HF Habs: 2023 NHL Draft part 2

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Gonna be fun to look at those tier in a few years.

Nothing ever goes how we thought it would!

Pretty much.

1 of the top 5 picks will be a bust and knowing my luck and Montreal's luck, it's going to be 5th overall.

 

[JT3]

This was posted in the Reinbacher thread on the prospect board

Write-up (with grades from 1/unacceptable to 9/exceptional) on David Reinbacher by Bernd Freimüller, former Atlanta Thrashers scout:

Skating:

"Reinbacher is already an excellent skater (and not just 'for his size') and will of course continue to gain leg strength in the years to come. Skating comes easy for him and even at the end of his shifts there's no observable drop in quality. Gets away and out of tight situations quickly, can explode from the defensive zone and carry the puck forward.

Excellent transition from forward to backward skating. Creates separation with quick, small steps, especially moving backwards, and thus offers passing options for his teammates. Can play the entire blue line on the powerplay, powerful and quick moves from the boards to the center and back."

Acceleration, agility and speed allow him to play on large areas of the ice and quickly get back in position. When possession is lost in the offensive zone, he can catch up with or at least slow down breakaways and odd man rushes. Plays a narrow gap, rather too aggressive than too far from the man – his footwork once again allows him to make corrections at any time."

NHL upside: 8.5

With the puck

"Can move the puck the other way quickly, carry it out under pressure and drive the game forward with passes. Can play through passes to breaking forwards as well as cross passes in order to pull opponent's structure apart. His passes are sharp and accurate. Prefers to pass tape-on-tape than to open space.

Creates space for himself with head fakes and small dekes. On the powerplay he has the composure and calmness to wait for shooting lines to open up and to find better angles for himself and his teammates. Can serve both halfwalls equally. Often activates from the blue line to the faceoff circle, occasionally even beyond. Active footwork, but not constantly roving like Cale Makar.

His shot is on target and easy to deflect, but is not necessarily his greatest strength as of now. His points mostly come from puckmoving, assists to the boards, or when he finds gaps and attacks them. His offensive potential at the NHL level could lie between David Jiricek (bomb of a shot) and Simon Nemec (clever puck mover)."

NHL upside: 8

Hockey sense

"Processes the game like a 35-year-old veteran. If you don't get the information he's just 18 in advance, you couldn't possible spot it on the ice. Absolutely no panic in his game, is a 'head-up guy' who is isn't surprised by any development in the game. In case he or a teammate makes a mistake, he doesn't tend to run wild or chase the puck, but instead he drifts to the middle of the ice and doesn't open additional holes.

Can take risks with the puck without getting burned, excellent at turning away from forecheckers under pressure. Puck coverage and puck managment under pressure is well above average. Neither a riverboat gambler with the puck nor a conservative defender, carries the puck or follows offensive rushes when opportunity knocks."

NHL upside: 8.5

Physical play

"Probably won't become a punishing D man, but a very effective two-way defenceman. Defends primarily with footwork and a long, very quick stick. Has the power to block an opponent's torso with one hand and go for the puck with the other hand. Wins pucks this way and can pass them quickly from tight positions and through the small spaces between opponent and boards. Occasionally a little off balance when he's poke checking too actively. Rather beats opponents with many stick lifts than with excessive physical effort.

Doesn't seek open ice hits, but is very effective at closing lanes, can suffocate opponents along the board this way. Footwork and stickwork do the defensive work and allow him to evade clashes with players that are still physically stronger. Reduces and eliminates small gaps to opponents with footwork or active stick.

Currently listed at 1.89 meters (6.2 feet) and 85 kilos (187 pounds), but has just gone through another growth spurt. Has potential for 6.3/200 defender."

NHL upside: 7.5

Leadership qualities

"Already a leading player with both his club and the national team, Austria's most well-rounded defender. Able to take a lot of ice time, doesn't shy away from it and is never overwhelmed by the demands. Currently not used on the PK by Team Austria, but in all other situations and first choice on powerplay.

