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Grant McCagg

@mccagg.bsky.social

Founder of Recrutes and Habscast, author, and former NHL amateur scout. For complete coverage of the Habs and their prospects, join us at: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHabscast.

3,890 Followers  |  751 Following  |  3,684 Posts  |  Joined: 12.11.2024
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Posts by Grant McCagg (@mccagg.bsky.social)

Not someone on the AHL club.

03.03.2026 00:50 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

I have some highly impressive video footage on the player in question. HABS FANS - you may want to see this!

03.03.2026 00:50 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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This Prospect Will Prosper in Laval This Spring | HabsCast #177 YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

This prospect could be a difference maker for Laval in the AHL playoffs. I had a look at him today, and I am REALLY impressed. Join me for a LIVE HABSCAST at 8 pm tonight. #Habs
youtube.com/live/pxv8vr7...

02.03.2026 23:34 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1

I don't think the Habs necessarily need high-end pieces to compete for the East. Fortifications at RD and in the bottom six that include size, grit, and veteran leadership. I also think they can fill those needs without trading any of the top-five prospects. The exception would be a Thomas.

01.03.2026 22:53 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

They stood a chance if they had traded for a number-one center, but when all you can dangle is Hudon and you are short on picks....not happening. Toronto/Pitt made deals the last few years for rentals despite having few picks/prospects. The Habs are in a different position right now.

01.03.2026 22:49 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Pretty sure the "plan" is similar to Gorton's plan in New York. "Rebuild" for three years, then strike when the assets are built up and the team is in contention. That is now.

01.03.2026 22:33 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

There were teams in the last 20 years that finished first in the division actually, but they lacked extra assets. Right now, there are coveted prospects like Engstrom who may never be top-four defenders or top-6 forwards on the team. Make a smart deal or two when the timing is perfect/value is high

01.03.2026 22:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

When I say go for it, I am not talking about trading a Grade A prospect for a rental. If they end up getting a significant piece, it will be someone like Thomas, who can be part of the contender's window over the next 5-7 years. Habs are in a unique position, being contenders & having the assets.

01.03.2026 22:25 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Will Pickford be a Top-Four RD on Habs? | HabsCast #176 YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

🚨🚨LIVE HABSCAST AT 7 PM🚨🚨

WILL PICKFORD BE A TOP FIVE PROSPECT ON HABS?

Grant McCagg and Rick Springhetti present their weekly Habs Prospect of the Week and NHL Draft Prospect of the Week. Can Pickford overtake Reinbacher on the depth chart?
youtube.com/live/F6iUpc3...

01.03.2026 22:23 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Name me a Habs team in the past 20 years that really went for it. They haven't been serious buyers at the deadline for decades.

01.03.2026 19:48 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

This is the thing. The Habs are not in the position of a Leafs team or a host of others in the past who had very little U24 talent or desired prospects and all of their picks. The Habs have TOO many prospects in the system. They won't all play. Not saying trade Hage/Fowler/Bacher...don't have to.

01.03.2026 19:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Actually, the Habs were 16th in the 2021 playoffs, and made the final. The point remains - it is time to "Go for it." Kent - get on the phone.

Full podcast here: youtube.com/live/vQH-K4_...

01.03.2026 15:20 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0
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Can Caufield Score 50? | HabsCast #175 YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

Join Grant McCagg for a recap of Montreal's big win against Washington! Can Caufield score 50? He's now on pace for 49. #Habs #HabsCast
youtube.com/live/vQH-K4_...

01.03.2026 02:51 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Jayden has beaten up more guys than Arber this year.

01.03.2026 01:39 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Jayden Struble has three points in his last ten periods.
Arber Xhekaj has three points in his last 95 games.

