HF Habs: 2023 NHL Draft part 2

[Estimated_Prophet]

The new 2023 draft list by Craig Button has just been released!

The rankings that surprise me the most:

5- Axel Sandin Pellika
8- Tom Willander
14- Zach Benson
24- David Reinbacher
51- Riley Heidt
56- Lukas Dragicevic
70- Charlie Stramel
86- Jayden Perron"

More evidence of why Button is widely considered to be a fool in the scouting community. Reinbacher at 24 is so egregiously stupid and it is exactly the reason that he is no longer employed in the NHL.

I love to hear different opinions and have no problem at all with opinions that greatly differ from mine as long as both parties can provide sound rationale to defend their choices. This is of course not to say that dumb opinions that are not grounded in sound reasoning can't turn out to be correct as that is the nature of drafting teenagers with tons of development ahead of them.....but faulty reasoning will play out negatively over the long run.

 

[McGuires Corndog]

I am high on Reinbacher and would definitely consider him at 5 but I'm curious to hear why you think it's likely Hughes picks him instead of either Smith or Michkov. I would think it's between these 2 at that spot.

If Hughes goes Reinbacher at 5 it’s because he thinks he’s a sure shot Top pairing guy to play with Guhle moving forward, and realistically we probably need a RD with that profile in order to contend in the future.

The sooner you grab that D man, the better for the rebuild because they generally take longer than forwards. I’m assuming Habs will be in Top-10 drafting position again next year and forward may be the better option next year.

My only problem with this strategy is that it’s based almost entirely on need. At 5 one of Michkov, Smith or Carlsson is going to be available and they would all be BPA in my opinion (especially Michkov/Carlsson).

I can forgive them passing Smith for Reinbacher, but I won’t be happy if Michkov or Carlsson is passed on.

Just my opinion .

 

[1000eeer]

HELP! Who should complete my top 32? Lets have a poll ..

1. Bedard
2. Michkov
3. Fantilli
4. Carlsson
5. Smith
6. Benson
7. Dvorsky
8. Leonard
9. Reinbacher
10. Moore
11. Musty
12. Danielson
13. Perrault
14. Sale
15. Yager
16. Brindley
17. Sawchyn
18. Sandin-Pellikka
19. Wood
20. Stenberg
21. But
22. Gulyayev
23. Gauthier
24. Wahlberg
25. Barlow

 

[Deam78]

HELP! Who should complete my top 32? Lets have a poll ..

1. Bedard
2. Michkov
3. Fantilli
4. Carlsson
5. Smith
6. Benson
7. Dvorsky
8. Leonard
9. Reinbacher
10. Moore
11. Musty
12. Danielson
13. Perrault
14. Sale
15. Yager
16. Brindley
17. Sawchyn
18. Sandin-Pellikka
19. Wood
20. Stenberg
21. But
22. Gulyayev
23. Gauthier
24. Wahlberg
25. Barlow

Heidt, Rtichie, Honzek, Cristall, Brzustewicz

 

[Goldenhands]

If Hughes goes Reinbacher at 5 it’s because he thinks he’s a sure shot Top pairing guy to play with Guhle moving forward, and realistically we probably need a RD with that profile in order to contend in the future.

The sooner you grab that D man, the better for the rebuild because they generally take longer than forwards. I’m assuming Habs will be in Top-10 drafting position again next year and forward may be the better option next year.

My only problem with this strategy is that it’s based almost entirely on need. At 5 one of Michkov, Smith or Carlsson is going to be available and they would all be BPA in my opinion (especially Michkov/Carlsson).

I can forgive them passing Smith for Reinbacher, but I won’t be happy if Michkov or Carlsson is passed on.

Just my opinion .

I dont think they would pass on Carlsson if there, but they could pretty well pass on Michkov for obvious reasons. Reinbacher over Smith for me is a no brainer.

 

[SlafySZN]

I dont think they would pass on Carlsson if there, but they could pretty well pass on Michkov for obvious reasons. Reinbacher over Smith for me is a no brainer.

Wouldn’t happen.

The habs are more likely to trade up to pick Smith than passing on him for a dman lol.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Most players have their skating timed with a stop watch, Wood is timed with a calendar.

No chance i take him at 5.