Off the ice an excellent mix of modesty and confidence in his qualities. When talking with him longtime NHL player Ladislav Smid at the same age came to my mind. Has a hockey background (father and older brother also played), is very clear in his demeanor and game, much more mature off and on the ice than the average 18 year old.

Should gradually grow into leadership roles at the NHL level as well, but primarily through contributions on the ice. Perhaps not a vocal leader, but a 'leader by example.'"

NHL upside: 8

NHL potential

"Impact player, has some exceptional qualities that allow him to decide games for his team. Plays in all game situations and has a positive impact. Absent major injuries or setbacks and under normal development, Reinbacher has the potential to be a top two defender on an NHL team and be a fixture on the PP (first or second pairing, depending on team depth).

Doesn't have big holes in his game and checks all the boxes: height, skating, game intelligence, play with the puck and leadership. Reminds of similar types of players that mainly Sweden produced over the years.

Right-handed shooter and late 2004 born. If Jiricek and Nemec would be in the same draft, that would be his neighbourhood. Jiricek brings more physical punch and shooting power, but Nemec would perhaps be a good comparison."

Original source in German: David Reinbacher: So hoch ist das NHL-Potential des ÖEHV-Juwels

 

[Mrb1p]

Fixed

These pecs hold themselves up baby dw, I can even bounce oranges on them.

 

[tooji]

Reinbacher is a great prospect, but definitely not a sexy pick. If they grab him I would have to think one of our D prospects is getting moved for a Dubois package.

 

[Mrb1p]

This was posted in the Reinbacher thread on the prospect board

Write-up (with grades from 1/unacceptable to 9/exceptional) on David Reinbacher by Bernd Freimüller, former Atlanta Thrashers scout:

Skating:

"Reinbacher is already an excellent skater (and not just 'for his size') and will of course continue to gain leg strength in the years to come. Skating comes easy for him and even at the end of his shifts there's no observable drop in quality. Gets away and out of tight situations quickly, can explode from the defensive zone and carry the puck forward.

Excellent transition from forward to backward skating. Creates separation with quick, small steps, especially moving backwards, and thus offers passing options for his teammates. Can play the entire blue line on the powerplay, powerful and quick moves from the boards to the center and back."

Acceleration, agility and speed allow him to play on large areas of the ice and quickly get back in position. When possession is lost in the offensive zone, he can catch up with or at least slow down breakaways and odd man rushes. Plays a narrow gap, rather too aggressive than too far from the man – his footwork once again allows him to make corrections at any time."

NHL upside: 8.5

With the puck

"Can move the puck the other way quickly, carry it out under pressure and drive the game forward with passes. Can play through passes to breaking forwards as well as cross passes in order to pull opponent's structure apart. His passes are sharp and accurate. Prefers to pass tape-on-tape than to open space.

Creates space for himself with head fakes and small dekes. On the powerplay he has the composure and calmness to wait for shooting lines to open up and to find better angles for himself and his teammates. Can serve both halfwalls equally. Often activates from the blue line to the faceoff circle, occasionally even beyond. Active footwork, but not constantly roving like Cale Makar.

His shot is on target and easy to deflect, but is not necessarily his greatest strength as of now. His points mostly come from puckmoving, assists to the boards, or when he finds gaps and attacks them. His offensive potential at the NHL level could lie between David Jiricek (bomb of a shot) and Simon Nemec (clever puck mover)."

NHL upside: 8

Hockey sense

"Processes the game like a 35-year-old veteran. If you don't get the information he's just 18 in advance, you couldn't possible spot it on the ice. Absolutely no panic in his game, is a 'head-up guy' who is isn't surprised by any development in the game. In case he or a teammate makes a mistake, he doesn't tend to run wild or chase the puck, but instead he drifts to the middle of the ice and doesn't open additional holes.

