Canadiens prospect David Desharnais won't let size get in the way of his dream

At 5-foot-6, David Desharnais is small in stature, but the second-year American Leaguer hasn't let that stop him from dominating at every level he has played. In junior, he improved consistently and in his final season posted an impressive 38 goals and 108 points in 61 games with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the Quebec League.

Despite finishing with more than 100 points in each of his last two seasons in the QMJHL, Desharnais went undrafted in 2006 and 2007. His consistent play, however, earned him an invitation to the Montreal Canadiens training camp in 2007. Following camp, he was assigned to the ECHL where he continued to evolve.

Desharnais lead the ECHL in scoring and won both the regular season and playoff MVP honors, while guiding the Cincinnati Cyclones to a league championship. His tremendous performance also earned him his first NHL contract when Montreal inked the Quebec City native to a two-year, two-way contract in the summer of 2008.

Since then, the 23-year-old center has been plying his craft with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American League and has continued to show steady improvement. In just 60 games this year, Desharnais had 27 goals and 78 points.

Jason Cassidy takes a closer look at one of the Canadiens' hardest-working prospects.

REPORTER: Jason Cassidy | PRODUCER: Ted Cooper

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Sports

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• Habs

[zetterburg40]

I hope he upsets critics who think size is everything.

[ja24]

He's amazing, a real example of discipline and perseverance. He will be a good NHL player for sure.

[tylerdurdonxx]

This guy just keeps having to fight to prove himself. He's played great at every level and still doesnt get drafted...