2023 NHL Entry Draft

[GlassesJacketShirt]

Who would you like better at 7? Even in a deep draft, there is no clear superstar available at that spot.

Also, who would have left a better taste than Slaf ?

Undersized 2c Logan Cooley? 25 goals against in 11 playoff game Wright? Maybe Matthew Savoie?

I would have gone Cooley over Slaf, but that is the past and Slafkovsky gives the team something to work with.

Having said such, I 100% would be disappointed if the outcome of bottoming out did not provide a top notch, bonafide play driving prospect or minute munching d-man. Under that scenario, Cristall, Moore, and my top 3 d-men (Guly, Simashev and Reinbacher) would be on the board, among other intriguing players. I think they all count as bpa over Leonard and, in most cases, play a more desired position.

Leonard would 100% be a target with the Florida pick.

 

[Andrewcoursol]

Next year isn't a cup run year so I don't want to waste any assets on 1 year of PLD. Slow and steady wins the race. He will be a FA and we will sign him for nothing if it gets to that point. There will be other free agents also in the next 2 years that we can start adding, depending on how prospects develop.

keep both first rounders in the 2023 draft, you also wait a year or 2 on the florida pick, allow the player to develop without burning any of the players ELC status, the summer of 2023 the habs have over 20 million in cap space, only need to sign caufield, and Harris, pinard,, 2024-25 season 10.862.000 in cap space as hoffman,edmonson,pitlick,wideman, expire with montembeault, barron and xhejac to sign, 2025-26 about 9 million when dvo,armia,evans,allen kovacevic expire, so in 3 years almost 40 million coming off the cap , the question is how much do caufield take away from that as well as some raises/bridge deals. just gives an idea what type of cap room the habs will have without any cap increases, and without dealing Anderson, I would wait for PLD to be a free agent, maybe habs get a top 3 pick and decide to use assets cap space on a RHD, and allow Beck/roy/heinmen/ or any existing younger players file roster spots over the next few years while on ELC,

 

[DesmondDekker]

Who would you like better at 7? Even in a deep draft, there is no clear superstar available at that spot.

Also, who would have left a better taste than Slaf ?

Undersized 2c Logan Cooley? 25 goals against in 11 playoff game Wright? Maybe Matthew Savoie?

David Jiricek is the answer. The injury might have scared a few teams, but IMO he was the gamebreaking talent that we needed on the backend.

 

[Jaynki]

I would have gone Cooley over Slaf, but that is the past and Slafkovsky gives the team something to work with.

Having said such, I 100% would be disappointed if the outcome of bottoming out did not provide a top notch, bonafide play driving prospect or minute munching d-man. Under that scenario, Cristall, Moore, and my top 3 d-men (Guly, Simashev and Reinbacher) would be on the board, among other intriguing players. I think they all count as bpa over Leonard and, in most cases, play a more desired position.

Leonard would 100% be a target with the Florida pick.

I think top notch bonafide play driving prospect was the idea when we drafted Slaf.

Its nice when we are at the 7th pick because opinion differ a lot and these prospects are all in a similar tier. I would also be happy with Moore and Reinbacher or any player you listed. I do have a preference for Leonard style of play tho.

 

[Jaynki]

David Jiricek is the answer. The injury might have scared a few teams, but IMO he was the gamebreaking talent that we needed on the backend.

He has everything to be a number one defenseman and he has an impressive season.

Do you think Slaf can still be the answer ?

 

[MarkovsKnee]

It's legitimately no contest between Leonard and Barlow.

One is already a better player with more goal scoring acumen and still has development to do.

I mean I've been on the Leonard train since the beginning and have been repeatedly told he's a middle 6 forward at best, and not worthy of a top 10 pick.

They should watch the kid more because he's got tremendous hands to go along with a small power forward type of game. His skating is MacKinnon quality.

 

[DesmondDekker]

He has everything to be a number one defenseman and he has an impressive season.