Can take risks with the puck without getting burned, excellent at turning away from forecheckers under pressure. Puck coverage and puck managment under pressure is well above average. Neither a riverboat gambler with the puck nor a conservative defender, carries the puck or follows offensive rushes when opportunity knocks."

NHL upside: 8.5

Physical play

"Probably won't become a punishing D man, but a very effective two-way defenceman. Defends primarily with footwork and a long, very quick stick. Has the power to block an opponent's torso with one hand and go for the puck with the other hand. Wins pucks this way and can pass them quickly from tight positions and through the small spaces between opponent and boards. Occasionally a little off balance when he's poke checking too actively. Rather beats opponents with many stick lifts than with excessive physical effort.

Doesn't seek open ice hits, but is very effective at closing lanes, can suffocate opponents along the board this way. Footwork and stickwork do the defensive work and allow him to evade clashes with players that are still physically stronger. Reduces and eliminates small gaps to opponents with footwork or active stick.

Currently listed at 1.89 meters (6.2 feet) and 85 kilos (187 pounds), but has just gone through another growth spurt. Has potential for 6.3/200 defender."

NHL upside: 7.5

Leadership qualities

"Already a leading player with both his club and the national team, Austria's most well-rounded defender. Able to take a lot of ice time, doesn't shy away from it and is never overwhelmed by the demands. Currently not used on the PK by Team Austria, but in all other situations and first choice on powerplay.

Off the ice an excellent mix of modesty and confidence in his qualities. When talking with him longtime NHL player Ladislav Smid at the same age came to my mind. Has a hockey background (father and older brother also played), is very clear in his demeanor and game, much more mature off and on the ice than the average 18 year old.

Should gradually grow into leadership roles at the NHL level as well, but primarily through contributions on the ice. Perhaps not a vocal leader, but a 'leader by example.'"

NHL upside: 8

NHL potential

"Impact player, has some exceptional qualities that allow him to decide games for his team. Plays in all game situations and has a positive impact. Absent major injuries or setbacks and under normal development, Reinbacher has the potential to be a top two defender on an NHL team and be a fixture on the PP (first or second pairing, depending on team depth).

Doesn't have big holes in his game and checks all the boxes: height, skating, game intelligence, play with the puck and leadership. Reminds of similar types of players that mainly Sweden produced over the years.

Right-handed shooter and late 2004 born. If Jiricek and Nemec would be in the same draft, that would be his neighbourhood. Jiricek brings more physical punch and shooting power, but Nemec would perhaps be a good comparison."

Original source in German: David Reinbacher: So hoch ist das NHL-Potential des ÖEHV-Juwels

Finally a pro scout with an accurate description of Reinbacher! Pretty much everything is spot on.

This should be stickied, its incredible the amount of bad analysis hes gotten so far.

 

[Jaynki]

Adding Dubois and Reinbacher this summer.

In two years, with Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Dubois, Dach, Guhle, Hutson, Reinbacher.

We would have quite the young core.

 

[NotProkofievian]

This was posted in the Reinbacher thread on the prospect board

Write-up (with grades from 1/unacceptable to 9/exceptional) on David Reinbacher by Bernd Freimüller, former Atlanta Thrashers scout:

Skating:

"Reinbacher is already an excellent skater (and not just 'for his size') and will of course continue to gain leg strength in the years to come. Skating comes easy for him and even at the end of his shifts there's no observable drop in quality. Gets away and out of tight situations quickly, can explode from the defensive zone and carry the puck forward.

Excellent transition from forward to backward skating. Creates separation with quick, small steps, especially moving backwards, and thus offers passing options for his teammates. Can play the entire blue line on the powerplay, powerful and quick moves from the boards to the center and back."

Acceleration, agility and speed allow him to play on large areas of the ice and quickly get back in position. When possession is lost in the offensive zone, he can catch up with or at least slow down breakaways and odd man rushes. Plays a narrow gap, rather too aggressive than too far from the man – his footwork once again allows him to make corrections at any time."

