Filip Mesar scores his first goal of the season

For a first-round pick, Filip Mesar doesn’t generate a lot of attention, especially when you consider the Canadiens’ other first-round picks in recent years.

If the Slovak was selected so early in the draft, perhaps there’s a good reason. Yet he’s not off to the hoped-for start to his career in North America, having failed to score a point per game in junior last year.

Mesar, presumably confident in his abilities, was certain he would start the season in Laval. He was right, but his stay was short-lived. After two games in Jean-François Houle’s uniform, where he picked up one assist, he was sent to Kitchener in the OHL.

Yesterday, in his first junior game of the season, he picked up two assists. And this afternoon, he also collected two points. This time, he scored his first goal of the new 2023-2024 campaign.

#GoHabsGo prospect Filip Mesar scores his first of the season!!!! What a shot!!!

1g, 1a so far tonight!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/OTywAeuumk

– Florence Normand (@Florence_1553) October 28, 2023

In two games in less than 24 hours, he collected four points. That’s a good start to a season for a guy who MUST have a huge one.

The Habs, unlike many fans, haven’t given up on him. They’re still hoping he’ll become a top-6 player who can run a power play. Right now, it’s too early to say whether his expectations are realistic, but if the Slovak continues to play the way he did this weekend, he’ll certainly turn heads in Montreal’s upper echelons.

Despite Mesar’s brilliance this afternoon, he and the Rangers lost 5-3 to the Owen Sound Attack.

Still, Kitchener (9-3-0) sits firmly in first place in the OHL (tied with the Mississauga Steelheads) with a total of 18 points from 12 games.

Mesar and his club will be looking to continue their good start to the season in Windsor on Thursday.

Breaking news

– It’s official.

– The Alouettes end their season on a high note.

The @MTLAlouettes, an 11th win, first time in 11 years! Great season despite last winter’s adversity. I’ll be talking about it at length this week at @985Sports. This team deserves a full stadium next weekend in the playoffs! pic.twitter.com/hBjfsyIMYj

– Jeremy Filosa 🎙 (@JeremyFilosa) October 28, 2023

– Notice to poolers.

– Nick Nurse back in Toronto.

Welcome back, Coach. 👋

Catch the Raptors 🆚 Sixers live on Sportsnet One and stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/IxPw7CL1u9

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 28, 2023

– Oh no…

🚨 Luis Diaz’s parents have been kidnapped in Colombia.

Police are investigating.

(@VickyDavilaH) pic.twitter.com/CvKfpdpbjo

– Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) October 28, 2023