01.03.2026 01:32 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 4    πŸ“Œ 0

This should be an interesting discussion. Volokhin has put up some great numbers against some albeit inferior competition. I'm going to have a listen to what the scouts have to say. #Habs

28.02.2026 21:07 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Does Volokhin Have NHL Starter Upside? - HabsCast #174 YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

🚨🚨Does Volokhin Have NHL Starter Upside?🚨🚨

Puck Bunker scout extraordinaire Darren Boyce joins Grant McCagg to break down the video and discuss Montreal Canadiens goalie prospect Evgeni Volokhin's NHL potential. Live at 1 pm ET!
youtube.com/live/BsI5VjD...

28.02.2026 17:31 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

I talked to Manny Viveiros today about Habs' prospect Tyler Thorpe, whom he coached for two WHL seasons in Vancouver. He had some great insight on the hulking winger. Join me right after the Laval game at 9:45 ET.
youtube.com/live/3Dd5O5W...

28.02.2026 02:21 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I talked to Manny Viveiros today about Habs' prospect Tyler Thorpe, whom he coached for two WHL seasons in Vancouver. He had some great insight on the hulking winger. Join me right after the Laval game at 9:45 ET.
youtube.com/live/3Dd5O5W...

28.02.2026 02:21 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Tyler Thorpe's Junior Coach Joins HabsCast! YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

I talked to Manny Viveiros today about Habs' prospect Tyler Thorpe, whom he coached for two WHL seasons in Vancouver. He had some great insight on the hulking winger. Join me right after the Laval game at 9:45 ET.
youtube.com/live/3Dd5O5W...

28.02.2026 02:15 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Habs’ Success Might Be a Statistical Illusion | Recrutes Habscast Get more from Recrutes Habscast on Patreon

🚨Habs' Success May Be An Illusion🚨

Article from @rwtrask.bsky.social on our HabsCast Patreon page. Making this free to read:
www.patreon.com/posts/habs-s...

28.02.2026 01:27 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Habs faithful have been getting a full-blown demonstration of why Schaefer is the odds-on favourite to win the Calder. Islanders fans are getting a full-blown demonstration of why Habs fans and management are more than happy with how the Dobson deal has worked out.

27.02.2026 01:49 β€” πŸ‘ 19    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Dobson seems motivated for some reason.

27.02.2026 01:25 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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🚨🚨THE HABS ARE BACK!!🚨🚨
I hope you can join us for a recap of the Isles/Habs match right after the game. I will be joined by
@rwtrask.bsky.social and @blainpotvin.bsky.social

t.co/FJnEUDClf0

27.02.2026 00:42 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Join me for a live show at 1 pm if you can!

26.02.2026 15:59 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

I don't suppose there is any chance that they could also add: "Golf Leafs Golf"?

26.02.2026 15:58 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Reinbacher Has Improved By Leaps And Bounds - HabsCast #172 YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

I scouted recent David Reinbacher AHL matches today, and will update his progress and potential using extensive video footage in a Live HabsCast tomorrow at 1 pm. Reinbacher has improved immeasurably as the season has gone on:
youtube.com/live/JOZNZPV...

26.02.2026 03:46 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Nice to be back talking Habs. Join me in 4 minutes!

25.02.2026 19:56 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Newhook Back - Has Laine Played His Last Game? - HabsCast #171 YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast

🚨Newhook Back - Laine Played His Last Game?🚨

Topics include: The return of Alex Newhook, the Laine trade rumours, and who the Habs may target by March 6. Does the Engstrom injury affect trade options?
πŸŽ™οΈLIVE HABSCAST AT 3ET!πŸŽ™οΈ
youtube.com/live/vtSH2Ab...

25.02.2026 19:32 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Gavin McKenna's Ten-Point Weekend!
YouTube video by Recrutes HabsCast Gavin McKenna's Ten-Point Weekend!

Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna had a record-breaking game this weekend, collecting eight points in a match on Friday. Here are his scoring highlights from the weekend - his OT on Saturday was slick!
youtu.be/IPLzIOxqThU

23.02.2026 18:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0