HF Habs: 2023 NHL Draft part 2

[Schooner Guy]

So again, you’re portraying your assumptions as facts. There are a variety of reasons and factors that go into rankings. You’re assuming and trying to pass off as fact that you know what they are. You don’t. If you read any scouting report, Michkov is thought of as top tier elite talent but other factors play into actual rankings. You seem to be ignoring those.

Bottom line, stripped down to sheer talent, Michkov is a 1st OA talent in most drafts. If he was playing in NA and was from Ontario or Minnesota, he’d be a top 2 pick.

To quote Bobby Mac:
Bob McKenzie - TSN - Sept. 22nd: "But Michkov is Russian. A Russian who is under contract in the KHL until 2026 and, therefore, almost assuredly more than at least three years away from coming to the NHL."

But that has nothing to do with the rankings.

Why in the world are you quoting something from his September list? September to June is an eternity in terms of the draft cycle. Cam Allen was #8 on the September list and the top Dman. He might not even get picked in the 2nd round. Yager was 4 and Ritchie was 6 in that same September list. Did the Russian factor affect them? LMFAO!!!

Bottom line is Michkov was #2 in September and he's #5 in May by the same scouts employed by actual NHL teams (not a magazine or an internet site).

I would think you would have learned after you cried foul for days last June when Wright dropped out of #1 in Bobby Mac's list.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Why in the world are you quoting something from his September list? September to June is an eternity in terms of the draft cycle. Cam Allen was #8 on the September list and the top Dman. He might not even get picked in the 2nd round. Yager was 4 and Ritchie was 6 in that same September list. Did the Russian factor affect them? LMFAO!!!

Bottom line is Michkov was #2 in September and he's #5 in May by the same scouts employed by actual NHL teams (not a magazine or an internet site).

I would think you would have learned after you cried foul for days last June when Wright dropped out of #1 in Bobby Mac's list.

Michkov has dropped because the uncertainty remains and they can't get live viewings on him.. in the interim, the players polled ahead of him, all had legendary seasons in their respective leagues.

 

[Belial]

Michkov has dropped because the uncertainty remains and they can't get live viewings on him.. in the interim, the players polled ahead of him, all had legendary seasons in their respective leagues.

What's Michkov's max development example in the NHL right now?

Kucherov?

 

[SOLR]

What's Michkov's max development example in the NHL right now?

Kucherov?

A better Kaprisov

 

[Hannibal]

He doesn't suck at it. He simply doesn't do it or even try to do it. We don't really know how good he would be at it if he was directed to do it. Im of the belief that it's an actual strategy though as he doesn't play centre in the USNDTP league games. He did a bit more at the U18 which is nice but Leonard is the de facto centre (~70% of the time) on that line and Perrault slots in as needed. Smith stretching the ice / cherry picking the vast majority of the time. He's very very good at it if you have the guys who can get him the puck but he's not exactly a standard centreman.

And that my friend, it’s why we won’t draft him. Hughes told him it was the most important thing qhen he coached him and he still doesn’t do it. What do you think Hughes think about that lol.

 

[Belial]

A better Kaprisov

Not cutting it when the PO start apparently...

1 Goal in 6 games and another first-round exit for Kirill.

I don't know if I want a Kaprizov clone.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Montreal Canadiens​

Assuming Michkov is there at No. 5, we all know about his potential, but what are some of the reasons why the Canadiens could be tempted to pass on him aside from his KHL contract and his passport? Are there elements of his game that you think teams are concerned about? —Arpon Basu

Pronman: He’s listed at 5-foot-10, but some scouts feel he’s closer to 5-foot-9. He’s an elusive skater, but has average footspeed, and is a one-way winger. I think he could be a star, but I admit if he did become that he would be a unique star. There aren’t many impact NHL players in my lifetime who look and play like him, and there is a chance his game won’t translate to a high degree in the NHL. There’s nobody in the NHL who looks like Michkov, but there are 25 Reinbachers.

Wheeler: I would order the reasons for skepticism as follows:

1. His play and competitiveness off the puck.

2. His size/position combo (though he is more advanced physically than I think he gets credit for).

3. His skating (which I also think is stronger than it usually gets credit for).

4. He’s got some tendencies/habits that I’d like to see him slowly work away from in terms of some of the ways he uses his linemates, too.