Do you think Slaf can still be the answer ?

Definitely. As much as we would’ve loved for him to be a dominant power forward right away, Slaf is still super young. This is his first steps on NA ice. Sure his game needs tons of improvement, but who knows what kind of player this kid will be at age 23-24-25!? We did not draft a generational talent, but a potential first line winger with size and skill is a fairly decent addition to our group of prospects.

One thing though, no matter the development path the organization thinks is best for him, Slaf will need to show consistent signs of improvement each season or else the media, fans and ultimately the org will lose patience with him.

 

[Jaynki]

Definitely. As much as we would’ve loved for him to be a dominant power forward right away, Slaf is still super young. This is his first steps on NA ice. Sure his game needs tons of improvement, but who knows what kind of player this kid will be at age 23-24-25!? We did not draft a generational talent, but a potential first line winger with size and skill is a fairly decent addition to our group of prospects.

One thing though, no matter the development path the organization thinks is best for him, Slaf will need to show consistent signs of improvement each season or else the media, fans and ultimately the org will lose patience with him.

Could not agree more.

 

[Mrb1p]

I mean I've been on the Leonard train since the beginning and have been repeatedly told he's a middle 6 forward at best, and not worthy of a top 10 pick.

They should watch the kid more because he's got tremendous hands to go along with a small power forward type of game. His skating is MacKinnon quality.

I think Leonard is what we believed Yager would be last year.

Still, unsure if Id be happy with him and Slaf as our big pieces... Im pretty confident it is not enough to win.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

I think Leonard is what we believed Yager would be last year.

Still, unsure if Id be happy with him and Slaf as our big pieces... Im pretty confident it is not enough to win.

It isn't right now. We still need a center to accompany Suzuki. I like Dach, but he hasn't shown consistency. Our D, and center positions are work in progresses.

You have to build up the middle: center, D, goal.

It's possible we pick too high to draft Leonard (top 5), or too low (Florida's pick).

It's too early to know anything. But, you need scoring & he can score. It would be another threat besides Caufield.

Leonard only becomes an option in 6-12 range. It's possible he falls because teams decide to draft all the centers first: Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Smith, Moore, Heidt, Danielson, Dvorsky, Benson, Yager & Michkov could easily make up the top 11.

It's not unusual for there to be a run on centers.

 

[Mrb1p]

I think Leonard is what we believed Yager would be last year.

Still, unsure if Id be happy with him and Slaf as our big pieces... Im pretty confident it is not enough to win.

It isn't right now. We still need a center to accompany Suzuki. I like Dach, but he hasn't shown consistency. Our D, and center positions are work in progresses.

You have to build up the middle: center, D, goal.

It's possible we pick too high to draft Leonard (top 5), or too low (Florida's pick).

It's too early to know anything. But, you need scoring & he can score. It would be another threat besides Caufield.

Leonard only becomes an option in 6-12 range. It's possible he falls because teams decide to draft all the centers first: Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Smith, Moore, Heidt, Danielson, Dvorsky, Benson, Yager & Michkov could easily make up the top 11.

It's not unusual for there to be a run on centers.

Another question to ponder... In the grand scheme of things, does Leonard produce more offense than Dvorsky? I see both as .75 ppg kind of guy maybe.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Another question to ponder... In the grand scheme of things, does Leonard produce more offense than Dvorsky? I see both as .75 ppg kind of guy maybe.

I think so. I think Leonard can be a 35g, 35a player. He's not a one trick player. In order to score in NHL you need to be a multi-dimensional scorer at lower levels.

You need more than just a release, or a one-timer. You need to be able to get garbage goals, snap shots, wrist shots, one timers, breakaways, takeaways, etc. And, if you watch Leonard, he brings that.

