Blake Biondi

May 2022 – The 2020 4th round pick broke out this season with the University of Minnesota-Duluth and demonstrated why the Habs’ decision to select fellow Minnesota High School centerman and future college teammate, Jack Smith, ahead of him (not to mention Sean Farrell) was odd. Biondi produced at a higher rate in terms of both points and goals per game in the NCAA this year than Smith did in the USHL. Biondi led his team with 17 goals and was one point shy of the points lead with 28 in 42 games, a significant step up from the two goals and five points he put up last season in 26 games. The progression in production was, of course, partly due to an increased role going into the season, but he exceeded expectations nonetheless. While this improved production is nice to see, it in itself does not make him project as an NHL player. Biondi’s greatest hurdle as a draft-eligible was his wonky and inefficient skating mechanics; this remains the case. This aspect of his game has improved in the past two years, but he will likely never become an NHL-average skater even with tremendous skating development. His knees don’t come close to bending to 90 degrees, especially toward the end of his shifts, he heel kicks, and he pushes out rather than back, just to name a few of the deficiencies in his skating that inhibit him from picking up much speed, from adapting quickly, and from having a halfway-decent two-step acceleration. What is important to note with Biondi, is that he has learned to play an effective game against good NCAA competition in spite of his skating woes. He attacks the middle with determination, has a unique-looking but strong release, and has good awareness all over the ice, he can block passing lanes defensively, knows where his teammates are most of the time, and has an understanding of defensive structures which allows him to break through them with passes and off-puck movements. While the skating still makes him a long shot of becoming an impact player at the NHL level, he could still become a very unique contributor in a bottom-six role. Sebastian High

November 2021 – Biondi has been off to a hot start in the NCAA with six point in six games, which already surpasses his point total of last season in 20 less games. The coaching staff at the University of Minnesota-Duluth have trusted him much more this season as he is earning much more ice time and seizing every opportunity. Pablo Ruiz

October 2020 – Biondi physically dominated the high school level with 76 points in 25 games last year, and was drafted 109th overall by Montreal. He was far too big and strong for any of his opponents to handle him. He should be better challenged next year as he is committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Pablo Ruiz