HF Habs: 2024 NHL Draft Thread

[le_sean]

I'm ready for the clap backs that crosby is generational and special and fitness freak and whatever lol
I'm just I'm JUST saying, its always possible

Depends on the person and work ethic, and dedication to greatness (but that last part is 1 in a million)

This is from before Crosby turning 17. Catton is already 18.

But like you said, Crosby is one in a million in terms of work ethic. Maybe Catton is like that, but he has a long way ahead.

 

[WeThreeKings]

They're not gonna pass on an inside driven, high character and leadership player, with top line talent and flexibility to play center and wing, because he's a little light right now and he has to sacrifice on the defensive end to push on offense for his WHL team because he is the entire team.

They may pass because they like someone else better, but this isn't Zegras or Eiserman here.

 

[le_sean]

They're not gonna pass on an inside driven, high character and leadership player, with top line talent and flexibility to play center and wing, because he's a little light right now and he has to sacrifice on the defensive end to push on offense for his WHL team because he is the entire team.

They may pass because they like someone else better, but this isn't Zegras or Eiserman here.

Everything they’ve ever done in the 1st round of the draft points to them doing exactly that though. Maybe they will surprise us, but I’m not holding my breath.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Everything they’ve ever done in the 1st round of the draft points to them doing exactly that though. Maybe they will surprise us, but I’m not holding my breath.

They had Cooley up for debate with Slafkovsky, sure.. but they were high on Will Smith, and tried to move up to get him. Will Smith might be a little bit bigger than Catton in terms of height, but let's make no bones about it, Will Smith will get to the middle far less than Catton does.

They obviously value size but they also value skill. Catton isn't so small, he's very much an average sized forward in the NHL.

If we are thinking about picking Demidov, I don't know why if he was off the board that Catton would be an absolute no go.

If you put that filter on the draft for them, if Lindstrom/Demidov are gone.. you've then scratched off Catton and Helenius for not meeting the 6'0 threshold, and if you are gonna knock off for defensive effort and perimeter play then Eiserman is off the table.

Suddenly you have put yourself in a position where the only forwards you'd draft are projected to go 5-10 picks later than where you are picking.

I think there is reading tea leaves and then I think there is applying the tea leaves a bit too literally.

 

[le_sean]

They had Cooley up for debate with Slafkovsky, sure.. but they were high on Will Smith, and tried to move up to get him. Will Smith might be a little bit bigger than Catton in terms of height, but let's make no bones about it, Will Smith will get to the middle far less than Catton does.

They obviously value size but they also value skill. Catton isn't so small, he's very much an average sized forward in the NHL.

If we are thinking about picking Demidov, I don't know why if he was off the board that Catton would be an absolute no go.

If you put that filter on the draft for them, if Lindstrom/Demidov are gone.. you've then scratched off Catton and Helenius for not meeting the 6'0 threshold, and if you are gonna knock off for defensive effort and perimeter play then Eiserman is off the table.

Suddenly you have put yourself in a position where the only forwards you'd draft are projected to go 5-10 picks later than where you are picking.

I think there is reading tea leaves and then I think there is applying the tea leaves a bit too literally.

Even if you go back to 2012 when Lapointe joined and was part of the draft process with Timmins, only Cole was small and he just magically fell on their laps and the only thing they said about him at the draft table is “he will help the power play”. Everyone else is 6’1 or bigger. We can also add Mesar but I think they were more willing to go with a smaller guy later considering who they got earlier. So of 13 1st rounders, 2 were below a very obvious threshold.

They will look at their future top 9 and say they have Cole, Nick, Newhook, Roy. I just can’t see this group adding Catton to that.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Even if you go back to 2012 when Lapointe joined and was part of the draft process with Timmins, only Cole was small and he just magically fell on their laps and the only thing they said about him at the draft table is “he will help the power play”. Everyone else is 6’1 or bigger. We can also add Mesar but I think they were more willing to go with a smaller guy later considering who they got earlier. So of 13 1st rounders, 2 were below a very obvious threshold.

They will look at their future top 9 and say they have Cole, Nick, Newhook, Roy. I just can’t see this group adding Catton to that.

Then they might as well forfeit their draft pick now.. cause throwing Catton out because of an inch would be the most idiotic thing they could do.

 

[le_sean]

Then they might as well forfeit their draft pick now.. cause throwing Catton out because of an inch would be the most idiotic thing they could do.

More like 2 inches and 40 lbs, but yeah. These guys are dinosaurs, most of the NHL are.

 

[WeThreeKings]

More like 2 inches and 40 lbs, but yeah.

I'll be the first one to let everyone know in here if Catton is off their board.

I don't think they are going to snap him off their list because he's 5'11" and room to grow and get more muscular. Especially when he is probably the most talented forward prospect not named Michkov they'd have available on their board since Hughes and Gorton took over.