I said the same thing about Caufield when people said he was too small to score in NHL. I was like, no, this guy has too many weapons to not score. He gets inside, and has a variety of ways that he scores goals. He's not just hanging around waiting for Hughes to set him up. He's an active player involved in creating his own goals, and scores in a variety of ways. Leonard brings a different style game. He's more of power forward type, but he's a diversified goal scorer.

It should be noted that Leonard has a higher ppg than Boldy did in his draft year. Leonard is at 1.5 ppg. Boldy was 1.25 ppg while playing on one of the USDP's best ever teams. They're not dissimilar, although Boldy is bigger (6'2 vs 5'11).

Dvorsky I see more as a 20g, 40a player. I haven't seen a lot from him goal scoring wise to think he'll be a big goal scorer in NHL. He's a 15-25 goal, 40-45 assists player. A Danault type.

 

[montreal]

what a goal from Calum Ritchie, there's not a ton of him in the vid but some shifts and the goal, other then that just lots of Owen Beck dominating in the FO.

 

[BeliveauFan4ever]

Why does Hughes want that 3rd 1st-rounder?

If acquired, WTK would like to see it used on a goalie (Hrabal or Bjarnason) and I think that’s a good idea.

I see it as a cherry on top if the Lotto allows the first two picks to break Habs’ way in stellar or near-stellar fashion.

But why does Hughes want it?

Provides options for sure. Could be a trade chip pre-draft or a band-aid if you will, if the Lotto goes Bettman’s way (wink icon).

Maybe it’s part of a RD acquisition.

Just wondering if there are gut feelings about a specific player target or positions among our posters.

I’m just happy Hughes seems determined to go get it.

 

[MON4NHLTOR4MLB]

Why does Hughes want that 3rd 1st-rounder?

If acquired, WTK would like to see it used on a goalie (Hrabal or Bjarnason) and I think that’s a good idea.

I see it as a cherry on top if the Lotto allows the first two picks to break Habs’ way in stellar or near-stellar fashion.

But why does Hughes want it?

Provides options for sure. Could be a trade chip pre-draft or a band-aid if you will, if the Lotto goes Bettman’s way (wink icon).

Maybe it’s part of a RD acquisition.

Just wondering if there are gut feelings about a specific player target or positions among our posters.

I’m just happy Hughes seems determined to go get it.

Personally, I think he wants it to package either that or Floridas for Dubois and still have 2 1sts in the draft

 

[NotProkofievian]

Would love a third first. Especially with Cristall being out for so long, there's a chance we could get very lucky.

 

[WinterLion]

Why does Hughes want that 3rd 1st-rounder?

If acquired, WTK would like to see it used on a goalie (Hrabal or Bjarnason) and I think that’s a good idea.

I see it as a cherry on top if the Lotto allows the first two picks to break Habs’ way in stellar or near-stellar fashion.

But why does Hughes want it?

Provides options for sure. Could be a trade chip pre-draft or a band-aid if you will, if the Lotto goes Bettman’s way (wink icon).

Maybe it’s part of a RD acquisition.

Just wondering if there are gut feelings about a specific player target or positions among our posters.

I’m just happy Hughes seems determined to go get it.

Who wouldn't want another first in this years draft? There are like 20 "top 10" guys already and it's still very early. Traditionally some of the D and the Euro's make a push starting around now... it's a good year to have an extra pick (and an early 2nd)

 

[sandviper]

Would love a third first. Especially with Cristall being out for so long, there's a chance we could get very lucky.

Not me… I want four firsts.

Better insert a here in case people think I’m being serious, which I’m not but actually am.

 

[KevSkillz4]

Habs need to draft forward and goalie more than D. Maybe Reinbacher with Florida pick is the only RD that I would be happy to draft him, he is a perfect fit for a player like Lane Hutson.

At D, i'm 100% sure that we are set... Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris are all proving that they are going to be good defenseman at NHL. Guhle is going to be a top pairing. Add Mailloux, Barron (show good things recently), Hutson, Engstrom, Struble, Trudeau, that's a great depth.