NHL upside: 8.5

With the puck

"Can move the puck the other way quickly, carry it out under pressure and drive the game forward with passes. Can play through passes to breaking forwards as well as cross passes in order to pull opponent's structure apart. His passes are sharp and accurate. Prefers to pass tape-on-tape than to open space.

Creates space for himself with head fakes and small dekes. On the powerplay he has the composure and calmness to wait for shooting lines to open up and to find better angles for himself and his teammates. Can serve both halfwalls equally. Often activates from the blue line to the faceoff circle, occasionally even beyond. Active footwork, but not constantly roving like Cale Makar.

His shot is on target and easy to deflect, but is not necessarily his greatest strength as of now. His points mostly come from puckmoving, assists to the boards, or when he finds gaps and attacks them. His offensive potential at the NHL level could lie between David Jiricek (bomb of a shot) and Simon Nemec (clever puck mover)."

NHL upside: 8

Hockey sense

"Processes the game like a 35-year-old veteran. If you don't get the information he's just 18 in advance, you couldn't possible spot it on the ice. Absolutely no panic in his game, is a 'head-up guy' who is isn't surprised by any development in the game. In case he or a teammate makes a mistake, he doesn't tend to run wild or chase the puck, but instead he drifts to the middle of the ice and doesn't open additional holes.

Can take risks with the puck without getting burned, excellent at turning away from forecheckers under pressure. Puck coverage and puck managment under pressure is well above average. Neither a riverboat gambler with the puck nor a conservative defender, carries the puck or follows offensive rushes when opportunity knocks."

NHL upside: 8.5

Physical play

"Probably won't become a punishing D man, but a very effective two-way defenceman. Defends primarily with footwork and a long, very quick stick. Has the power to block an opponent's torso with one hand and go for the puck with the other hand. Wins pucks this way and can pass them quickly from tight positions and through the small spaces between opponent and boards. Occasionally a little off balance when he's poke checking too actively. Rather beats opponents with many stick lifts than with excessive physical effort.

Doesn't seek open ice hits, but is very effective at closing lanes, can suffocate opponents along the board this way. Footwork and stickwork do the defensive work and allow him to evade clashes with players that are still physically stronger. Reduces and eliminates small gaps to opponents with footwork or active stick.

Currently listed at 1.89 meters (6.2 feet) and 85 kilos (187 pounds), but has just gone through another growth spurt. Has potential for 6.3/200 defender."

NHL upside: 7.5

Leadership qualities

"Already a leading player with both his club and the national team, Austria's most well-rounded defender. Able to take a lot of ice time, doesn't shy away from it and is never overwhelmed by the demands. Currently not used on the PK by Team Austria, but in all other situations and first choice on powerplay.

Off the ice an excellent mix of modesty and confidence in his qualities. When talking with him longtime NHL player Ladislav Smid at the same age came to my mind. Has a hockey background (father and older brother also played), is very clear in his demeanor and game, much more mature off and on the ice than the average 18 year old.

Should gradually grow into leadership roles at the NHL level as well, but primarily through contributions on the ice. Perhaps not a vocal leader, but a 'leader by example.'"

NHL upside: 8

NHL potential

"Impact player, has some exceptional qualities that allow him to decide games for his team. Plays in all game situations and has a positive impact. Absent major injuries or setbacks and under normal development, Reinbacher has the potential to be a top two defender on an NHL team and be a fixture on the PP (first or second pairing, depending on team depth).

Doesn't have big holes in his game and checks all the boxes: height, skating, game intelligence, play with the puck and leadership. Reminds of similar types of players that mainly Sweden produced over the years.

Right-handed shooter and late 2004 born. If Jiricek and Nemec would be in the same draft, that would be his neighbourhood. Jiricek brings more physical punch and shooting power, but Nemec would perhaps be a good comparison."

Original source in German: David Reinbacher: So hoch ist das NHL-Potential des ÖEHV-Juwels

Yeah he's okay I guess.