 

[MrNasty]

See a number of comments criticizing Buttons rankings. As a hobby, I keep my own consensus rankings from many public and or subsription rankings and have been for over 10 yrs.
I looked back at Buttons rankings and he does pretty well. Like everyone, he hits on some and misses on others.

Here are the ones that stand out over the last handful of years

Players he ranked higher (better) than most:
2022 - Snuggerud (8th) Kemell, Kulich
2021 - Svechkov, Coronato, Z'Heureux
2020 - Quinn, Lapierre, Wallinder
2019 - Caufield (4th), Boldy, Broberg
2018 - KK, Hayton, Dellandrea
2017 - Makar (3rd), Necas, Poehling, PO Joseph

Players he ranked lower (worse) than most:
2022 - Savoie, Nazar, Lambert
2021 - Johnson, Lysell, Stankhoven
2020 - Holtz, Lundell, Gunler
2019 - Turcotte, Seider, Cozens
2018 - Wahlstrom, Boqvist, Smith
2017 - Tippett, Lind, Rasmussen

 

[Jack Skellington]

Most players have their skating timed with a stop watch, Wood is timed with a calendar.

No chance i take him at 5.

Lol better or worse than old man Eric Staal?

 

[JeffreyLFC]

Not quite top 10, but Gabe Vilardi?

KK, Dal Colle, Strome, Draisaitl, Couturier

Most players have their skating timed with a stop watch, Wood is timed with a calendar.

No chance i take him at 5.

I also thought that, but when you learned that two year ago he was 5'9 and he has had a very significant growth spurt that has impacted on his skating. In sum, he is not the finished product and his skating will only get significantly better from now on and moving forward with proper training and added strength.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Lol better or worse than old man Eric Staal?

It was a bit of a joke, and he's a smart player, but with that level of skating there is no way I take him with a top five pick.

I mean Staal was never fast but he's lost a few steps since he was 18. Wood wishes he could skate like Staal did at 18, so I'd worry about him at 30.

 

[LastWordArmy]

In a draft filled with superstars, it’s not unlikely for some of the talents to get overlooked by the public eye. One of these somewhat overlooked names in the star-studded 2023 NHL Draft is Andrew Cristall, who has had yet another great season for the Kelowna Rockets. In 54 games, he scored 39 goals and made 56 assists for a grand total of 95 points. Forth most of the draft-eligible players in the WHL. Even better were his points per game which was second in the WHL among draft-eligible players. The only one better was none other than Connor Bedard.

Internationally, Cristall also delivered a decent showing at the recent IIHF Men’s U18 Championship. Despite Canada only getting Bronze at the event, Cristall had six points in seven games. Overall it’s been a good year for the undersized winger, who has been a steady riser in a lot of rankings, and when looking at his skill set, it’s not a mystery, despite a few concerns over his ability to stay healthy. Especially after a lower-body injury took him out for a portion of the season.

Andrew Cristall Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #7

Andrew Cristall is among the most talented offensive player of the 2023 NHL Draft with dynamic skating and outstanding passing.

lastwordonsports.com

Barlow, born February 14th, 2005 in Orillia, Ontario, is a left winger for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. The 18-year-old forward stands at 6’1” and 187 pounds, possessing a solid frame. Over the last two seasons, Barlow’s goal-scoring has been on full display with the Attack. In total, he has scored 76 goals in 118 OHL games. This season, Barlow has potted 46 goals and 33 assists for 79 points in 59 regular season games. The Attack lost in a four-game sweep to the London Knights in the very first round. Barlow had three goals in the four-game series.

With the goal-scoring, plus the added bonus of wearing the “C” on his jersey, Barlow has been ranked between seventh and 32nd by various analysts and sites, but largely lands in the seventh to 15th range. He has been ranked seventh by Craig Button, eighth by The Hockey News and Bob McKenzie, ninth by SportsNet, 10th by Daily Faceoff, 11th by Recruit Scouting and Draft Prospects Hockey, 15th by McKeen’s Hockey, 16th by Elite Prospects and FCHockey, 22nd by DobberProspects, and 32nd by Smaht Scouting.

