced its challenges. He’s the sole player from that squad to garner attention from an NHL institution, being selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the middle of the sixth round. This pick signals a belief in his potential, and for good reason.
From Malmö to Halifax: A Rising Talent
Händel’s hockey journey has taken him across continents. In 2023-24, the German defenceman impressed with the Malmö Redhawks’ under-18 team, racking up an extraordinary 23 points in just 28 games. He seamlessly transitioned to North American hockey,continuing his offensive production with 26 points for Halifax in the QMJHL. This demonstrates his adaptability and ability to compete at a high level in different leagues.
What’s particularly exciting is how he produces. Händel isn’t a purely physical player; his game is built on speed, skating, and intelligent transition play. In today’s NHL, where speedy transitions and mobile defensemen are highly valued, this is a notable advantage. He already possesses a skill set that many developing players struggle to acquire.
Why Händel is a prospect to Watch
Let’s be realistic: Händel is considered a long shot. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a legitimate path to the NHL. In fact, his skating ability gives him a considerable edge over other prospects who may have higher raw talent but lack the same mobility.
He currently tops the list of long shots in this series, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him climb several spots in the 2026 rankings. He might even skip the next tier altogether. His development trajectory is pointing upwards, and his unique skillset could make him a valuable asset for the Canadiens down the line.
are you curious to hear more about the prospects with the toughest road ahead?
Listen to our podcast episode on the longshots featuring Patrik Bexell, Matt Drake, and jared Book as they discuss the challenges and potential of these players.
What’s Next in Our Prospect Countdown?
The next article in this series will focus on players generally considered to have a better chance of reaching the NHL. There was a noticeable gap in the rankings between Händel and the next group of prospects. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the “Projects” category – eight players who finished within a tight 3.5-rank range in the 12-panellist average. We’ll dive into their strengths, weaknesses, and potential pathways to the NHL. Stay tuned!