2023 NHL Entry Draft

[Habs Icing]

Skipping Michkov for But would be... something.

Paulie agrees with you.

 

[Raskolnikow]

Speaking of Morin, how is he not more discussed? 72 pts (T-1 on his team) is incredible.

Bad to average skater? Awful defensively? Or just a case of too many players being good this year?

Morin reminds me a little bit of Bouchard. Really good in the offensive zone with crisp passes and a threatening shot. But he also plays with low pace, is not the best skater and too passive in the defensive zone at times. For me he is an option in the second round.

A player I would really like the Habs to take a chance on is Daniil But. He is very raw but the upside is huge. There was a post on the recrutes youtube channel showing his playoff performances in the MHL. He has really soft hands for a big guy, makes high IQ plays in the offensive zone constantly, and can be a physical beast. He has problems with his balance sometimes and his shot lacks precision, but he has so many great tools to work with. He is like Matthew Wood, but with more powerful skating.

I remember the hockeyprospect guys are high on him, too.

 

[Mrb1p]

Morin reminds me a little bit of Bouchard. Really good in the offensive zone with crisp passes and a threatening shot. But he also plays with low pace, is not the best skater and too passive in the defensive zone at times. For me he is an option in the second round.

A player I would really like the Habs to take a chance on is Daniil But. He is very raw but the upside is huge. There was a post on the recrutes youtube channel showing his playoff performances in the MHL. He has really soft hands for a big guy, makes high IQ plays in the offensive zone constantly, and can be a physical beast. He has problems with his balance sometimes and his shot lacks precision, but he has so many great tools to work with. He is like Matthew Wood, but with more powerful skating.

I remember the hockeyprospect guys are high on him, too.

Morin has 1000x the IQ Bouchard has. Bouchard is basically MAB with more size and a better wrister. Hes much more creative and a better passer.

His defensive woes are very present, but they mostly come from misreads and poor footwork. These are two super easy things to fix, IMO.

Him and Dragicevic are serious gambles. I think they both have #1 upside and I see a potential PP specialist if things dont pan out for both. Not too interested in them with the first rounders as I have them behind FLAs pick but they are 15-30 prospects in this draft.

But is great but he is not Matthew Wood. Woods tools and IQ are rivaling anyone in this draft.

 

[Goldenhands]

McCagg didn't have Bedard 1st overall until after the WJC.

Nope thats not exactly true, he had Fantilli ranked 1st for like 1 or 2 weeks until Bedard starts racking up 4-5 pts nights. I recall that because I watched Bedard's game after he dropped him 2nd in his ranking and Bedard had a magistral game recording 5 pts, I then said that Bedard probably was aware of that drop and wasnt too happy about that... They put Bedard back at 1st really quickly, but I entirely agree that it was huge mistake.

 

[Whitesnake]

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

 

[RationalExpectations]

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

Start of the year he was overvalued, now I feel like he is undervalued, still has the third best shot of the draft from what I have seen, scored a goal per game in J20 in Sweden, 2 PPG. Underwhelming in the Allensvenskan that is true, but have any other NA prospects proven anything against men ? Not saying he is clear BPA but he is in the mix.

 

[Goldenhands]

The more games I watch, the more I realize this draft only possesses 5 truly elite talents (the unanimous top 4 + Benson). That's why this team must absolutely finish bottom 5 and ideally bottom 4 (8 pts behind ANA) to secure one of them. After those 5, there's like a group of 8-10 players who could all go 6th OA and we're not talking about players with elite potential imo.

Smith : Elite hands and can make superb plays from the point on the PP, but his skating is terrible (and so is his mechanic, which means he won't get much faster nor agile in the NHL) and his defensive play is non-existent most of the time (and its not like he's trying either). But what really bugs me is his effort level, I dont think Ive seen him win more than 1 board battle a game in the games Ive watched (and that's when he actually try to battle for the puck). I don't get why for some people, he's a clear top 6 guy. Id be hesitant to take him in the top 10 as we speak.

Moore : I like him more than Smith. Skating is elite and he works hard, but it's hard to imagine him becoming more than a 55-60pts 2-3 defensive C who's solid at zone exit/entry. He simply doesn't have the offensive skills (passing skills and shot) needed to be a 60+pts guy. I see both Smith and Moore as a halves of Logan Cooley as the later's got the hands of Smith while also having Moore's skating and intensity.

Leonard : He's the guy I like the most from the USNTDP. Skating, puck skills and defensive games are all solid + his shot is an absolute rocket (and he can use it in so many ways) and he's probably the guy who works the hardest in this draft alongside Benson imo. If we miss on the top 5, which I hope we don't, he's the guy Id like (as of now). We're talking about a 60pts 5'11'' power forward who's great at everything but not dynamic enough to be in the same conversation as Benson imo.

