2023 NHL Entry Draft

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Just cleaned up a rebound off a Guindon shot.

It feels like the Habs 2 1sts are in the wrong spot to get him. Habs 1st is too high and the cats 1st he'll be gone by then.

 

[WeThreeKings]

It feels like the Habs 2 1sts are in the wrong spot to get him. Habs 1st is too high and the cats 1st he'll be gone by then.

Fine by me. I prefer Honzek to Barlow and he should be there at the FLA pick

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

That's exactly what Benson is. His most defining characteristic. What?

Well I disagree there. Gallagher is a pretty unique player in NHL history. Also Gallagher is a friggin tank.

 

[montreal]

I wonder how the copyright and ownership works for youtube vids of feeds like you do ? Ever had anything deleted ?

yes, the KHL won't allow anything (I'm in the US), the NHL sometimes they let you keep the vid up but take any money it makes. The Q has made me take down a number of vids, it's really odd as it's the most random vids and sometimes it's many months later but it will be just 1 vid out of say 9 or 10 so I have no clue why some and not others.

 

[Schooner Guy]

Does anyone know when Team Canada selects its team for the upcoming WU18? It begins April 20.

 

[BoneHutson]

Benson is awesome.
I just wish that we weren't stocked with so many smol guys already - Gally, Farrell, Cole, RHP etc...
But ya I'd probably still take him - he's plays like beast with the brains of Suzuki.

I think Benson would fit perfectly in our lineup. We could put one smoll boy on each lines and it would played out perfectly (btw, Gallagher isnt playing more than a year before being put in LTIR so I wouldnt even count him)

Slaf-Zuke-Caufield
Farrell-Beck-Dach
Roy-Dubois*-Benson
RHP-Evans-Heineman

Perfect. You dont pass on a talent like Benson because you have guys like RHP, Mesar or Gallagher already in your team lol, you move those guys out if you feel like your team is too small.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Fine by me. I prefer Honzek to Barlow and he should be there at the FLA pick

That would work, too.

Big boy. Habs can't target size just because, but if you can get someone who's worth the pick and brings some size... Sign me up.

 

[Goldenhands]

The USNDTP is losing a 2nd game in a row against the Chicago steel and Celebrini is stealing the show, 2+2 so far today, 7-2 Steel.

 

[Mrb1p]

Taller, stronger, better skater, better shot…

And let’s not pretend like Dvorsky is weak in playmaking, skill level, compete level and all around smarts either…

WTK has been hating on Dvorsky for months, not new. Dvorsky isn't a weak playmaker and has high offensive upside, I don't know why people keep listening to him, he's the most intransigent person on the board.

On topic, Im unsure if Dvorsky is a better skater than Benson.

With about 1 month before the NHL Lottery Draft, if the Montreal Canadiens are picking 5th overall, my top choice will be Zach Benson.

I think this kid is a player who don't have. A player that is smart, dynamic, that likes to attack the defenders and the net, that competes on every shift, wins puck battles, can snipe, can pass, can dangle, that has a sick mullet, and that is a leader and seems to have the attributes to become a leader at the next level. I think he has the floor of a better version of Gallagher and the ceiling of Brayden Point/Brad Marchand. I would take that on my team anytime. What do you guys think? Zach Benson's bandwagon?

I know a lot of people like Will Smith, but I just don't see a dynamic player, a player able to separate himself from the defenders, and especially feels like he lacks the compete level that Benson has over the whole 200ft ice. Benson competes much harder anywhere on the ice versus Smith who is almost afraid to back check. And, I don't want to draft a player that I will always have to add "hockey" after his name when googling him..

Benson is pretty similar to Suzuki, IMO. He's not Point and likely never will be, he doesn't have the shot to be compared to him, nor the wheels (I know, I know neither did Point at that point.)

Of the players I have in 5-8range:
Benson and Smith are a bit too close to what Suzuki is
Reinbacher is a bit too much like Guhle
Cristall is a bit too much like Caufield

We will have to pick a player thats not really fitting the roster and just hope he transitions well. Reinbacher is the obvious one because we don't have a RHD like him, he's my pick, but I won't be mad with any of those guys, if Im honest. Ill be really thrilled.

Smith and Benson do a lot of the same thing on the ice, well, their end result offensively. They're both A+ playmakers, but Smith does it with his hands a tad bit too much for me to think it can translate seamlessly to the NHL. Benson just thinks so fast that its gonna be pretty easy for him, IMO.

That would work, too.

Big boy. Habs can't target size just because, but if you can get someone who's worth the pick and brings some size... Sign me up.

I think Honzek is too much of what the Habs already have. He's similar to Slaf in talent and upside, I see a potential 2nd liner, with Slaf having a bit more boom, of course. I think the Habs need to go for the home-run with their 2nd first rounder, or secure a role-player more than another #3-4 winger, there's gonna be a heck of a logjam there soon with Slaf, Farrell, Mesar, Roy, RHP, Kidney.

