When the Montreal Canadiens announced their 63rd overall selection of the 2021 NHL Draft, they opted for Riley Kidney, a smaller centre, from the QMJHL’s Acadie Bathurst Titan.
Up until his draft season, Kidney played okay, posting above point-per-game totals in his second junior season. But he didn’t officially unlock his untapped potential until the 2021-22 campaign. Kidney exploded for 100 points (30 goals, 70 assists) in 66 games, shattering his previous career high of 38 points.
He then followed up his first 100-point season, with a 110-point campaign. What was most impressive about his 2022-23 season, is that he split time between the Titan and Gatineau Olympiques, but a midseason change of scenery did not slow him down as he managed to produce at a high rate immediately with his new team.