 

[Takeru]

Let's say we get Dubois... Cole, Suzi, Dubois, Dach, Slaf should all be bonafide top 6 players who can be a part of a successful top line. One of Roy, Farrell, Heineman, Mesar, Kidney will become a top 6 player at least.

Our offensive forward depth is not as thin as we think. It's just like our defensive depth... lots of solid talent, but no superstar or #1 D.

If Reinbacher is a future #1 defensemen, we need him just as much as we need a Will Smith.

I'm all for Reinbacher but you don't draft him because you get Dubois. You draft him if he's the best available according to your evaluation.
I don't know how many times this needs to be said.

Shoudl we get Dubois, it's always then possible to bundle the hypothetical forward we draft at 5 or any combination of other prospects/picks to fill the hole on the D line.

 

[McGuires Corndog]

Reinbacher is a great prospect, but definitely not a sexy pick. If they grab him I would have to think one of our D prospects is getting moved for a Dubois package.

One thing I’ve come around to is that sexy picks won’t necessarily translate to playoff success. Look at all the Leafs “sexy picks”, it’s gotten them absolutely no where.

Reinbacher is going to play a game that translates well to the NHL and especially the playoff type of game.

Will we still be missing game breaking talent? Probably. But we have an excellent group of young FWDs, and possibly adding Dubois to that core. As far as forward depth, we’ll be really deep if Slafkovsky can hit his potential and Roy works out as a middle-6 player.

 

[Doublechin]

Since everyone is dropping rankings, I'll drop what mine are as of today. I have Michkov lower then the norm because I see a non impossible potential of him signing a massive KHL deal once his current deal expires.

1.Bedard
2.Fantilli
3.Carlsson
4.Smith
5.Leonard
6.Michkov
7.Benson
8.Dvorsky
9.Reinbacher
10.Yager
11.Moore
12.Perreault
13.Wood
14.Sandin-Pellinkka
15.Barlow
16.Willander
17.Danielson
18.Stenberg
19.Sale
20.Simashev

 

[MarkovsKnee]

The habs NEED offensive talent.

Which is why we had a tank thread, and people were pissed when we won too much. We needed to be in bottom 4 THIS year, and we missed by 11 points. 5 wins, and an OT point. We didn't tank enough.

Every forward after top 4 has some kind of flaw & bust potential.

 

[NeptunesTrident]

Has anyone heard anymore about Reinbacher’s injury at the World Championships? Because if it’s between Will Smith and him at 5, I think Reinbacher could have a bigger impact on the team than Smith.

 

[Michelangelo]

Which is why we had a tank thread, and people were pissed when we won too much. We needed to be in bottom 4 THIS year, and we missed by 11 points. 5 wins, and an OT point. We didn't tank enough.

Every forward after top 4 has some kind of flaw & bust potential.

It's fine since we will have a good culture apparently

 

[SOLR]

They had really good D, but really good offense too.

Yeah overall I think the best teams that win just have really good depth everywhere. I guess the question is, does a core of Dach, Suzuki, Caufield, PLD, Slaf and Guhle, Hutson and Reinbacher win you the cup if you compliment the rest of the team with really good middle 6/middle 4 players?

For Smith I guess it depends on who drafts him. He probably becomes a C with Columbus or SJ, but has higher chances of playing W with the Habs.

Depends on Beck, Roy, Mesar, Barron, Mailloux etc.

 

[SwiftyHab]

How new Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka became one of the draft's biggest risers

Sandin Pellikka's draft year breakout has seen him emerge as the consensus No. 2 defense prospect in the 2023 NHL Draft.

theathletic.com

I wonder if we’ll have the same discussions next year about A. Sandy Pellican vs Reinbacher as we did this year with Nemec vs Jiricek where everyone had Nemec ahead pre-draft only to see Jiricek thrive in the AHL.

