Zach Fucale is Engineering a Comeback

Death, taxes and Dan Millstein is representing another KHL player. This one is interesting because it’s for Montreal Canadien, Zach Fucale. Kevin Weekes broke the news that he is trying to make a comeback and Canadiens’ fans are all over that. He’s a former second round pick of theirs from the 2013 NHL Draft.

Related: Montreal Canadiens Release Their Behind the Scenes Draft Video

I remember watching Fucale operate in Halifax. I thought he would be a terrific NHL goalie. Most did. He last played in the AHL and the Hershey Bears in 2022-23 when he won the Calder Cup. Hunter Shepard was the main goalie. And after that he went on a journey and ended up in the KHL with Chelyabinsk Traktor. He’s played 73 games there the past two seasons.

At 29, the former Capitals goalie has played in four NHL games. That’s it. Now, he’s looking for work for next season. After watching some game film. I’m not so sure. The KHL is vastly different from the NHL and I noticed a few things that I didn’t like.

For one thing, I think his glove hand is ok, but not great. When things break down in front of him he’s average for NHL standards. His post to post speed is ok, but it’s not exceptional. He is 6’2” and has that going for him.

I think as an NHL goalie he would be average at best. I think the Canadiens could do better than that. He might get an NHL deal. I do think he can play 35 NHL games. So that would make him a bonafide back up.