He could legitimately lead the WHL in scoring as a draft eligible, on a roster with one other forward and nobody else. He's very very good and he was insanely good and clutch at the Hlinka. If he dummies the U-18s like he is projected to do as likely the primary threat for that team, I don't see how they'd even think about ignoring him because of Joshua Roy or Alex Newhook.

 

[The Last Red]

They had Cooley up for debate with Slafkovsky, sure.. but they were high on Will Smith, and tried to move up to get him. Will Smith might be a little bit bigger than Catton in terms of height, but let's make no bones about it, Will Smith will get to the middle far less than Catton does.

They obviously value size but they also value skill. Catton isn't so small, he's very much an average sized forward in the NHL.

If we are thinking about picking Demidov, I don't know why if he was off the board that Catton would be an absolute no go.

If you put that filter on the draft for them, if Lindstrom/Demidov are gone.. you've then scratched off Catton and Helenius for not meeting the 6'0 threshold, and if you are gonna knock off for defensive effort and perimeter play then Eiserman is off the table.

Suddenly you have put yourself in a position where the only forwards you'd draft are projected to go 5-10 picks later than where you are picking.

I think there is reading tea leaves and then I think there is applying the tea leaves a bit too literally.

Because Demidov is considered a tier above Catton? Probably that’s why. I think they would take one of the D before Catton.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Because Demidov is considered a tier above Catton? Probably that’s why. I think they would take one of the D before Catton.

Yes, we know he is a tier above Catton but if that tier is gone, and he's the best forward available. I don't agree with the notion that the Habs brass and scouting staff would say, well, you know, if he was an inch taller, we'd do it.. but since he's not, let's take Michael Brandsegg-Nygard at 6.

I definitely disagree that they'd crowd their defense prospects even further to pass on Catton. If they were not enamored with Catton and a D is top of their list, they'd probably slide back and grab an additional high draft pick to be compensated and slide down.

 

[le_sean]

Yes, we know he is a tier above Catton but if that tier is gone, and he's the best forward available. I don't agree with the notion that the Habs brass and scouting staff would say, well, you know, if he was an inch taller, we'd do it.. but since he's not, let's take Michael Brandsegg-Nygard at 6.

I definitely disagree that they'd crowd their defense prospects even further to pass on Catton. If they were not enamored with Catton and a D is top of their list, they'd probably slide back and grab an additional high draft pick to be compensated and slide down.

But if they do decide to go with a “smaller” player, they will have Helenius above Catton anyways. The mature defensive game, playing against adults. Again, things this group values highly. They don’t really seem to want boom or bust guys

 

[morhilane]

But if they do decide to go with a “smaller” player, they will have Helenius above Catton anyways. The mature defensive game, playing against adults. Again, things this group values highly. They don’t really seem to want boom or bust guys

Not with their top ten 1st anyhow.

 

[vokiel]

Even if you go back to 2012 when Lapointe joined and was part of the draft process with Timmins, only Cole was small and he just magically fell on their laps and the only thing they said about him at the draft table is “he will help the power play”. Everyone else is 6’1 or bigger. We can also add Mesar but I think they were more willing to go with a smaller guy later considering who they got earlier. So of 13 1st rounders, 2 were below a very obvious threshold.

They will look at their future top 9 and say they have Cole, Nick, Newhook, Roy. I just can’t see this group adding Catton to that.

What if you could see a way where Newhook and Roy are just pushed out of the line up? Because, skill set-wise I'm thinking Catton can be the one pushing them out.

 

[WeThreeKings]

But if they do decide to go with a “smaller” player, they will have Helenius above Catton anyways. The mature defensive game, playing against adults. Again, things this group values highly. They don’t really seem to want boom or bust guys

It'd be interesting to know.. I think if they are looking to add talent (i.e. a Will Smith level forward) then I don't think the fact one guy is playing in the Liiga with significantly less offensively upside would necessarily put him above Catton.

I'm hoping we don't ever find out, I'd rather just leave the draft with Lindstrom or Demidov.

 

[le_sean]

What if you could see a way where Newhook and Roy are just pushed out of the line up? Because, skill set-wise I'm thinking Catton can be the one pushing them out.

I agree with you. Just pick the BPA, don’t worry about what you already have or don’t have. Especially guys at the level of Roy and Newhook. They are just nice to haves rather than core pieces.

 

[vokiel]

I agree with you. Just pick the BPA, don’t worry about what you already have or don’t have. Especially guys at the level of Roy and Newhook. They are just nice to haves rather than core pieces.

Just trying to predict what the recruiting team will do? Hard to tell with the GM change.

 

[The Last Red]

But if they do decide to go with a “smaller” player, they will have Helenius above Catton anyways. The mature defensive game, playing against adults. Again, things this group values highly. They don’t really seem to want boom or bust guys

Not sure about that. Slaf was very boom or bust.

