2023 NHL Entry Draft

[Mrb1p]

The risk of not taking Michkov is bigger than the risk of taking him.

In fact, if you are not a gambler you just take the superstat and wait for him. Fantilli and Carlsson are the big gambles. Do they have the upside to be comparable to Michkov?

 

[Jabba11]

My hot takes: Matvei Michkov is as good or better than Connor Bedard. But ultimately, Bedard has everything on his side to be the #1 pick of this draft. But in the long run, I think we can see something similar in terms of comparison between Crosby versus Ovy. Some will prefer Sid, others Ovy.

Rankings are different from true draft positions but I think there is no doubt in my opinion that Michkov is the better prospect than both Fantilli and Carlsson at this moment. But, for how they project and develop, that's another thing.

If Habs pick 2nd overall, the "safe" choice is definitely Fantilli. But Carlsson has very strong arguments to be the 2nd best center of the class.

If Habs pick 5th overall and the top 4 is gone, I really want us to pick Zach Benson. I just think we are easily impressed by Smith's production with the USDNTP but even if he outproduced Cooley, I'm pretty sure the majority would prefer Cooley over Smith. Benson is a gem of a player, it's so hard to have a strong gifted player like him that competes so hard. I think they are potential for him to become what Marchand/Point are. I think they are a lot of similarities with Point. It's the type of guy you want to have in the playoffs, when it matters. I feel like Smith floats or is more focused on the showmanship compared to Benson.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

Comes down to how much of a risk taker someone is.

Firstly, do you consider Fantilli is a better prospect in a vacuum? If so, then there really isn't anything else to say on the matter, you have your order locked in.

If you think it's 50/50 or advantage Michkov, here is an argument I can relay:

-The NHL has no need to ban Russian players and Michkov is too valuable as a piece of Russian hockey greatness to be sent to the frontlines any time soon

-The three year contract is non-factor since he will be progressing in a league that has displayed transferability of offense with other elite level prospects

-He will be developing out of the limelight and will ship to Montreal a near finished product as far as skill set and physicality; all that remains would be adaptation to NA ice and Habs' system

-He wants to play in the NHL, against the best, when he's ready

-If Michkov can't come over to the NHL due to global events, it's quite possible that none of us will give a damn about NHL hockey anyway by that point

In a vacuum Michkov could get a slight edge but that’s not counting Fantillis size and position.

But the bottom line Fantilli will step into an NHL roster Day 1 and be a Calder contender and eventual NHL All-Star.

The fact Michkov is years away from coming to North America… and then would have to adjust to North America… that’s huge to me and that’s not even mentioning the Russian factor.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

The risk of not taking Michkov is bigger than the risk of taking him.

In fact, if you are not a gambler you just take the superstat and wait for him. Fantilli and Carlsson are the big gambles. Do they have the upside to be comparable to Michkov?

I can understand the argument va Carlsson… Carlsson doesn’t have elite skating and will have to come over to NA himself…

But what about Fantilli makes you question his upside? The guy just had historic NCAA production and is elite across the board from a grading standpoint.

 

[Mrb1p]

In a vacuum Michkov could get a slight edge but that’s not counting Fantillis size and position.

But the bottom line Fantilli will step into an NHL roster Day 1 and be a Calder contender and eventual NHL All-Star.

The fact Michkov is years away from coming to North America… and then would have to adjust to North America… that’s huge to me and that’s not even mentioning the Russian factor.

If you want the bigger dude because youre a size queen you could also just say that bro, were in 2023.

My hot takes: Matvei Michkov is as good or better than Connor Bedard. But ultimately, Bedard has everything on his side to be the #1 pick of this draft. But in the long run, I think we can see something similar in terms of comparison between Crosby versus Ovy. Some will prefer Sid, others Ovy.

Rankings are different from true draft positions but I think there is no doubt in my opinion that Michkov is the better prospect than both Fantilli and Carlsson at this moment. But, for how they project and develop, that's another thing.

If Habs pick 2nd overall, the "safe" choice is definitely Fantilli. But Carlsson has very strong arguments to be the 2nd best center of the class.

If Habs pick 5th overall and the top 4 is gone, I really want us to pick Zach Benson. I just think we are easily impressed by Smith's production with the USDNTP but even if he outproduced Cooley, I'm pretty sure the majority would prefer Cooley over Smith. Benson is a gem of a player, it's so hard to have a strong gifted player like him that competes so hard. I think they are potential for him to become what Marchand/Point are. I think they are a lot of similarities with Point. It's the type of guy you want to have in the playoffs, when it matters. I feel like Smith floats or is more focused on the showmanship compared to Benson.