But Habs need to focus on forward and goalies side, at forward they have good talent, but need so bad a type of player like Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Michkov, Benson, Smith, Moore, Yager, even Leonard who make good case to draft him in top 10, really skilled player with great hardwork in his game, fun player to watch and to have.

I'm maybe higher on Yager than some people, but he have the shoot and skating to become a really really good player, 1st line potential, this guy is very good. Top 6 talent in my mind, but he is going to be draft between 7-14, depends teams...

Top 6 is lock to me...

1 - Bedard.
2 - Fantilli.
3 - Carlsson.
4 - Michkov.
5 - Benson or Smith.
6 - Benson or Smith.

At 5-6 it's between Benson and Smith 100%, they are close.

At 7 i'm high on Oliver Moore.

At 8, it's Yager for me.

At 9-10... Leonard and Dvorsky.

 

[GlassesJacketShirt]

Habs need to draft forward and goalie more than D. Maybe Reinbacher with Florida pick is the only RD that I would be happy to draft him, he is a perfect fit for a player like Lane Hutson.

At D, i'm 100% sure that we are set... Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris are all proving that they are going to be good defenseman at NHL. Guhle is going to be a top pairing. Add Mailloux, Barron (show good things recently), Hutson, Engstrom, Struble, Trudeau, that's a great depth.

But Habs need to focus on forward and goalies side, at forward they have good talent, but need so bad a type of player like Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Michkov, Benson, Smith, Moore, Yager, even Leonard who make good case to draft him in top 10, really skilled player with great hardwork in his game, fun player to watch and to have.

I'm maybe higher on Yager than some people, but he have the shoot and skating to become a really really good player, 1st line potential, this guy is very good. Top 6 talent in my mind, but he is going to be draft between 7-14, depends teams...

Top 6 is lock to me...

1 - Bedard.
2 - Fantilli.
3 - Carlsson.
4 - Michkov.
5 - Benson or Smith.
6 - Benson or Smith.

At 5-6 it's between Benson and Smith 100%, they are close.

At 7 i'm high on Oliver Moore.

At 8, it's Yager for me.

At 9-10... Leonard and Dvorsky.

I mostly agree with your point, though I'm honestly fine if someone like Simashev is available despite the handedness. Getting another guy who can perhaps one day match Guhle's minutes and be another two-way horse is never a bad idea, so him or Reinbacher is cool.

Only real disagreement I have at this point is Yager in the top 8, think he's a bottom of the first round type of guy. Leonard does everything you want out of Yager offensively, but better, and I'm not keen on taking a player this high if he can't regularly drive play in junior.

 

[Mrb1p]

I mostly agree with your point, though I'm honestly fine if someone like Simashev is available despite the handedness. Getting another guy who can perhaps one day match Guhle's minutes and be another two-way horse is never a bad idea, so him or Reinbacher is cool.

Only real disagreement I have at this point is Yager in the top 8, think he's a bottom of the first round type of guy. Leonard does everything you want out of Yager offensively, but better, and I'm not keen on taking a player this high if he can't regularly drive play in junior.

Daily post to remind you that Gulyayev sucks

Yager doesnt drive play, per se, but what he does is very valuable and very easy to translate. Bottom of the first is a bit much for me. I agree about Leonard though, hes a better prospect for now.

 

[NotProkofievian]

I don't get it with Barlow. I just don't get it.

 

[Mrb1p]

I don't get it with Barlow. I just don't get it.

Big, fast, gritty. Theres a place for this kind of player and its outside the top 30.

They have similar value to starters on the market.

 

[Jaynki]

Big, fast, gritty. Theres a place for this kind of player and its outside the top 30.

They have similar value to starters on the market.

36 goals in 45 games is no slouch.

The guy we all wanted 1st overall had 32 in 62 games and he was apparently a terrific shooter.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I don't get it with Barlow. I just don't get it.

Welcome to the clan, I've been expecting you.