Yes, we know he is a tier above Catton but if that tier is gone, and he's the best forward available. I don't agree with the notion that the Habs brass and scouting staff would say, well, you know, if he was an inch taller, we'd do it.. but since he's not, let's take Michael Brandsegg-Nygard at 6.

I definitely disagree that they'd crowd their defense prospects even further to pass on Catton. If they were not enamored with Catton and a D is top of their list, they'd probably slide back and grab an additional high draft pick to be compensated and slide down.

I think Catton’s frame combined with lack of elite skating skills might be bigger issues than his height.

 

[le_sean]

Not sure about that. Slaf was very boom or bust.

Maybe more than Wright, less than Cooley. But I think you can always find a way for a 6’3 winger to find a role. At the very worst you’d have a Jordan Greenway type.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Not sure about that. Slaf was very boom or bust.


I think Catton’s frame combined with lack of elite skating skills might be bigger issues than his height.

Its a pause for concern. But again, the term elite skating is a term too loosely bandied about. Similarly to that all too favourite ‘generational talent’ tag. In this draft there are probably as many elite skaters available as generational talents. Even the presumptive 1OA, Celebrini, couldn’t be described as possessing elite skating ability.

The question is whether Catton has enough skating to succeed at the NHL. That determination will ultimately influence how high Catton goes in the upcoming draft.

For what it’s worth, I think Catton skates as well as Marner did in his draft year. How did that work out for the Leafs?

 

[Playmaker09]

I'm ready for the clap backs that crosby is generational and special and fitness freak and whatever lol
I'm just I'm JUST saying, its always possible

Depends on the person and work ethic, and dedication to greatness (but that last part is 1 in a million)

Sid was 5'11 193 at the combine.

"THE "NEXT GRETZKY" HAS TO GET POKED AND PRODDED LIKE MERE MORTALS? Yes, at the June 4 NHL fitness scouting combine at the Park Plaza hotel in Toronto, where these pictures were taken, the 5'11", 193-pound Sidney Crosby, 17, was one of 111 potential draft picks who were tested as NHL scouts, coaches and general managers looked on."

 

[Playmaker09]

Its a pause for concern. But again, the term elite skating is a term too loosely bandied about. Similarly to that all too favourite ‘generational talent’ tag. In this draft there are probably as many elite skaters available as generational talents. Even the presumptive 1OA, Celebrini, couldn’t be described as possessing elite skating ability.

The question is whether Catton has enough skating to succeed at the NHL. That determination will ultimately influence how high Catton goes in the upcoming draft.

For what it’s worth, I think Catton skates as well as Marner did in his draft year. How did that work out for the Leafs?

Catton doesn't have a fifth of Marner's motor. They're very different players.

 

[Redux91]

Sid was 5'11 193 at the combine.

"THE "NEXT GRETZKY" HAS TO GET POKED AND PRODDED LIKE MERE MORTALS? Yes, at the June 4 NHL fitness scouting combine at the Park Plaza hotel in Toronto, where these pictures were taken, the 5'11", 193-pound Sidney Crosby, 17, was one of 111 potential draft picks who were tested as NHL scouts, coaches and general managers looked on."

Yes
The point is he went from 170 to 200 in his lifetime as a 5'11

It's not 'impossible'

 

[WeThreeKings]

Catton doesn't have a fifth of Marner's motor. They're very different players.

You mean Marner doesn't have a fifth of Catton's motor.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

Sid was 5'11 193 at the combine.

"THE "NEXT GRETZKY" HAS TO GET POKED AND PRODDED LIKE MERE MORTALS? Yes, at the June 4 NHL fitness scouting combine at the Park Plaza hotel in Toronto, where these pictures were taken, the 5'11", 193-pound Sidney Crosby, 17, was one of 111 potential draft picks who were tested as NHL scouts, coaches and general managers looked on."

Sure, go take a look at William Nylander, Brayden Point, David Pastrnak, Kyle Connor, Matthew Barzal, Sebastian Aho, Kirill Kaprizov, Nikita Kucherov, Seth Jarvis, Zach Benson size at the combine.

You mean Marner doesn't have a fifth of Catton's motor.

I disagree. Marner was part of the best team and richest team in the CHL and loaded with talent, his actual line was the best in the CHL. Catton is by far the most skilled player on his team, it's so not fair to compare both player situation pre draft. Let's see at the u18 how he fares.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Sure, go take a look at William Nylander, Brayden Point, David Pastrnak, Kyle Connor, Matthew Barzal, Sebastian Aho, Kirill Kaprizov, Nikita Kucherov, Seth Jarvis, Zach Benson size at the combine.


I disagree. Marner was part of the best team in the CHL loaded with talent. Catton is by far the most skilled player on his team.

But a motor means someone's desire, drive and energy levels.

Like Gallagher has a high motor even if he isn't very skilled. Catton has a motor, Marner doesn't - that combined with his perimeter style of playmaking is why Marner underachieves in the play-offs and I don't see as big of an issue with Catton translating his offense in the NHL.