I think ultimately the game-breaking, first-line skill level and historic production win out, though. There may not be any players like Michkov in the NHL in terms of makeup, but there aren’t many playing in the NHL who had a statistical profile like his either and you can find the ones who did with a quick scroll through the league’s top scorers.

 

[SOLR]

Not cutting it when the PO start apparently...

1 Goal in 6 games and another first-round exit for Kirill.

I don't know if I want a Kaprizov clone.

We are talking about another player lol. It's an analogy.

+ did you miss the word better

Michkov looks good in pressure situations

 

[Belial]

We are talking about another player lol. It's an analogy.

+ did you miss the word better

Michkov looks good in pressure situations

I have no doubt he'll put up a lot of points during the regular season.

 

[SOLR]

I have no doubt he'll put up a lot of points during the regular season.

I think you missed the tournament where he was more money than Bedard.

Michkov will be a playoff juggernaut, he's too good of a finisher and he can create under pressure. In fact, he seems to like pressure.

One of the skills he has over Kaprisov is turnovers, he's a machine at turnovers. A real tick this one, and he bites a lot.

 

[Jaynki]

Montreal Canadiens​

Assuming Michkov is there at No. 5, we all know about his potential, but what are some of the reasons why the Canadiens could be tempted to pass on him aside from his KHL contract and his passport? Are there elements of his game that you think teams are concerned about? —Arpon Basu

Pronman: He’s listed at 5-foot-10, but some scouts feel he’s closer to 5-foot-9. He’s an elusive skater, but has average footspeed, and is a one-way winger. I think he could be a star, but I admit if he did become that he would be a unique star. There aren’t many impact NHL players in my lifetime who look and play like him, and there is a chance his game won’t translate to a high degree in the NHL. There’s nobody in the NHL who looks like Michkov, but there are 25 Reinbachers.

Wheeler: I would order the reasons for skepticism as follows:

1. His play and competitiveness off the puck.

2. His size/position combo (though he is more advanced physically than I think he gets credit for).

3. His skating (which I also think is stronger than it usually gets credit for).

4. He’s got some tendencies/habits that I’d like to see him slowly work away from in terms of some of the ways he uses his linemates, too.


I think ultimately the game-breaking, first-line skill level and historic production win out, though. There may not be any players like Michkov in the NHL in terms of makeup, but there aren’t many playing in the NHL who had a statistical profile like his either and you can find the ones who did with a quick scroll through the league’s top scorers.

When i read that there is no Michkov and 25 Reinbacher in the NHL. I understand the point of Pronman, but on the other hand...

How many Bedard in the NHL, how many McDavid, how many Makar?

Isnt that one quality of the greatest of the greatest? Being a unique player with a unique skillset.

 

[Belial]

I think you missed the tournament where he was more money than Bedard.

Michkov will be a playoff juggernaut, he's too good of a finisher and he can create under pressure. In fact, he seems to like pressure.

One of the skills he has over Kaprisov is turnovers, he's a machine at turnovers. A real tick this one, and he bites a lot.

Do you have an example of a small winger that is killing it during the PO lately?

 

[Hope Of Glory]

Do you have an example of a small winger that is killing it during the PO lately?

Kucherov has 99 points over the last 4 seasons and 2 cups

 

[Sterling Archer]

Why in the world are you quoting something from his September list? September to June is an eternity in terms of the draft cycle. Cam Allen was #8 on the September list and the top Dman. He might not even get picked in the 2nd round. Yager was 4 and Ritchie was 6 in that same September list. Did the Russian factor affect them? LMFAO!!!

Bottom line is Michkov was #2 in September and he's #5 in May by the same scouts employed by actual NHL teams (not a magazine or an internet site).

I would think you would have learned after you cried foul for days last June when Wright dropped out of #1 in Bobby Mac's list.

I’m sorry, but is Michkov no longer a Russian playing in Russia since September? Is this no longer relevant and something that scouts are considering when discussing Michkov?

I used it because it is in fact so relevant that it’s the main quote coming from Bobby Mac when discussing Michkov ROTFLMOA

 

[Michoulicious]

Do you have an example of a small winger that is killing it during the PO lately?

Nikita Kucherov ain't bad I'd say.

