HF Habs: 2023 NHL Draft part 2

[HuGo Burner Acc]

for the record, I really like Michkov and would probably take him at 5, but I don’t think people are being honest with themselves when they say they can live with it if he never comes over.

I’m not saying he won’t come over, but if he doesn’t it won’t exactly be out of the blue lol, the warning signs are there.

Outside of Michkov, I really love Reinbacher. Having a D core of Guhle, Reinbacher, Hutson and Mailloux has the potential to be extremely, extremely good.

I do think we need a forward more, but damn I wish we could grab Reinbacher + Michkov/Smith lol

You are correct but one thing we all need to remember is the Habs are missing a whole top pairing D. Not only that but probably a no.1 D. Whereas on the forward side (assuming PLD comes over), the Habs already have 5/6 of their future top 6. This pick if it's a forward is the cherry on top even if they become the or one of the best forwards on the roster. IF Habs truely believe Reinbacher is a future no.1 D on an elite team, they gotta assess the risk and rewards of the other draftees around him and come to the conclusion that he's the guy to take

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

for the record, I really like Michkov and would probably take him at 5, but I don’t think people are being honest with themselves when they say they can live with it if he never comes over.

I’m not saying he won’t come over, but if he doesn’t it won’t exactly be out of the blue lol, the warning signs are there.

Outside of Michkov, I really love Reinbacher. Having a D core of Guhle, Reinbacher, Hutson and Mailloux has the potential to be extremely, extremely good.

I do think we need a forward more, but damn I wish we could grab Reinbacher + Michkov/Smith lol

I could definitely live with it. This organization has spent my entire lifetime spinning its tires, even if it doesn't work out I'd be happy with a homerun swing at truly elite talent.

 

[willzyix]

You are correct but one thing we all need to remember is the Habs are missing a whole top pairing D. Not only that but probably a no.1 D. Whereas on the forward side (assuming PLD comes over), the Habs already have 5/6 of their future top 6. This pick if it's a forward is the cherry on top even if they become the or one of the best forwards on the roster. IF Habs truely believe Reinbacher is a future no.1 D on an elite team, they gotta assess the risk and rewards of the other draftees around him and come to the conclusion that he's the guy to take

Yeah absolutely, I just think we need a gamebreaker. If Michkov isn’t there I’d be really tempted with Reinbacher over someone like Smith who can be a very good player but maybe not an elite level guy, even if I like Smith as a player.

I could definitely live with it. This organization has spent my entire lifetime spinning its tires, even if it doesn't work out I'd be happy with a homerun swing at truly elite talent.

My only concern with it is it’s a good pick in a very strong draft. With Suzuki and Caufield and hopefully Slaf and co continuing to develop, we might (hopefully) not have a shot at a pick this high in the next few years. If we can get a (as close to a sure thing as prospects are) 7.5 or 8/10 player instead of a dice roll on a 9/10, I can see why teams might be apprehensive.

Would really suck to leave this draft with nothing to show for it worst case.

 

[Egresch]

I wouldn't be surprised if he switches to Fantilli first overall by draft day.

Cmon, Fantilli can't even score against Kazachstan. He can't be No.1.

 

[WinterLion]

2 picks in the 30's (32? & 37)

Here's some names I like... who you like?

Bradley Nadeau
Gavin Brindley
Maxim Strbak
Anton Wahlberg
Jayden Perron

Will any of these guys still be around?

Cristall?
Simashev?
But?

So hard to tell who will be picked... some good ones will be there for sure...

Goalie? No Goalie?
I would prefer taking the G after the 4th round because I think there will be plenty of skaters still available. Hopefully we draft well like we did last year.

 

[Jaynki]

I could definitely live with it. This organization has spent my entire lifetime spinning its tires, even if it doesn't work out I'd be happy with a homerun swing at truly elite talent.

Yep. I think a big majority of fans would live with it.

I think we will also live with Michkov coming over and dominating with another team, as long as we pick that will develop into one of our very hest player.

But if they don't pick Michkvov and they fail their pick. Holy smokes. That will have been so f***ing obvious.

 

[Vachon23]

2 picks in the 30's (32? & 37)

Here's some names I like... who you like?