 

[JT3]

Has anyone heard anymore about Reinbacher’s injury at the World Championships? Because if it’s between Will Smith and him at 5, I think Reinbacher could have a bigger impact on the team than Smith.

He's DTD and expected to return to the tournament during the round robin.

 

[NotProkofievian]

How new Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka became one of the draft's biggest risers

Sandin Pellikka's draft year breakout has seen him emerge as the consensus No. 2 defense prospect in the 2023 NHL Draft.

theathletic.com

I wonder if we’ll have the same discussions next year about A. Sandy Pellican vs Reinbacher as we did this year with Nemec vs Jiricek where everyone had Nemec ahead pre-draft only to see Jiricek thrive in the AHL.

Nemec also thrived in the AHL, it just took him a few months to figure it out. Dead heat between those two right now IMO.

 

[SOLR]

Nemec also thrived in the AHL, it just took him a few months to figure it out. Dead heat between those two right now IMO.

Devils are about to be scary.

Luke Hughes and Nemec in the same team?!

 

[McGees]

Which is why we had a tank thread, and people were pissed when we won too much. We needed to be in bottom 4 THIS year, and we missed by 11 points. 5 wins, and an OT point. We didn't tank enough.

Every forward after top 4 has some kind of flaw & bust potential.

yes.
Some people only understanding this now for some reason.

Has anyone heard anymore about Reinbacher’s injury at the World Championships? Because if it’s between Will Smith and him at 5, I think Reinbacher could have a bigger impact on the team than Smith.

He will be ready for the gold medal game.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Devils are about to be scary.

Luke Hughes and Nemec in the same team?!

It would be nice to be scary for once.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

It's probably not fair to ask, as there's still a year, but.

Do you feel Reinbacher at 5 is better than any dman potentially available at 5-10 next year and inversely, do you feel a forward next year between 5-10 is better than a forward at 5 this year ?

Next year sounds like it's a dman heavy draft. Habs aren't going to be very good, so probably drafting 5-10 again.

So, it seems like a dman next year will be closer to Reinbacher than a forward next year would be to Smith/Michkov/Carlsson.

 

[SOLR]

It would be nice to be scary for once.

2 more years of being bad and a bit of luck and we'll get there.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Shane Wright scratched tonight after 4 pts (1 goal) in 11 play-off games.

Surprised we aren't hearing more about that since the only reason we drafted Slaf is because he cooks or something.

 

[Frank JT]

Let's pick Smith and pick a RHD later on .
#29 = Tom Wilander or Dragicevic
#37 = Stbark or Bonk or Allen

4 decents RHD players

I think almost the same. And, I think it's probably what will happen.
Michkov or Smith at 5, # 29 or 31-31 for a trade for PLD (with Harris involve), and #37 for a RHD (Bonk of Strbak), and G with our 3rd or 4rth.

In 2026 :

Slaf - Suzuki - Caufield
Dach - PLD - Smith or Michkov
Kidney/Farrell - Beck - Roy
Heineman - Kapanen - Tuch

Guhle - Barron/Mailloux
Hutson - Engstrom/ #37 2023
Xhekaj - Kovacevic
Strubble

Montembault - Dichow - Dobes - 3rd or 4rth 2023

Not bas at all!

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

I think almost the same. And, I think it's probably what will happen.
Michkov or Smith at 5, # 29 or 31-31 for a trade for PLD (with Harris involve), and #37 for a RHD (Bonk of Strbak), and G with our 3rd or 4rth.

In 2026 :

Slaf - Suzuki - Caufield
Dach - PLD - Smith or Michkov
Kidney/Farrell - Beck - Roy
Heineman - Kapanen - Tuch

Guhle - Barron/Mailloux
Hutson - Engstrom/ #37 2023
Xhekaj - Kovacevic
Strubble

Montembault - Dichow - Dobes - 3rd or 4rth 2023

Not bas at all!

You forgot Habs big FA signing in 2024 Ilya sorokin