Colby Barlow Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #8

The 2023 NHL Draft is a loaded one. Apart of this class is OHL star, Colby Barlow. What does Barlow bring to the table?

lastwordonsports.com

During the 2023 NHL draft, one of the very interesting stories to follow will be the placement of the four horsemen of the USNTDP. One of these four players is Oliver Moore, who is among the best skaters in the 2023 draft class. His speed sets him up for offensive success and helped him to a brilliant year despite playing on the second line for the US NTDP. In 61 games with the Under-18 squad, he had 75 points. He also had success internationally as he was a key part of the gold-winning Team USA at the recent IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Moore scored nine points in the seven-game tournament.

Oliver Moore Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #9

One of the best skaters in the 2023 Draft is Oliver Moore, who is looking to follow in the footstep of Caufield as an undersized NHL star.

lastwordonsports.com

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

This board will implode when we select Wood at 5.

Only NotProkofievian and I will survive the wreckage.

And me.

I've said it like 12 times, I'll say it for the 13th time, Wood will be a top 10 pick.

If he's not, the Habs better find a way to fit him. Well worth the risk

 

[JT3]

If Hughes goes Reinbacher at 5 it’s because he thinks he’s a sure shot Top pairing guy to play with Guhle moving forward, and realistically we probably need a RD with that profile in order to contend in the future.

The sooner you grab that D man, the better for the rebuild because they generally take longer than forwards. I’m assuming Habs will be in Top-10 drafting position again next year and forward may be the better option next year.

My only problem with this strategy is that it’s based almost entirely on need. At 5 one of Michkov, Smith or Carlsson is going to be available and they would all be BPA in my opinion (especially Michkov/Carlsson).

I can forgive them passing Smith for Reinbacher, but I won’t be happy if Michkov or Carlsson is passed on.

Just my opinion .

If somehow Michkov or Carlsson are on the board at 5, you take them and run, no doubt. Although I don't think either will be. After those two, my personal choice is Reinbacher and I would take him over Smith. Especially if HuGo plan on taking a run at Dubois, you walk out of the year with a top 6 PWF and a potential top pair RHD, I think you can be pretty happy.

Wouldn’t happen.

The habs are more likely to trade up to pick Smith than passing on him for a dman lol.

What makes you think that's the case? Big RHD with top pair potential that can skate and eat minutes are immensely valuable. I think his ceiling is higher than many here give him credit for, and he's a safer pick in my eyes too. Extremely projectable and far less flaws.

 

[McGuires Corndog]

If somehow Michkov or Carlsson are on the board at 5, you take them and run, no doubt. Although I don't think either will be. After those two, my personal choice is Reinbacher and I would take him over Smith. Especially if HuGo plan on taking a run at Dubois, you walk out of the year with a top 6 PWF and a potential top pair RHD, I think you can be pretty happy.


What makes you think that's the case? Big RHD with top pair potential that can skate and eat minutes are immensely valuable. I think his ceiling is higher than many here give him credit for, and he's a safer pick in my eyes too. Extremely projectable and far less flaws.

I was going to say the same thing, and Hughes is obviously in the know as to whether or not he’s in the running for PLD or what it looks like exactly. As you said, if there’s a potential deal on the table for PLD than it makes a ton of sense to grab a guy like Reinbacher.

 

[An0n]

This board will implode when we select Wood at 5.

Only NotProkofievian and I will survive the wreckage.

I wouldn’t mind him. He’s that dude.

 

[Goldenhands]

Wouldn’t happen.

The habs are more likely to trade up to pick Smith than passing on him for a dman lol.

Yeah and Farrell is a better prospect than Heineman.

People tend to underrate the physical aspect of the game.

 

[ZUKI]

I think the fan base has made it very clear that we will be mad if they pass on Michkov.

Sorry , i am late to the conversation, but , when you say the fans , you are talking about the ones on the forum, i suppose . Because most of the Habs fans don't have any idea about who's who out of the draftees .

They live normal life ; i don't remember for sure what it means, but i suppose that you know, getting in love with someone, being married, getting kids, buying chocolates box to that wife for the Valentine day , bring her to theater when there is a new James Bond., making sex the Saterday after the game ... stuff like that, normal life instead of staying hours on this forum to discuss about players we have never seen once.

 

[SwiftyHab]

Michkov, born in Perm, Russia on December 9th, 2004, is a forward playing for HK Sochi on a loan, in the KHL. Michkov, who is just 18, has played parts of the last two years in the KHL. He has totalled 43 games, scoring 11 goals and 14 assists. The Russian right wing has also played in the MHL and VHL. At the VHL level, he has played 12 total games, with 10 goals and four assists for 14 points. Meanwhile, at the MHL, the Russian equivalent of junior hockey, he scored 68 goals and 39 points in 107 points across 84 career games.

