HF Habs: 2024 NHL Draft Thread

[26Mats]

Preliminary rankings dont come out til Hlinka tournament.

Rough top 25 rankings:

1. Macklin Celebrini (C) - Boston University
1. Cole Eiserman (LW) - US NTDP
3. Ivan Demidov (C) - MHL (Russia)
4. Artyom Levshunov (RD) - Green Bay (USHL)
5. Aaron Kiviharju (LD) - HIFK (Liiga)
6. Igor Chernyshov (LW) - MHL (Russia)
7. Berkley Catton (C) - Spokane (WHL)
8. Zeev Buium (LD) - US NTDP
9. Linus Ericksson (C) - Djurgardens J20
10. Konsta Helenius (RW) - Jukurit (Liiga)
11. Cole Hutson (LD) - US NTDP
12. Zayne Parekh (RD) - Saginaw (OHL)
13. Cayden Lindstrom (C) - Medicine Hat (WHL)
14. Beckett Sennecke (RW) - Oshawa (OHL)
15. Tomas Lavoie (RD) - Cape Breton (QMJHL)
16. Trevor Connelly (C) - Tri-City (USHL)
17. Anton Olsson (LD) - Mora J20
18. Carter Yakemchuk (RD) - Portland (WHL)
19. Liam Greentree (RW) - Windsor (OHL)
20. Maxim Massé (RW) - Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
21. Sam Dickinson (LD) - London (OHL)
22. Ryder Ritchie (RW) - Prince Albert (WHL)
23. Henry Mews (RD) - Ottawa (OHL)
24. Jesse Heslop (LW) - Everett (WHL)
25. Tij Iginla (C) - Kelowna (WHL)

Interesting to look back and see Sennecke ranked so high pre-season. He is considered a huge riser, yet was only ranked one spot behind Lindstrom pre season.

And, some reports are saying Sennecke's continued growth spurt has him surpassing Lindstrom in the height department.

 

[26Mats]

If the Habs are going to draft to fill a need in the prospect pool, maybe draft some forwards with size.

I hope the premise isn't true in your statement. Though if it is I have more confidence for this management team to execute on the conclusion that follows from the premise.

We don't need more McCarrons, Conner Crisps, Poehlings, Scherbaks and Kotkaniemis.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Here's a thought.

We all know Grant's connection is Timmins.
Bob had one team put Sennecke top 5.
Columbus took Sennecke to dinner.

Maybe if CBJ goes forward, they like Sennecke at 4?

 

[26Mats]

Here's a thought.

We all know Grant's connection is Timmins.
Bob had one team put Sennecke top 5.
Columbus took Sennecke to dinner.

Maybe if CBJ goes forward, they like Sennecke at 4?

Another thought: Demidov and Lindstrom have had more hype during the season. But is Sennecke in their league, or an even better prospect?

 

[WeThreeKings]

Another thought: Demidov and Lindstrom have had more hype during the season. But is Sennecke in their league, or an even better prospect?

Demidov is a tier above but I'd say I would listen to an argument on Sennecke vs Lindstrom

 

[Jabba11]

I think most teams would take Sanderson over Guhle, but yes I agree you don't trade away anyone until you see how McDonagh/Guhle/Dickinson/Hutson perform in the NHL.

Agreed

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Interesting to look back and see Sennecke ranked so high pre-season. He is considered a huge riser, yet was only ranked one spot behind Lindstrom pre season.

And, some reports are saying Sennecke's continued growth spurt has him surpassing Lindstrom in the height department.

Lindstrom got off to a strong start, while Sennecke didn't. Sennecke got better as the season went on, while Lindstrom got hurt mid-season.

Sennecke grew so much between seasons that there must have been some adjustments to comfortably play hockey. His final half & playoffs were more in line with my expectations of him.

He had a terrific D -1 year, and is a dynamic, fun player to watch play hockey.

 

[26Mats]

Demidov is a tier above but I'd say I would listen to an argument on Sennecke vs Lindstrom

I'm finding myself unable to decipher the players this draft class.

It sounds like Demidov is a Kucherov type, Lindstrom a Byfield or Nichushkin type, and I don't know who Sennecke is - Rantanen? At any rate these are their ceiling types. What's more important than the type of player is how good they'll actually be at what they do at the NHL level. Many different types of players can be key pieces to winning a championship, not just the highest skill guys, and not just the biggest, most physically dominant guys.

Even though I don't know enough, I'm hoping for Demidov, but more looking forward to finding out who our scouts choose. The hype this year is higher level and more mysterious for me this year than in years past. A large variety of players that for all I know could boom or bust. Only 3 weeks away, yet feels like a long w as it...

