BMO Is Money: Ottawa Senators Forward Prospect Has 26 Points In Past 16 Games

Ottawa Senators prospect Blake Montgomery is all that remains from the club's Jason Spezza trade tree.

Spezza, the former Sens captain, was dealt to the Dallas Stars 11 years ago in a package deal that included forward Nick Paul. Paul was eventually traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a deal that included a 2024 fourth-round draft pick.

The Sens used that draft pick last summer to select Blake Montgomery, a fast-skating, 6-foot-4 forward committed to the University of Wisconsin. Montgomery was overlooked in the 2023 NHL Draft but after a solid season in the USHL, he was selected by the Senators 117th overall. He's now the last lonely root poking out of the dried-up Spezza tree.

But here's the thing about tree roots. Sometimes they blossom into something as strong as the original.

Earlier this season, Montgomery left the Lincoln Stars (USHL) for the London Knights, and over the past month, "BMO" has been money. He now has 26 points in his last 16 games for the Knights, a 30-6-1 junior hockey juggernaut.

With London teammates Sam Dickinson, Oliver Bonk, Easton Cowan, Kasper Halttunen, and Jesse Nurmi away in Ottawa for the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championships, Montgomery thrived in their absence, scoring 16 goals since Nov. 23.

The 19-year-old didn't attend the NHL Draft in Vegas this summer, opting instead for a draft day party with family in Bermuda. But he attended the Sens development camp the week after.

The Senators even recreated the draft for him with the standard ball cap and jersey, along with the obligatory draft day photo with GM Steve Staios and head amateur scout Don Boyd.

Montgomery is the second 2024 Sens' draft pick to forego the USHL route. Second-rounder Gabriel Elliason did the same in late September, joining the Barrie Colts. Thanks to the new rules, their CHL participation this season no longer jeopardizes their NCAA eligibility.

As the final link in the Spezza trade tree, Montgomery's recent surge with the Knights may just mark the beginning of a bright future in the organization.

This story comes from The Hockey News Ottawa website. For more Senators coverage all season long, check out THN Ottawa. Recommended articles include:

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