There’s a special kind of energy that sweeps through Montreal whenever the Canadiens add a fresh face to their roster, especially when that player brings a spark of pure, game-changing talent.

The city’s hockey faithful know the feeling well—a mixture of hope, curiosity, and cautious optimism, all swirling together as whispers of potential begin to circulate. With the arrival of LJ Mooney, those whispers have started to grow into something louder, something impossible to ignore.

Fans and analysts alike are already drawing parallels between Mooney and some of the team’s most exciting young stars of recent years. While it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, there’s a sense that this time, the excitement might be justified. Mooney’s performance at the Canadiens’ latest development camp has only fueled the buzz, hinting at a player who could one day make a real impact at the NHL level.

As comparisons to established names begin to surface, the anticipation for Mooney’s next steps is reaching a fever pitch. For Montreal, the arrival of a new talent always brings the promise of something special—and with LJ Mooney, that promise feels especially bright.

Cole Caufield and LJ Mooney

Photo credit: NHL

It’s hard not to get too excited about a new, dynamic young player acquired by the Montreal Canadiens.

I’m choosing my words carefully because I know you hate it when people start screaming “steal” or “home run” too quickly, but what I’m reading about LJ Mooney really reminds me of what I was reading about Lane Hutson a few years ago.

Let me be clear.

I’m not saying Mooney is going to win the Calder Trophy in his rookie NHL season or become a star player, but I’m simply saying that what I’m reading about Mooney right now reminds me a lot of what experts were saying a few weeks after the 2022 Draft about Hutson.

Considering he was only a 4th-round pick, I think it’s already safe to call this a successful acquisition by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens-but I’m eager to see what happens next.

LJ Mooney Following in Cole Caufield’s Footsteps?

If the buzz around him reminds people of Hutson, NCAA expert Ryan Sikes is drawing a different comparison-to another current Canadiens player.

College hockey writer Ryan Sikes:

“LJ Mooney reminds me a lot of Cole Caufield in the way that he plays. I think he has the potential to be as impactful at Minnesota as Caufield was for Wisconsin.”

– Via HabsOnReddit

Wow-now that’s exciting!

Mooney, who was the standout star of the Canadiens’ most recent development camp, could truly confirm his status as a draft-day steal with a big NCAA season.

We can’t wait to see what he does over the coming months!