Lindstrom got off to a strong start, while Sennecke didn't. Sennecke got better as the season went on, while Lindstrom got hurt mid-season.

Sennecke grew so much between seasons that there must have been some adjustments to comfortably play hockey. His final half & playoffs were more in line with my expectations of him.

He had a terrific D -1 year, and is a dynamic, fun player to watch play hockey.

Who is your comparable?

 

[vokiel]

Have we heard anything out of Columbus?
They're the team with the highest chance to take a forward IMO. We got bits and pieces out of CHI and ANA so far.

Yeah, they like Dickinson and they like forwards. You know Waddel isn't the most intelligible character around.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

I'm finding myself unable to decipher the players this draft class.

It sounds like Demidov is a Kucherov type, Lindstrom a Byfield or Nichushkin type, and I don't know who Sennecke is - Rantanen? At any rate these are their ceiling types. What's more important than the type of player is how good they'll actually be at what they do at the NHL level. Many different types of players can be key pieces to winning a championship, not just the highest skill guys, and not just the biggest, most physically dominant guys.

Even though I don't know enough, I'm hoping for Demidov, but more looking forward to finding out who our scouts choose. The hype this year is higher level and more mysterious for me this year than in years past. A large variety of players that for all I know could boom or bust. Only 3 weeks away, yet feels like a long w as it...



Who is your comparable?

Last year, I was comparing him to Corey Perry, but a smaller version. His skating has really picked up though, and he has a nice long stride now. He still has his edges.

So now I see him more as a Dach type except with an inside game and a real willingness to shoot the puck. The kid is always driving the net and attacking the middle of the nice. He's a competitor.

He has great hands for puck control. He steals pucks, intercept passes, and can dangle like crazy.

My comparison to Perry was due to how strong he is on the boards, his ability to stickhandle coming off the boards in tight situations or to make quick passing plays for high danger opportunities.

He needs to gain weight/strength, but once he does, the kid is going to cycle a team to death before cutting inside to attack the net, or make a play. He & Dach together would dominate the ice.

 

[26Mats]

Last year, I was comparing him to Corey Perry, but a smaller version. His skating has really picked up though, and he has a nice long stride now. He still has his edges.

So now I see him more as a Dach type except with an inside game and a real willingness to shoot the puck. The kid is always driving the net and attacking the middle of the nice. He's a competitor.

He has great hands for puck control. He steals pucks, intercept passes, and can dangle like crazy.

My comparison to Perry was due to how strong he is on the boards, his ability to stickhandle coming off the boards in tight situations or to make quick passing plays for high danger opportunities.

He needs to gain weight/strength, but once he does, the kid is going to cycle a team to death before cutting inside to attack the net, or make a play. He & Dach together would dominate the ice.

So at this point you have him ahead of Lindstrom? What about Demidov?

 

[HuGort]

I'm finding myself unable to decipher the players this draft class.

It sounds like Demidov is a Kucherov type, Lindstrom a Byfield or Nichushkin type, and I don't know who Sennecke is - Rantanen? At any rate these are their ceiling types. What's more important than the type of player is how good they'll actually be at what they do at the NHL level. Many different types of players can be key pieces to winning a championship, not just the highest skill guys, and not just the biggest, most physically dominant guys.

Even though I don't know enough, I'm hoping for Demidov, but more looking forward to finding out who our scouts choose. The hype this year is higher level and more mysterious for me this year than in years past. A large variety of players that for all I know could boom or bust. Only 3 weeks away, yet feels like a long w as it...

I hoping for Demidov but have feeling it's going to be Lindstrom. Any of those two or Ignila, Sennecke we getting good player

 

[26Mats]

I hoping for Demidov but have feeling it's going to be Lindstrom. Any of those two or Ignila, Sennecke we getting good player

I still feel like anyone of them has boom or bust potential.

But I like the Slaf and Reinbacher picks so far. So hopefully HuGo can find a core piece, or even a game breaker.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

So at this point you have him ahead of Lindstrom? What about Demidov?

I have him ahead of Lindstrom but behind Demidov. He's basically my choice if we don't get Demidov, although I was having a bit of a panic attack if we passed on Dickinson for any forward, but it sounds like Anaheim is going Dickinson.

I now think, it's going:

1. SJS: Celebrini
2. Chi: Levshunov
3. Ana: Dickinson
4. Columbus: Demidov
5. Montreal:
6. Utah: Buium
7. Ottawa: Yakemchuk
8. Seattle: not sure
9. Calgary: Iginla (if there): Catton or Helenius if not.
10. NJD: looking to trade
11. Buffalo: looking to trade

God, would I love to get NJD's 10th OA. I can't see Buffalo trading #11 to a divisional rival.