Reinbacher : I like him and I do believe he's got number second pairing Dmen written all over him, but as it's the case with many draft specialists, he doesn't display enough puck skills/offensive instinct to become the guy who'll play next to Guhle for the next 10 years. And honestly, I don't see why we should go for a D this year. We already have 4 young Dmen who are all absolute NHLer + Matheson who might be a 40+ pts dmen for the next 3 seasons + Hutson (I think he'll be a top 10 dmen one day), Mailloux (elite offense, poor hockey IQ, hard to say what he'll be, could play PP1 right away next season or spend two seasons in the A) and Engstrom (what a surprise he's been). That's 7 young players + Matheson (who might pull a Petry and be really good until his mid 30s).

Dvorsky : Poor skater, but really great hands + an elite shot to go along with a really mature defensive game, but as impressive as are his stats in the U20 and as hard as it is for a teen to play in a men's league (Allsv.), he just doesn't look that great. There's some flashes here and there, and he does a really great job on the half-wall on the PP, but other than that he's mostly invisible. Unfortunately, as of now, he just screams project to me with a greater chance than not of becoming a 3C (45-50pts) and we already have Beck for that imo (and taking that kind of player at that rank would be so meh).

Then there's the Barlow, Danielson, Yager and Sale, but honestly, I dont think any of them are really worth it in the top 7.

So, let's pray Farrell scores 10+pts and that Dach, Zuke and cie keeps on producing for the rest of the year, but that we lose all of our remaining games apart from the one against FLA.

Ending with a middle of the lineup player after the season we've had would be absolutely terrible.

I agree with the essence of your post that there is no elite talents after the top 4, well you have Benson as one, personally Im not denying his talent level, just think the size/skating might limit his upside a bit at the NHL level. For me the drop is after 4 and I agree that you have a tier of 8-10 players that could be picked in different orders depending teams preferences or needs.

On Reinbacher, I disagree with your projection. For me this kid totally possesses the tools to be a solid top pairing defenseman, he is defensively rock solid, has excellent mobility, gap control and physicality to his game in the same mold as Jiricek, he is quick to close gap and will crush his opponents as soon as he has a chance to, his bodychecks are clean and dissuasive, has a long reach, very good stick work, sound positionning and a very high defending IQ. On the offensive side, kid is great in transition, his passing skills are fluid, sharp, accurate and his skating allows him to carry the puck up ice at times too. He is a good puckhandler who usually takes the good dicisions in all 3 zones. He can support the offense and quit his position to jump in the play when its worth it too and does it smartly, but wont take useless risks, he usually is a stable presence on the back end. I like his shooting skills, its not elite at that point, but still way above average and should get even better as he gains more strength. Does he have the tools to be a #1 PP quarterback? I think so, in the same mold as a Hedman, Dobson, but even if he ends up on your 2nd PP wave, Is it that bad? I mean, we have a Lane Hutson to fill that role anyway... Funny that you bring Guhle to the conversation since I watched him alot in junior and Reinbacher is just as good at defending and flashes much better offensive instincts. I have Reinbacher as the clear #1 of that 2nd tier and easily the most logical option for the Habs.

On Dvorsky, I disagree with labelling him a bad skater, thats not quite pro level ready, but thats quite fine by comparison to most top prospects in the draft.

On Smith, his foot speed, startups needs a bit of work, but kid can reach good top speed once he gets going. I think its more of a motor and strength issue since he is pretty weak on pucks. What frustrates me the most with Smith is that he actives only on the offensive side of the game when his team has a chance to counter attack, you will see him come alive, but when his team loses possession, his game away from the puck is flawed and wont get his nose dirty to retrieve possession, not combative enough, poor physical involment I would say in the same mold as Wright last year. Offensively he is one of the most creative players in the draft, great vision, playmaking, puckhandling and offensive awarenesses, but has a tendency to slow the pace down too much, what wont work at the pro level.

On Moore, kid can really snipe, I think you are underrating his wrister big time, I could post several videos where he displays a fantastic release and beat goaltenders cleanly, its a matter to get in position to fire it more often.

Agree on Leonard on all points, I have him ranked pretty high as well. I like both Leonard and Moore alot, but Leonard has the edge.

 

[Goldenhands]

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

Reinbacher is my guess, but if we pass Arizona in the standing, they probably grab him since Tourigny seems very high on his fowards prospects but admittedly lacking blue chip D prospects.

 

[McGees]

With talks around Dubois being potentially moved this off-season per Friedman - really starting to think Habs take Reinbacher knowing they got Dubois coming in up front.

 

[BergevinBurner]

With talks around Dubois being potentially moved this off-season per Friedman - really starting to think Habs take Reinbacher knowing they got Dubois coming in up front.

That's what I'm thinking too at this point, IF we trade for PLD before/at the draft then not only does that give us another to 6 center to go with Suzuki, but it also cements Dach as a top 6 winger.

At that point our 2 biggest needs by a mile are RHD and goaltending. With how varied peoples opinions are once you get outside of the top 4/5, it's not really as simple as BPA for picks 5-10. If our scouts view guys like Smith, Benson, Reinbacher, Dvorsky, etc... as players with similar ceilings then I think they'd be leaning toward Reinbacher.

