The least we can say is that Joël Bouchard is excited about the next generation of Canadians.

During his visit to La Poche Bleue le Midi on Wednesday, the former Rocket pilot said the squad that will represent the Canadiens in the rookie tournament is the best he’s seen in a gender competition.

“I just want to be very clear. The list of Canadiens for rookie camp, I’ve never seen a list like this. I’m not even just talking about the Canadians, I’m also talking about the other teams we’ve played against. Belleville was very strong and there was Toronto. But what I see as alignment has nothing to do with that. They don’t have many invited players, almost all players are coming up in the National League or are confirmed in the American League.

The former manager also admits he’s looking forward to seeing a certain player’s development.

“My own player is Kaiden Guhle. Even before the draft, I would get up every morning and have a coffee and watch videos of the prospects while we were on hiatus due to the pandemic. I know all the players in this draft because I’ve seen four or five games of each. The guy I wanted without even talking to Canadians about it was Guhle. I like that. It’s rare for players like him.”

Bouchard also commented on Nick Suzuki’s recent appointment as captain of the Montreal team.

“Nick, I’ve known him since he was 16. He’s a good boy and I love him. I’m really impressed with how he’s evolved over the years. He’s solid and he’s a natural. I think it also fits in well with where Canadians are right now. The plan is clear and so it is perfect. I’m happy for Nick. He will grow with all of this.

The former defender really doesn’t care how Suzuki inherited the job. According to him, teams always find a way to have the captain they want.

“In the end, it has to end the way the organization wants it to end. If you go to the vote there, it is because you are quite sure of the result of the vote. In life it takes a plan and a process to get where you want to be. The best part is that the guy who deserves to be captain ends up wearing the “C” on his shirt. It has to happen with the guy you want.”

Check out the segment in question in the video above.