HF Habs: 2024 NHL Draft Thread

[WeThreeKings]

For those who are more knowledgeable of Catton's game, is it fair to say he's along the lines of guys like Keller, Kane, and Kucherov? By that I mean, not be the biggest guy (under 6' and between 170 and 185 lbs) but is skilled enough to be a PPG player or higher.

There's a chance he develops down the middle like a Brayden Point, with a heavier lean on playmaking vs. scoring.

But Keller seems the most likely outcome, a guy who goes to the wing but has more value on the wing compared to a traditional winger due to the ability to break the puck out and in, control the play from the wall etc.

Marner might be another comparison because of the playmaking ability.

 

[The Last Red]

So as of today we are sitting at 5...what do people have as a top 5 for the Habs? Who is the D man that you say "org needs be damned we have to take this guy if he's there at 5"?

No such d-man in this draft.

 

[Seb]

Right now the guy I have no idea where to put on my top forwards list is Helenius and he might actually be Hughes' pick.

 

[The Last Red]

Right now the guy I have no idea where to put on my top forwards list is Helenius and he might actually be Hughes' pick.

Not at 5-7.

 

[le_sean]

No such d-man in this draft.

Not true. If 4 forwards go, they will for sure take a guy like Levshunov. I don’t think anyone should be enamoured with Mailloux thinking our right side is set.

 

[MasterMatt25]

Not at 5-7.

It’s certainly possible. He’s having a strong year in Finland. Hes not as flashy as some of the other options we’re more used to. However I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he went in the top 7

 

[Seb]

Not at 5-7.

It's definitely possible, his profile is super interesting. It really depends how they see his offensive potential.

 

[Scintillating10]

Tij Iginla is a beast. If we get one of Lindstrom or Iginla, we’ll be good.

Size is important this high in draft. It's hard to find both size and skill. Size/skill important in playoffs. Regular season not so much. Ever since Montreal went to Cup finals teams. Shutting down the Marners Ehlers, Connors, Matthews. Teams are gravitating towards a big, physical mobile defense. Because it's hard on small skill

 

[Lockin17]

Why is Catton is so much higher on every mock draft then Iginla. ?
Might be a good reason... in here Iginla is better then Catton

 

[WeThreeKings]

Why is Catton is so much higher on every mock draft then Iginla. ?
Might be a good reason... in here Iginla is better then Catton

Catton started higher and did nothing to devalue his stock. Iginla is a riser throughout the year.

I'd expect both to be near each other, flip flopped in rankings, etc.

 

[The Last Red]

Not true. If 4 forwards go, they will for sure take a guy like Levshunov. I don’t think anyone should be enamoured with Mailloux thinking our right side is set.

4 forwards are unlikely to go before us, and there’s no way you know “for sure.”

 

[Draft]

For those who are more knowledgeable of Catton's game, is it fair to say he's along the lines of guys like Keller, Kane, and Kucherov? By that I mean, not be the biggest guy (under 6' and between 170 and 185 lbs) but is skilled enough to be a PPG player or higher.

I’ve watched him since he was a kid, I think a lot would need to go right for him to hit PPG but the potential is there.

 

[McGees]

Yep, spicy to say the least.

Get ready to see a massive rise for Iginla from the mid season rankings to now (end of season rankings). He should be in the Top 10 on most lists if he isn't already.

Top 10? I think he could go top 5.
No later than 8

 

[Team_Spirit]

Why is Catton is so much higher on every mock draft then Iginla. ?
Might be a good reason... in here Iginla is better then Catton

30 more points this year and last year, wjc u18, hlinka top scorer

 

[Lockin17]

Not true. If 4 forwards go, they will for sure take a guy like Levshunov. I don’t think anyone should be enamoured with Mailloux thinking our right side is set.

you would take Levshunov over Catton or Iginla ?

 

[WeThreeKings]

you would take Levshunov over Catton or Iginla ?

I think the entire league would.. the only reason Montreal wouldn't is because they don't see Levshunov as better than Reinbacher, and the two guys that could round out their top 6 would be more valuable to them then something to round out their top 4.

 

[Mrb1p]

For those who are more knowledgeable of Catton's game, is it fair to say he's along the lines of guys like Keller, Kane, and Kucherov? By that I mean, not be the biggest guy (under 6' and between 170 and 185 lbs) but is skilled enough to be a PPG player or higher.

Kane and Kucherov, no. Keller, maybe. I'd say he reminds me a bit of Point, that was my comparison, but I don't think he has that 40g scorer shot. He'd end up kinda like Cole IMO. Just outside of the ppg+ potential range.

I don't see him separating himself from Helenius.

 

[Benstheman]

Interesting....certainly i would agree if he projects to be a Dobson type D-man then he would likely be the #1 d-man in our system and would have to garner strong consideration drafting around 5.

So again from a Habs pov, if you have the top 5 forwards as follows, where do you drop Dickinson into this mix? 4th? 5th?

1. Celebrini
2. Demidov
3. Lindstrom
4. Iginla
5. Catton

I really hope Habs pick 5OA (of course baring a lottery win), because two of Demidov, Lindstrom, Levshunov, Dickinson and Iginla will be available. I think the only tough choice i would have to make is if Dickinson and Iginla were the two players left.

So for me i guess it would be :

1-Celebrini
2-Demidov
3-Lindstrom
4-Dickinson/Iginla
5-Iginla/Dickinson

What i really hope for is 1 of Silayev, Parekh or Buium is picked before our turn. It would give us even more possibilities.

 

[Lockin17]

I think the entire league would.. the only reason Montreal wouldn't is because they don't see Levshunov as better than Reinbacher, and the two guys that could round out their top 6 would be more valuable to them then something to round out their top 4.

Then would it be wise to draft Lev and trade Mailloux + WPG jets and get someone like Greentree or Helenius

 

[Vachon23]

The fact there's absolutely no talk about winning the Celebrini lottery makes me think we might actually win it.

But then I just jinxed us, right?

I think no one believe in our chance winning it

Because it would be a massive game changer

 

[Benstheman]

It would be insane. Not only he could become our best player in the next 2-3 years but he would definately help us being more attractive to top UFAs as team entering it's contending window.

 

[Playmaker09]

Then would it be wise to draft Lev and trade Mailloux + WPG jets and get someone like Greentree or Helenius

No one is ever giving us anything near fair value for Mailloux. We're better off just sticking with him.

 

[Lockin17]

I think no one believe in our chance winning it

Because it would be a massive game changer

i would rather have Celebrini then Bedard

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Not at 5-7.

Helenius isn't 5'7.

 

[Seb]

i would rather have Celebrini then Bedard

Chicago will end up with both.