 

[Hacketts]

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

Don't worry, we're gonna pick #1.. the tank gods appreciate the way we're losing this year.

 

[WeThreeKings]

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

There's a bigger chance he doesn't go top 10.

Why are we fearmongering for no reason?

 

[HuGort]

Hockey db data might not have been updated with the latest values. If he shows up at the combine, we will get more accurate data too...

Sandin- Pellika may slide to our second round pick. Same as Hutson.

 

[Mrb1p]

Start of the year he was overvalued, now I feel like he is undervalued, still has the third best shot of the draft from what I have seen, scored a goal per game in J20 in Sweden, 2 PPG. Underwhelming in the Allensvenskan that is true, but have any other NA prospects proven anything against men ? Not saying he is clear BPA but he is in the mix.

I like Dalibor but he doesnt have a better shot than Wood and Im not sure he ranks ahead of Yager, Lardis, Drag or Sale either in pure shooting.

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

Theres no good pick at 5.

Id much rather Dvrosky rather than Moore though

 

[phillytennis]

McCagg might be an old grump but he’s definitely called a bunch of Habs picks over the years. I remember him calling the McCarron pick which to me was absolutely wild as I had McCarron well outside my top 50 and think most did too.

At the time, I was debating with Grant McCagg the McCarron selection. He was arguing for the selection claiming the Habs needed McCarron's size down the middle.
I was against the pick because I felt Mike McCarron was too slow for the speedy NHL.

 

[phillytennis]

I have him inside my top 30, 2nd ranked D right now.

If you watched the prospects game, Étienne
Morin was the best puck moving defenseman in the game.

 

[Michoulicious]

That's what I'm thinking too at this point, IF we trade for PLD before/at the draft then not only does that give us another to 6 center to go with Suzuki, but it also cements Dach as a top 6 winger.

At that point our 2 biggest needs by a mile are RHD and goaltending. With how varied peoples opinions are once you get outside of the top 4/5, it's not really as simple as BPA for picks 5-10. If our scouts view guys like Smith, Benson, Reinbacher, Dvorsky, etc... as players with similar ceilings then I think they'd be leaning toward Reinbacher.

NEVER draft for need, especially NOT in the top 10.

If you think the forward is better, go for it.

As for PLD, it would make me SICK if we spent any quality asset just to get him a year in advance.

 

[Goldenhands]

At the time, I was debating with Grant McCagg the McCarron selection. He was arguing for the selection claiming the Habs needed McCarron's size down the middle.
I was against the pick because I felt Mike McCarron was too slow for the speedy NHL.

Who was your own pick? That draft is a black hole, only notable name we missed on is Theodore.

 

[River Meadow]

So we have to prepare ourselves with Dvorsky being our pick even at 5? With Lapointe in charge....nothing will surprise me. Dvorsky isn't BPA at 5. At all.

Absolutely.

"We love his character and his compete level, he's a warrior"

 

[Michoulicious]

These people talking about trading Florida's pick for PLD are crazy.

They don't realize how valuable a top 15 pick in that draft is.

 

[Michoulicious]

Sandin- Pellika may slide to our second round pick. Same as Hutson.

Sandin-Pellika will get drafted in the top 15 IMO. No way he falls in the 2nd round, this is lunacy.

 

[Whitesnake]

Start of the year he was overvalued, now I feel like he is undervalued, still has the third best shot of the draft from what I have seen, scored a goal per game in J20 in Sweden, 2 PPG. Underwhelming in the Allensvenskan that is true, but have any other NA prospects proven anything against men ? Not saying he is clear BPA but he is in the mix.

I always prefered Dvorsky over Sale when the debate was in. But he's not top 5 for me.

Reinbacher is my guess, but if we pass Arizona in the standing, they probably grab him since Tourigny seems very high on his fowards prospects but admittedly lacking blue chip D prospects.

Reinbacher isn't BPA either....he's need at top 5.

 

[Whitesnake]

There's a bigger chance he doesn't go top 10.

Why are we fearmongering for no reason?

Well as much as I'm not a fan.....when McCagg starts SUDDENLY preferring a player, it's not that he prefers it..it's because he hears stuff. I will always believe that the guy is putrid in prospect evaluation BUT I also believe he has his contacts. Until proven otherwise, he talks a lot about Dvorsky, somebody in the Habs like him very much.....

 

[WeThreeKings]

Well as much as I'm not a fan.....when McCagg starts SUDDENLY preferring a player, it's not that he prefers it..it's because he hears stuff. I will always believe that the guy is putrid in prospect evaluation BUT I also believe he has his contacts. Until proven otherwise, he talks a lot about Dvorsky, somebody in the Habs like him very much.....

I think he just likes him the same way he liked Mike McLeod.. which was not a Habs love.

 

[phillytennis]

Thanks guys!

Who was your own pick? That draft is a black hole, only notable name we missed on is Theodore.

I wanted us to move up and draft Anthony Mantha...also liked Laurent Dauphin...also was impressed with Shea Theodore in the prospects game.