 

[26Mats]

I have him ahead of Lindstrom but behind Demidov. He's basically my choice if we don't get Demidov, although I was having a bit of a panic attack if we passed on Dickinson for any forward, but it sounds like Anaheim is going Dickinson.

I now think, it's going:

1. SJS: Celebrini
2. Chi: Levshunov
3. Ana: Dickinson
4. Columbus: Demidov
5. Montreal:
6. Utah: Buium
7. Ottawa: Yakemchuk
8. Seattle: not sure
9. Calgary: Iginla (if there): Catton or Helenius if not.
10. NJD: looking to trade
11. Buffalo: looking to trade

God, would I love to get NJD's 10th OA. I can't see Buffalo trading #11 to a divisional rival.

I think a 3 way is our best shot at Jersey's number 10.

Our best non-future core pieces are Matheson, Savard 50% retained, Anderson 50% retained, 26th overall, Flames/Florida 2025 1st, Engstrom, Barron, Struble, Harris, Montembault, and Primeau.

 

[salbutera]

I have him ahead of Lindstrom but behind Demidov. He's basically my choice if we don't get Demidov, although I was having a bit of a panic attack if we passed on Dickinson for any forward, but it sounds like Anaheim is going Dickinson.

I now think, it's going:

1. SJS: Celebrini
2. Chi: Levshunov
3. Ana: Dickinson
4. Columbus: Demidov
5. Montreal:
6. Utah: Buium
7. Ottawa: Yakemchuk
8. Seattle: not sure
9. Calgary: Iginla (if there): Catton or Helenius if not.
10. NJD: looking to trade
11. Buffalo: looking to trade

God, would I love to get NJD's 10th OA. I can't see Buffalo trading #11 to a divisional rival.

Is there some type of 3-way deal w Cgy sending Markstrom to NJD, and Habs facilitating by eating $ + giving Cgy back their 2025 1st + Jets pick?

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Is there some type of 3-way deal w Cgy sending Markstrom to NJD, and Habs facilitating by eating $ + giving Cgy back their 2025 1st + Jets pick?

That would be awesome! lol

But, Calgary is probably going to want that #10 for themselves in any Markstrom trade. Calgary doesn't have any problems with cap space. They have $19m this summer.

 

[TheBuriedHab]

Here's a thought.

We all know Grant's connection is Timmins.
Bob had one team put Sennecke top 5.
Columbus took Sennecke to dinner.

Maybe if CBJ goes forward, they like Sennecke at 4?

I was thinking this too. Timmins also lives in the Ottawa area, he would have seen LOTS of Sennecke.

The only danger is CBJ might trade down to take him and let someone who wants Demidov move up.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I was thinking this too. Timmins also lives in the Ottawa area, he would have seen LOTS of Sennecke.

The only danger is CBJ might trade down to take him and let someone who wants Demidov move up.

We could also flip to protect our spot.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

I was thinking this too. Timmins also lives in the Ottawa area, he would have seen LOTS of Sennecke.

The only danger is CBJ might trade down to take him and let someone who wants Demidov move up.

You know what, I legit didn't even think of that You're absolutely right, Timmins could very well be very high on Sennecke and very familiar with the kid.

 

[Jaynki]

We will have the choice between Demidov and Lindstrom at 5 and we will draft Yakemchuk.

Am i right ?

 

[WeThreeKings]

We will have the choice between Demidov and Lindstrom at 5 and we will draft Yakemchuk.

Am i right ?

No

 

[Benstheman]

And LD to a slightly lesser extent.

I like Ghule but i think that D corps would be more solid if he were the #3.

Dickinson - Reinbacher
Ghule - Mailloux
Hutson - X

They could use MM to move from 26 to the top 15 - or any combination of surplus assets - to solve the 2nd line dilemma.

Matheson + 26 OA for NJ’s 10OA or Minnesota’s 13OA.

Draft Catton/Sennecke/Eiserman

 

[salbutera]

That would be awesome! lol

But, Calgary is probably going to want that #10 for themselves in any Markstrom trade. Calgary doesn't have any problems with cap space. They have $19m this summer.

Apparently Markstrom deal didn’t go down at deadline because Cgy refused to eat $$

 

[Benstheman]

Hawks go Levshunov
Ducks go Dickinson
Jackets go Silayev

That's my feel today, let's see if anything comes out from the final day of the combine to change that

I think it’s a real possibility