Bradley Nadeau
Gavin Brindley
Maxim Strbak
Anton Wahlberg
Jayden Perron

Will any of these guys still be around?

Cristall?
Simashev?
But?

So hard to tell who will be picked... some good ones will be there for sure...

Goalie? No Goalie?
I would prefer taking the G after the 4th round because I think there will be plenty of skaters still available. Hopefully we draft well like we did last year.

I do think someone is gonna fall, Riley Heidt ? If he's there he would be my choice. I like those guys too:

Gracyn Sawchyn
Otto Stenberg (Not sure he's gonna be there)
Koehn Ziemmer
Michael Hrabal
Ethan Gauthier
Nick Lardis

 

[McGees]

His way of scouting is prestine: if he loves a narrative or player early, he will fixate on the good and ignore the bad; vice-versa for the opposite.

I wouldn't be surprised if he switches to Fantilli first overall by draft day.

Yes but don't worry, if the Habs pick him he will start sharing random ass stats like " I just noticed they are top 3 in short handed face-off wins on their off side on back to back nights in opposing team arenas."

 

[Gustave]

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.

If Carlsson is there at 4, you better have a deal ready for the Sharks pick because the gap between him and the Leonards and Reinbachers etc from 6 to 10 is just that big for our franchise. Throw the kitchen sink at them so they can pick Michkov at 5 and save us from big braining this thing.

 

[Beer and Chips]

The more I watch Hutson, the more I think he needs to play with a pure stay at home guy to maximize his potential- like a Chariot or Kovasevic. If the idea is for Reinbacher to be his partner, I think that would be a waste because Hutson is so offensively minded, whoever he’s playing with has to be ultra conservative.

His partner will also have to be smart to keep up with him, lol.

 

[26Mats]

If Carlsson is there at 4, you better have a deal ready for the Sharks pick because the gap between him and the Leonards and Reinbachers etc from 6 to 10 is just that big for our franchise. Throw the kitchen sink at them so they can pick Michkov at 5 and save us from big braining this thing.

As long as we take Michkov in that scenario we're good.

The more I watch Hutson, the more I think he needs to play with a pure stay at home guy to maximize his potential- like a Chariot or Kovasevic. If the idea is for Reinbacher to be his partner, I think that would be a waste because Hutson is so offensively minded, whoever he’s playing with has to be ultra conservative.

I have him with Xhekaj. Xhekaj said he's working on the details in his own end, as that what separates great NHL dmen from bad dmen. Let's hope his work pays off.

Guhle - Mailloux
Matheson - Barron
Hutson - Xhekaj

 

[Goldenhands]

2 picks in the 30's (32? & 37)

Here's some names I like... who you like?

Bradley Nadeau
Gavin Brindley
Maxim Strbak
Anton Wahlberg
Jayden Perron


Goalie? No Goalie?
I would prefer taking the G after the 4th round because I think there will be plenty of skaters still available. Hopefully we draft well like we did last year.

Im a big fan of all 4, we would be lucky to get at least one of them. Bradley Nadeau Im not too familiar with. I like Bjarnason's upside as far as goaltenders are concerned.

 

[Gustave]

As long as we take Michkov in that scenario we're good.

As you probably figured out by my post, I don’t think we are picking him.

I wholeheartedly agree that just picking him at 5 is the way to go. But in the case he’s an ND (I don’t have faith in this org), don’t miss out on the chance to move up.

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

Everyone is busy going gaga over all these highly rated goalies, when the real answer in nets is drafting some low key Russian in the sixth round with exceptional size.

 

[Goldenhands]

Looks like McCagg doesn’t think Carlsson should be picked 2-3 or 4

View attachment 712639

Not sure how you can draw such conclusions after 1 bad turnover, especially when Carsson played wing all season outside of the WJC. Only watched 2 Swedes games this WC, but I thought Carlsson looked really good down the middle in those games. He has more pts than Fantilli while Dvorsky didnt even get an invite. It would be interesting to hear his arguments as why he doesnt seem to be a Carlsson fan, personally I dont really get it.