I would try to either target a guy that can complement Caufield and Suzuki (Leonard, Barlow) or a guy that can just boom and explode and be that #1-#2 winger with Caufield or top C. (Wood, Sale, Cristall, Yager, Lardis, Heidt).

The USNDTP is losing a 2nd game in a row against the Chicago steel and Celebrini is stealing the show, 2+2 so far today, 7-2 Steel.

How is Perron though ?

 

[Goldenhands]

How is Perron though ?

Not in Brindley's league.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

WTK has been hating on Dvorsky for months, not new. Dvorsky isn't a weak playmaker and has high offensive upside, I don't know why people keep listening to him, he's the most intransigent person on the board.

On topic, Im unsure if Dvorsky is a better skater than Benson.



Benson is pretty similar to Suzuki, IMO. He's not Point and likely never will be, he doesn't have the shot to be compared to him, nor the wheels (I know, I know neither did Point at that point.)

Of the players I have in 5-8range:
Benson and Smith are a bit too close to what Suzuki is
Reinbacher is a bit too much like Guhle
Cristall is a bit too much like Caufield

We will have to pick a player thats not really fitting the roster and just hope he transitions well. Reinbacher is the obvious one because we don't have a RHD like him, he's my pick, but I won't be mad with any of those guys, if Im honest. Ill be really thrilled.

Smith and Benson do a lot of the same thing on the ice, well, their end result offensively. They're both A+ playmakers, but Smith does it with his hands a tad bit too much for me to think it can translate seamlessly to the NHL. Benson just thinks so fast that its gonna be pretty easy for him, IMO.



I think Honzek is too much of what the Habs already have. He's similar to Slaf in talent and upside, I see a potential 2nd liner, with Slaf having a bit more boom, of course. I think the Habs need to go for the home-run with their 2nd first rounder, or secure a role-player more than another #3-4 winger, there's gonna be a heck of a logjam there soon with Slaf, Farrell, Mesar, Roy, RHP, Kidney.

I would try to either target a guy that can complement Caufield and Suzuki (Leonard, Barlow) or a guy that can just boom and explode and be that #1-#2 winger with Caufield or top C. (Wood, Sale, Cristall, Yager, Lardis, Heidt).


How is Perron though ?

My not so draft focused wish is Wood with the Cats pick..

He seems like a big body who's got the skill to be a finisher and some skill to create a little bit of space, but isn't skilled enough to make a 20 goal scorer a 30 goal scorer.

I know he isn't thar physical for a guy his size, but doesn't mean he won't add that. I'd rather he be that big complimentary player that pot's 25-30 than 15 while being physical

 

[Mrb1p]

Not in Brindley's league.

Well yeah he doesn't play in the NCAA. They are both in very similar situations though, playing with an elite player too good for their league and just riding shotgun.

 

[Mrb1p]

My not so draft focused wish is Wood with the Cats pick..

He seems like a big body who's got the skill to be a finisher and some skill to create a little bit of space, but isn't skilled enough to make a 20 goal scorer a 30 goal scorer.

I know he isn't thar physical for a guy his size, but doesn't mean he won't add that. I'd rather he be that big complimentary player that pot's 25-30 than 15 while being physical

What ?





I can't pinpoint his potential exactly but with a shot, size, hands and vision like he has, he is certainly not limited offensively, in fact, Id say he has some of the highest potential in the draft. Robertson is of course the obvious comparison but JVR is also another one Id like to use. I also likened him to Kovalev, he plays a very similar way to me, he's not as "lazy" and he's not as magical with his hands, of course.

 

[Lockin17]

Arizona have 7 straight looses ,, they are tanking really good. (Bettman should see that shit)
IF we don't win any more games we're good otherwise we might end up having #6

Pitts are playing bad,, yesterday they lost the game at 2 minutes left in the game, had a powerplay at the end.
Not sure they will make the playoff even though they have the easiest road ahead.

 

[HabsForHire]

I don't think #3 gets traded. However if Michkov is available at #4 and the team @#4 won't risk taking him, then it becomes a possible trade spot. My fear is we pass Arizona to end up at #6 and 2 teams bypass us in the lottery pushing us to #8.

If we are at 5 and 4 won't risk it why trade anything ? Just take him at 5 lol

 

[MonkeyBusiness]

Bedard hasn't slowed down in the playoffs. We're midway in the game and he already has 2 goals and an assist. The Blades finally changed their sieve that was their goaltender.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

What ?





I can't pinpoint his potential exactly but with a shot, size, hands and vision like he has, he is certainly not limited offensively, in fact, Id say he has some of the highest potential in the draft. Robertson is of course the obvious comparison but JVR is also another one Id like to use. I also likened him to Kovalev, he plays a very similar way to me, he's not as "lazy" and he's not as magical with his hands, of course.

That's my bad on word usage. I shouldn't have said limited in that he might be a 20 goal guy, or something.

From what I've read it seems like he's a good pick, but isn't the type to make the players around him better, but then again only a few players do.

