Adam Nicholas brings a modern approach to developing prospects

MONTREAL -- When Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes was introduced to the media on January 19, he acknowledged several departments were slated for an overhaul.

"We're going to review the structure," said Hughes. "And the people who work here, evaluate the scouting department, advanced stats, and development."
It's a task that's easier said than done.
And while the team recently started to modernize their approach to utilizing data analysis with the hiring of stats guru Christopher Boucher, they made an immediate impact on the prospect development dossier when they hired their new director of hockey development on March 4.
"Basically, I kind of have my hands in a little bit of everything," explained Adam Nicholas. "But the primary role is to develop the players and the prospects within the organization, to really make sure we maximize every asset we have in the organization."
Nicholas, who previously worked in the NCAA with UMass, in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, and in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs, will have his hands full right off the bat, as the Canadiens are slated to pick first overall at the upcoming draft in Montreal.

"It's very exciting," said Nicholas. "It really gives us a really good piece to start building around, to bring the team back to where we need to get it to. You really have to do your due diligence here. The process right now is just doing our homework. Extensive video work, the biggest component is trying to figure out what players we can actually enhance, and get them to that franchise-type player."
Nicholas is wise enough to avoid the bait when asked who the Canadiens have their eyes on in the 2022 Draft class, but beyond that, he also acknowledges making the pick is but the tip of the developmental iceberg.
"We must focus on empowering the player to maximize who they want to be," said Nicholas. "We have that foundation in place. We are prepared for this moment, to make sure the players that we draft become the players the Canadiens need them to be."
On top of the first overall pick, as it stands, the Canadiens have 23 total picks in the next two years, including four first-round picks, a yield that's almost unheard of in modern NHL history.

"From a development standpoint, it's a dream come true," said Nicholas. "That was a goal of theirs, to put themselves in a position like this, to get those players. That's how you'll be able to turn a franchise around. The fans should be really excited, because we've got a great development system in place for those players."
The key to their development system? Good habits.
Or rather, Hab-its. Get it?
Dad jokes aside, it's a new approach to a modern problem, one that focuses on putting the players at ease, as to allow their talent to shine.
"Mindset unlocks skill set," said Nicholas. "When the mind is feeling relaxed and free, the body moves naturally. We're trying to take these guys, and we're trying to build habits. Consistency is what's going to drive excellence. That's where these habits are going to come into play. We've coined our mantra for development as Hab-its. We want to create our identity around it."
To attain the ambitious, yet necessary goal of returning the Canadiens to the top of the standings, Nicholas has developed a database of information on every member of the organization, from veterans to prospects, as to maximize his usefulness with every player thanks to a customized game plan for every skater.

"I built a central intelligence platform, where I am keeping and storing all my information on every player," explained Nicholas. "That way when I get on the ice with them I know exactly what I need to do to help them improve their game. I can be detailed and have a pathway for every player. I need every single session to be tailored to those players, so we can maximize our time."
Time will tell whether the new and improved approach to drafting and prospect development will yield a rich bounty of excellent young players, but given Nicholas' penchant for focusing on positive aspects, his attention to detail, and his track record of working with young players, including Canadiens' prospect Sean Farrell, it's safe to say the organization will be entering a new era.
An era that focuses on a modern approach, an era that aligns itself with the most important aspects of building a competitive team in the NHL.
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