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

Not sure how you can draw such conclusions after 1 bad turnover, especially when Carsson played wing all season outside of the WJC. Only watched 2 Swedes games this WC, but I thought Carlsson looked really good down the middle in those games. He has more pts than Fantilli while Dvorsky didnt even get an invite. It would be interesting to hear his arguments as why he doesnt seem to be a Carlsson fan, personally I dont really get it.

Because McCagg likes Dvorsky more, so the narrative has to be upheld wherever possible.

 

[Kennerback]

Because McCagg likes Dvorsky more, so the narrative has to be upheld wherever possible.

Going against the grain is good for promotion. That’s fine. And I think he made the right choice with dropping Shane Wright.. IMO, his take this year on Dvorsky is even more radical and off the wall than his take on Shane Wright last year. I think he’s in left field on another planet on Dvorsky. With peace and love.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

I could see management envisioning a lineup of:

Slaf-Suzuki-CC
PLD-Dach-Leonard
Heineman-Beck-Roy
RHP-Evans-X

Not a fan of our defense situation with the lack of firepower up front, but maybe Mailloux and Hutson fix that.

Hughes is seeing the same thing you’re seeing D wise and that’s why they’re going reinbacher

 

[sandviper]

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!

I don’t disagree with your point but remember there’s 2 other forwards on the ice and 11 others in the team. A team of small wingers and forwards in general may struggle in the playoffs but you’re hoping HuGo balances that.

In terms of recent history, Suzuki and Caufield did well for us and they took their bumps but played hard. They did dry up in the finals but so did the rest of the team.

 

[sandviper]

My god... Breathe...

What happened this year?

He got a LBI late in the season. He came back but may had been playing really hurt. All offense runs through him so shut him down and the team dies.

Playoffs are tougher, I’ll give you that but you still need skill. You mentioned McDavid earlier, but he and Draisatl did their jobs.

 

[XpmX]

I find absurd the arguments and fears conveyed in the speech that Michkov could become a prisoner of Russia, an action that would be taken by Putin in retaliation for the Canada/USA with which his nation is in a "cold war".

This type of behavior is LITERALLY CONTRARY to Russian behavior;

- This nation continues to want to send its athletes to the Olympic Games. It did so under the ROC banner in 2020.

- Russia still wants to send its soccer players to various FIFA tournaments (but they are not allowed).

- Many Russian soccer players play for various European soccer clubs.

One constant is observable: Russia, through its athletes, has historically enjoyed dominating certain sports in the eyes of the world. To suddenly turn in on itself and prevent its athletes from shining at international level is inconsistent with its historical approach.

It's through the past that we can predict the future.

Michkov is going to do his 3-year contract in the KHL, yes!

Mishkov will NOT be imprisoned in Russia, since he brings greater benefit to his homeland by playing abroad than the other way around.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

Lotta late first, early second dmen. Seems to me would be wiser to target a defensive RD there…

 

[Andrei79]

Lotta late first, early second dmen. Seems to me would be wiser to target a defensive RD there…

I'm surprised you aren't higher on Reinbacher. He's the kind of player I would think you'd like. He lacks the size and reach of Seider, but he does so many good things. He's further along than Guhle was with likely as many tools.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

I'm surprised you aren't higher on Reinbacher. He's the kind of player I would think you'd like. He lacks the size and reach of Seider, but he does so many good things. He's further along than Guhle was with likely as many tools.

I actually do like Reinbacher, just not at 5. If we were picking like 10th he’d be a top target of mine. He does fit my usual MO of checking all the boxes, but I just think the value at 5 is at forward. A two way D like Reinbacher can be had later in the draft.

Taking a D top 5, I want them to be an absolute future star like a Heiskenen or a Makar or even a Seider. Reinbacher just isn’t that level.

 

[Balthazar]

Taking a D top 5, I want them to be an absolute future star like a Heiskenen or a Makar or even a Seider. Reinbacher just isn’t that level.

Remembering things correctly is important.

Both Heiskanen and Makar were late risers in 2017 which was perceived at the time as a poor draft at the top (similar to last year).

As for Seider, he was a big reach at 6th overall in 2019. Nowhere near a "sure thing future star".

Reinbacher wouldn't be there at 10. He probably won't make it to 7 even if the Habs pass. Those who think that you can easily find a potential top pairing RD in the middle or at the end of the first round are out to lunch. They are rare for a reason.