A Robertson, or even JVR type would be sick.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Fine by me. I prefer Honzek to Barlow and he should be there at the FLA pick

Eh, Barlow is definitely on my list at Florida's pick. The kid WILL score in NHL count on it. He'd be a great winger for Dach. If we want a big winger at Florida's pick, I'd take Wood over Honzek. I like Dvorsky at that pick too if available.

If Florida's pick is #18, likely all of those are gone, in which case I might look at Musty, or definitely Sale if he falls that far. We'll see where Cats pick lands.

 

[montreal]

Eh, Barlow is definitely on my list at Florida's pick. The kid WILL score in NHL count on it. He'd be a great winger for Dach. If we want a big winger at Florida's pick, I'd take Wood over Honzek. I like Dvorsky at that pick too if available.

If Florida's pick is #18, likely all of those are gone, in which case I might look at Musty, or definitely Sale if he falls that far. We'll see where Cats pick lands.

I like Barlow too, either that or in the few games I saw I just caught him at the right time as he was often the best player on the ice. We'll see where that 2nd pick ends up though, no way does he make it to 18, I would be surprised if he doesn't go top 10.

 

[Vachon23]

Bedard hasn't slowed down in the playoffs. We're midway in the game and he already has 2 goals and an assist. The Blades finally changed their sieve that was their goaltender.

The fact that they are leading that série even if Saskatoon had 29 more pts shows how much of a gamer Bedard is

 

[MarkovsKnee]

I like Barlow too, either that or in the few games I saw I just caught him at the right time as he was often the best player on the ice. We'll see where that 2nd pick ends up though, no way does he make it to 18, I would be surprised if he doesn't go top 10.

He's a strong two-way player, who has noticeably worked on his shot this year, and continues to work on his overall game. He gets to the puck, has quick hands for scoring around the net, can score goals on his own (i.e. doesn't need someone to set him up or get him the puck), and has included hiding his release point in his overall shooting arsenal, which is not a small factor.

Yeah, likely not there at Florida's pick, as I just don't see him getting by all of St. Louis, Washington, Ottawa & Buffalo.

 

[MonkeyBusiness]

The fact that they are leading that série even if Saskatoon had 29 more pts shows how much of a gamer Bedard is

Saskatoon is one of those teams that when you watch them, you say to yourself: How in the hell have they gotten so many wins? Everytime I've watched them this season I found them to be atrocious, and they're so boring to see.

 

[Playmaker09]

Well I disagree there. Gallagher is a pretty unique player in NHL history. Also Gallagher is a friggin tank.

Benson already has the strength and balance to battle guys much bigger than him, and has plenty of time to bulk up.

This HEOTP article has Gallagher listed at 163lbs as a prospect. He now plays at 185ish.

Top 25 Under 25: #7 Brendan Gallagher

Adding 20+ lbs post draft is quite common. I think Suzuki was also 183 at the combine and is now 208, so 25 lbs heavier.

 

[Jabba11]

Benson is pretty similar to Suzuki, IMO. He's not Point and likely never will be, he doesn't have the shot to be compared to him, nor the wheels (I know, I know neither did Point at that point.)

Of the players I have in 5-8range:
Benson and Smith are a bit too close to what Suzuki is
Reinbacher is a bit too much like Guhle
Cristall is a bit too much like Caufield

We will have to pick a player thats not really fitting the roster and just hope he transitions well. Reinbacher is the obvious one because we don't have a RHD like him, he's my pick, but I won't be mad with any of those guys, if Im honest. Ill be really thrilled.

Smith and Benson do a lot of the same thing on the ice, well, their end result offensively. They're both A+ playmakers, but Smith does it with his hands a tad bit too much for me to think it can translate seamlessly to the NHL. Benson just thinks so fast that its gonna be pretty easy for him, IMO.

I understand your view on Benson and Smith and agree with some of it, however I just don't see too much of Suzuki in Benson. I see some similarities, but I honestly think Benson's first few steps when he accelerates is much more fluid and explosive than Suzuki. Benson needs to work on his top end speed, but his ability to separate himself in the neutral zone or on a rush is what makes him different from Suzuki. If anything, I think Smith is definitely more Suzuki than Benson is.

 

[Mrb1p]

I understand your view on Benson and Smith and agree with some of it, however I just don't see too much of Suzuki in Benson. I see some similarities, but I honestly think Benson's first few steps when he accelerates is much more fluid and explosive than Suzuki. Benson needs to work on his top end speed, but his ability to separate himself in the neutral zone or on a rush is what makes him different from Suzuki. If anything, I think Smith is definitely more Suzuki than Benson is.

I was mostly talking as the role they will have on a team. I think all three have similar strengths and weakness that has them playing as the #3-4th best forward on the team. A guy that won't bring grit, but will be dangerous offensively and make everyone better around them.

Im not sure if that's what the Habs need, but if its whats available, I won't whine too much and Ill be pretty happy with the pick.