Not picking Michkov (who has IMO Kucherov upside) for bogus "Russian factor" reasons would be one of the worst "big brain" decision ever, especially if the big 4 is gone.

Every frickin scout say he's the 2nd most talented player in the draft. Every one if them. If he's there at 5, I mean, c'mon.

Hopefully Gorton and Hughes see the light.

 

[habsfan891]

If I had to put money I would imagine the Habs are taking Smith, with Leonard as a hedge in case the Sharks take Smith.

Your probably right but if the Sharks take Smith Michkov is on the board and it's moronic to pass on him for Leonard

 

[Belial]

Kucherov has 99 points over the last 4 seasons and 2 cups

Nikita Kucherov ain't bad I'd say.

Not picking Michkov (who has IMO Kucherov upside) for bogus "Russian factor" reasons would be one if the worst "big brain" decision ever, especially if the big 4 is gone.

Hopefully Gorton and Hughes see the light.

Kucherov is the only example out there and from the reports I get Michkov is not this cerebral PP monster that can pass the puck like no one else in the league...

We'll see I guess...

 

[Michoulicious]

Kucherov is the only example out there and from the reports I get Michkov is not this cerebral PP monster that can pass the puck like no one else in the league...

We'll see I guess...

Stop looking at reports and watch him.

You'll get it, I promise. It is kind of self explanatory.

 

[Belial]

Stop looking at reports and watch him.

You'll get it, I promise. It is kind of self explanatory.

Watch the PO mate...

The majority of stuff he's able to pull off in the KHL or on the international stage is just not gonna translate down the road!

You need guys that can protect the puck and drive the net, be strong on the boards, and be tough to play against!

Not f***ing michigan shit and fancy dekes!

 

[Schooner Guy]

I’m sorry, but is Michkov no longer a Russian playing in Russia since September? Is this no longer relevant and something that scouts are considering when discussing Michkov?

I used it because it is in fact so relevant that it’s the main quote coming from Bobby Mac when discussing Michkov ROTFLMOA

He was playing in Russia before September too. Nothing has changed on that front.

The quote about him being #2 was from September...when Cam Allen was #1 D and #8 overall. Things change during the draft cycle. Some players go up and some players go down. As I mentioned, Sept to June is an eternity.

 

[Jack Skellington]

And that my friend, it’s why we won’t draft him. Hughes told him it was the most important thing qhen he coached him and he still doesn’t do it. What do you think Hughes think about that lol.

Hughes isn't coaching him right now. Maybe his current coach is doing it on purpose. We have no way of knowing. It's so obvious he's playing wing outside of faceoffs I find it hard to believe it's not by design.

 

[Jack Skellington]

Your probably right but if the Sharks take Smith Michkov is on the board and it's moronic to pass on him for Leonard

Michkov is my favourite prospect I think ever since I've been watching hockey you don't have to tell me twice.

 

[26Mats]

Smith will go top 4. It's gonna come down to whether we have the balls to take Michkov

That might be the case. But all the speculating I've seen has Fantilli to Anaheim, the Jackets taking Carlsson, and the Sharks taking Michkov.

All the fans, youtube prospect analysts, and media that follow the Sharks closely want Michkov over Smith, though Carlsson over Michkov. I've only seen a few Blue Jackets media who want Smith over Carlsson.

Obviously these aren't the GM's. And, when it comes to info of what actual scouts think, we did see Smith at 3 on Bob McKenzie's survey of scouts ahead of Carlsson and Michkov. So, we'll see. Definitely curious to hear reports in June after the top 5 teams have likely completed their deep dives. Definitely looking forward to seeing Bob's final list.

 

[QuinNasty]

Every highlight tape i've seen of Leonard and Smith it seems like Leonard is the one doing all the heavy lifting with zone entries and puck retrievals. Smith seems to get all the glory but its hard to say if he could get the opportunity's without Leonard getting the zone and getting him the puck, Thats the thing that keeps me weary on Smith. The habs have been missing someone that can continually get the zone since Scotty Gomez.

 

[Michoulicious]

Watch the PO mate...

The majority of stuff he's able to pull off in the KHL or on the international stage is just not gonna translate down the road!

You need guys that can protect the puck and drive the net, be strong on the boards, and be tough to play against!

Not f***ing michigan shit and fancy dekes!

MOAR GRITTT
GRINDZZZ
*sigh*