I don't think Arpon's speculation on this is right. Hughes said in the past he does not want too many small players in the top-6, but he has never said if that line is drawn at one small player, two small players, three small players, etc. Drawing the line at Caufield only is Arpon's interpretation of Hughes comments, and in my opinion, Hughes behaviour does not match Arpon's interpretation.
Case in point is last years draft when the Habs picked Mesar. If they were drawing the line at Caufield only in the top-6, why spend a first round pick on a 5'10, 170lb water-bug forward who projects poorly in a bottom-6 role? Especially when there are bigger players like Bystedt or grittier players like Howard still available?
I hope you're right and that Arpond is just interpreting what he believes Hughes means. And you're right, we did actually draft a lot of smaller players later in the draft with Mesar, Hutson and Rohrer.
But if the Habs did draft a Michkov or Benson they'll be better than any other Habs prospect currently and also better than everyone in their top 6 outside of Suzuki and Caufield and maybe Dach. My opinion anyway..
There's also the option of trading away some of the lesser talented smaller guys already in their system, who are less talented than a Michkov or Benson, to fill other needs if they feel they have too many smaller guys in the system.
I mean I completely agree with you. I think both Michkov and Benson could realistically become our teams top forwards in a few years, so I'd rather build around them and if we need to trade Caufield cause we have too many small forwards, he'll for sure feth a premium.
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I think it’s too early to say what they aim to build.
This is also true, but I think this draft will give us really good signs on what they truly believe in. Last year they drafted Slaf which is fine, but if they continue drafting "character players" with "size" instead of just getting the most skilled player available, then that becomes a red flag to me.
I don’t mind Michkov per se. It’s not even getting Smith or Carlsson. A bunch of 6 to 10 picks never get off the ground or become complementary players. There’s a great drop in hitting upside between 1to5 and 6to10. Your 3 names are bona fide 6to10s. They might hit. Usually hit somewhat. Much more likely than the 1to5s to bust.
In any other year, I think you'd be right and it's also why historically only few top 5 draft picks have ever been traded.
All of Fantilli, Carlsson, Michkov and arguably Smith all would've fought for the 1st spot in the 2022 draft, which leaves 3-4 more players that would be the equivalent of a top 5 pick in other years. Reinbacher is a good example where he probably fights with Jiricek and Nemec in last years draft for a top 5 spot.