Better is a bit rich for me but I agree with the very close to as good. Everything Ive seen indicates so too.

 

[Mrb1p]

I can understand the argument va Carlsson… Carlsson doesn’t have elite skating and will have to come over to NA himself…

But what about Fantilli makes you question his upside? The guy just had historic NCAA production and is elite across the board from a grading standpoint.

I question his upside when compared to Michkov, not his upside per se.

I also think Fantilli relies a lot on his physical attributes to dominate, that advantage will shorten in the big. I see a future where that leads him to merely be a PPG forward.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

If you want the bigger dude because youre a size queen you could also just say that bro, were in 2023.


Better is a bit rich for me but I agree with the very close to as good. Everything Ive seen indicates so too.

A power bottom like yourself prefers the Russian twink over the Italian Stallion, no need to say more.

 

[Mrb1p]

A power bottom like yourself prefers the Russian twink over the Italian Stallion, no need to say more.

DramaticGloveTwink

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

I question his upside when compared to Michkov, not his upside per se.

I also think Fantilli relies a lot on his physical attributes to dominate, that advantage will shorten in the big. I see a future where that leads him to merely be a PPG forward.

I mean let’s just call it like it is. Fantilli reminds everyone of Eichel and Eichel has been a slight disappointment even if he’s a PPG center. But I think Eichel has been derailed somewhat due to injury and character issues Fantilli doesn’t have. Before those things emerged Eichel was an incredible prospect in his own right even if he was overshadowed by McDavid like Fantilli with Bedard.

DramaticGloveTwink

This isn’t even remotely clever lol

Think all the brains you’ve given has dropped your IQ.

 

[calder candidate]

Theyre also my Hot takes.

On benson/Cristall, I dont think its fair to say Benson is carried, as Ive seen him as the best player on his team, but there's definitely a McDrai dynamic going on with Savoie, and even Geekie.

Cristall doesn't have that, but on the other hand, Andrew is turned up to 11 offensively, he plays the same way Kane plays, all offense, very little care about defense (Though, I have seen him pull off great defensive reads, which is another argument altogether.) Compared to to Benson who plays a little bit deeper in his zone and has more pro moments.

Cristall also just has the better raw skillset. Hes a better goalscorer, dangler, skater and probably passer than Benson.

Also people misread their skating. Cristall can't create separation, yet but he 100% will. He has waterbug feet., just no lowerbody power. Wood has good power in his stride but doesnt benefit from edges, hes doubling up a lot on his stances and that makes him bit down, a lot. I think we should be clear that Wood will never be Josh Anderson, but theres a path for him where hes a handful to handle because of his size, hands, reach and power.

Cristall is the same story as Point, their skating and skillset looks very similar in junior, I guess Point may have been less careless at times.

Benson isn’t getting carried but you have lot of other player that can make plays, there a big difference between a successful breakout and zone entry and a turn over in the defensive zone or getting a pass on the tape or a icing… Even if you aren’t getting carried it made life that much more easier.

 

[SlafySZN]

Grant doesn’t know anyone either. His connection was well known - Trevor Timmins - who threw him bits of information back in the Tinordi/McCarron days. The Slafkovsky stuff was him parroting what others were already saying (remember, Slaf was #1 on Bob’s final list), he just took it to another level by completely bashing Wright as opposed to just pushing Slaf. Another person who is doing whatever it takes to get clicks.

Grant was talking about Slaf at the start of may, though.

 

[Mrb1p]

I mean let’s just call it like it is. Fantilli reminds everyone of Eichel and Eichel has been a slight disappointment even if he’s a PPG center. But I think Eichel has been derailed somewhat due to injury and character issues Fantilli doesn’t have. Before those things emerged Eichel was an incredible prospect in his own right even if he was overshadowed by McDavid like Fantilli with Bedard.


This isn’t even remotely clever lol

Think all the brains you’ve given has dropped your IQ.

Come on you opened the door on that one.

More seriously, I dont think Fantili compares that well to Eichel. Eichel was the more impressive college player and he still has tools Adam cant say he has. Adams more likely to be a guy like Svechnikov, IMO. Whos a bit of a disappointment himself, if were honest.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

Come on you opened the door on that one.