That production is incredibly impressive for a young kid playing against men. He has been consistently ranked top-five, and that’s despite the “Russian Factor” that is usually cited. He’s been ranked second by Draft Prospects Hockey, third by FCHockey, Daily Faceoff, Recruit Scouting, and DobberProspects, and fourth by Smaht Scouting, SportsNet, Craig Button, McKeen’s Hockey, Bob McKenzie, The Hockey News, and Elite Prospects.

Matvei Michkov Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #4

The 2023 draft is loaded. With Bedard and Fantilli at the top, it also includes Matvei Michkov, arguably the best Russian since Vasilevskiy.

lastwordonsports.com

Benson was born May 12th, 2005, in Langley, British Columbia. He stands at 5’10” and 159 pounds and plays both center and wing for the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL. So far this season, Benson has scored 23 goals and 35 assists for 58 points in 35 games. That puts him on pace for 111 points in 67 games. Last year, he scored 25 goals and 38 assists for 63 points in 58 games.

With those two seasons, Benson has been ranked as high as fourth by Smaht Scouting. Other rankings place him fifth (DobberProspects), sixth (Recruit Scouting, SportsNet, FCHockey, EliteProspects), seventh (Bob McKenzie), ninth (The Hockey News, Craig Button) and 10th (McKeen’s Hockey). On this writer’s unreleased rankings, Benson ranks third.

Zach Benson Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #5

Zach Benson is a 2023 NHL draft eligible prospect for the Winnipeg Ice. What makes him such a highly touted prospect?

lastwordonsports.com

The fresh prince of the US National Team Development Program, Smith is the team’s top centre. He recently led the American squad to the gold medal at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships. Smith scored nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points in the nine-game tournament. Smith led the tournament in goals and points. He was named Tournament MVP, Best Forward, a tournament All-Star, and a top-three player on the team. This performance came on the heels of an incredible season with the NTDP. He put up 51 goals and 76 assists for 127 points in 60 games.

Smith also played in the 2022 Under-18s, winning a silver medal as an underage player. He put up two goals and two assists in four tournament games. Smith split the 2021-22 season between the NTDP Under-17 and Under-18 teams. He scored 31 goals and 33 assists for 64 points in 63 games. Smith is committed to playing his college hockey for the Boston College Eagles next year. Should he change his mind and go the CHL route, his rights are owned by the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. They drafted him ninth overall in the 2021 QMJHL American Draft.

Will Smith Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #6

Will Smith Scouting Report: The Fresh Prince of the US NTDP led the American Squad to a gold medal at the recent Under 18s.

lastwordonsports.com

Not so sure about that scouting report for Will Smith

"Defensive Game​

Smith also plays a 200-foot game and works hard in the defensive end. He backchecks effectively, bringing back pressure to support the defence against the rush as well as supporting the defence down low. "

 

[Goldenhands]

Not so sure about that scouting report for Will Smith

"Defensive Game​

Smith also plays a 200-foot game and works hard in the defensive end. He backchecks effectively, bringing back pressure to support the defence against the rush as well as supporting the defence down low. "

Ouch. Totally the opposite of my viewings.

 

[SlafySZN]

 

[MeanMugging91]

Sure. I'm down to get a little countrymen action going again this year. Michkov and But for the win.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Benson looks a lot like Berggren to me. He's better at beating defenders to the inside though, which is essentially the only thing holding Berggren back. Outside game is the same though.

 

[yianik]

KK, Dal Colle, Strome, Draisaitl, Couturier

I also thought that, but when you learned that two year ago he was 5'9 and he has had a very significant growth spurt that has impacted on his skating. In sum, he is not the finished product and his skating will only get significantly better from now on and moving forward with proper training and added strength.

It's just that you don't take a project at 5, especially in a deep draft.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Ouch. Totally the opposite of my viewings.

FWIW, I think he did a decent job at the U18 in that department. He's probably never going to be a great two way player, but he was helping his Dmen with zone exits, making an effort to block passing lanes, etc. He has good enough smarts to know where he's supposed to go to help get the puck back for his team. I could see him becoming league average with proper coaching and effort on his part.