More seriously, I dont think Fantili compares that well to Eichel. Eichel was the more impressive college player and he still has tools Adam cant say he has. Adams more likely to be a guy like Svechnikov, IMO. Whos a bit of a disappointment himself, if were honest.

Fantilli does have slightly better numbers, won the Hobey Baker and similar tools. I think it’s the obvious comparison.

Grant was talking about Slaf at the start of may, though.

He’s definitely still connected even if we all kind of dislike the guy lol

 

[HabsForHire]

Not the players

No but it for sure calculated tanking by management

 

[Mrb1p]

Fantilli does have slightly better numbers, won the Hobey Baker and similar tools. I think it’s the obvious comparison.


He’s definitely still connected even if we all kind of dislike the guy lol

Slightly better numbers on a much better team in a weaker league overall, Id say. Its not cut and dry that AF had the better season.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Slightly better numbers on a much better team in a weaker league overall, Id say. Its not cut and dry that AF had the better season.

DGS is just after Fantilli's Hobey Bussy.

 

[le_sean]

Grant was talking about Slaf at the start of may, though.

Start of May? So after the Olympics he talked about the fastest riser? That doesn’t mean connected.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

Slightly better numbers on a much better team in a weaker league overall, Id say. Its not cut and dry that AF had the better season.

Not even saying better season just comparable.

 

[SlafySZN]

Fantilli does have slightly better numbers, won the Hobey Baker and similar tools. I think it’s the obvious comparison.


He’s definitely still connected even if we all kind of dislike the guy lol

Connected to the habs i don’t know but he definitely has some connection to some NHL scouts.

 

[SlafySZN]

Start of May? So after the Olympics he talked about the fastest riser? That doesn’t mean connected.

I’m not saying he is connected to the habs but you said he was repeating what he was seeing from guys like mckenzie which is not true, Slaf was his favorite prospect before any one on social media thought about him for the #1 spot. In may last year during the world championship he said many NHL scouts was seeing Slaf as the #1 prospect.

 

[The Great Weal]

The risk of not taking Michkov is bigger than the risk of taking him.

In fact, if you are not a gambler you just take the superstat and wait for him. Fantilli and Carlsson are the big gambles. Do they have the upside to be comparable to Michkov?

I don't think Fantilli and Carlsson are the big gambles, it's the players after them. Passing up on a 70-80 point big center to draft a star player that can't come here would be a giant kick in the nuts. However, passing up on a 50-60 point undersized winger/center for a star player that can't come here would be A LOT easier to swallow.

 

[Mrb1p]

I don't think Fantilli and Carlsson are the big gambles, it's the players after them. Passing up on a 70-80 point big center to draft a star player that can't come here would be a giant kick in the nuts. However, passing up on a 50-60 point undersized winger/center for a star player that can't come here would be A LOT easier to swallow.

Why wouldnt he be able to come here

 

[Habsrule]

I am going to think super optimistic and that Florida loses their two remaining games (TOR and CAR) and just miss the playoffs. Ill do my top 16.

1 Bedard
2 Fantilli
3 Michkov
4 Carlsson
5 Benson
6 Smith
7 Reinbacher
8 Cristall
9 Leonard
10 Moore
11 Sale
12 Barlow
13 Dvorsky
14 Wood
15 Yager
16 Sandin Pellikka

To me a top 6 pick with our pick is a must. If we end up picking Reinbacher #7 then ASP I wouldn’t pick with Florida’s pick.

 

[Mrb1p]

I am going to think super optimistic and that Florida loses their two remaining games (TOR and CAR) and just miss the playoffs. Ill do my top 16.

1 Bedard
2 Fantilli
3 Michkov
4 Carlsson
5 Benson
6 Smith
7 Reinbacher
8 Cristall
9 Leonard
10 Smith
11 Sale
12 Barlow
13 Dvorsky
14 Wood
15 Yager
16 Sandin Pellikka

To me a top 6 pick with our pick is a must. If we end up picking Reinbacher #7 then ASP I wouldn’t pick with Florida’s pick.

Anything within the top 8 for me makes me optimistic. I believe theyre all better prospects than Slaf, having him fall to #2 on the future depth chart is very good.

 

[montreal]

Grant doesn’t know anyone either

spoken like someone who doesn't have the first clue what they are talking about, or just another day at HF.

I worked for him a long time ago, he's highly connected because of who he's related to and he has other connections as well.