HF Habs: 2025 NHL Draft: Part II

[Draft]

I think that Martin, Bear, Cootes and Spence fit the mould of the players I'd be looking for with our two 1sts. I want high compete/gritty players that play a pretty round game with some skill. Martin is probably my favorite of the bunch and I'd be looking to trade up a few spots from the 16th to be sure we get him.

I do have doubts that we use both the 16th and 17th though. I have a strong feeling that we will be trading one of these picks in a package for a 2C.

If we do use both picks, I won't be too surprised if we throw an offer sheet out on July 1.

I'm warming up to the idea of targeting specific role players to complement our existing core. Guys like Bear and Martin may not have the ceiling, but these two in the middle-6 is ideal for a playoff team. Can't fit anyone else on the PP anyway! In terms of unique skill sets, Martin's checking ability is rare even for guys without top-6 upside. Same goes for the combination of combativeness and IQ with Bear.

Not every draft has these types of players available, might be more of an opportunity than we think.

 

[NeptunesTrident]

As long as Boston doesn’t get Desnoyers or Martin.

 

[Scotianhab]

Quick mock draft.

NYI - Misa
SJ - Schaefer
CHI - Hagens
Uta - Frondell
Nsh - Desnoyers
Phi - Martone
Bos - O’Brien
Sea - Mrtka
Buf - Martin
Ana - McQueen
Pit - Eklund
NYR - Hensler
Det - J. Smith
CLB - Lakovic
Van - Bear
Mtl - Spence
Mtl - Aitcheson

Islanders need forward prospects, I could see them switching with a top 4 team so Schaefer can go 1st.

 

[WinterLion]

I'm warming up to the idea of targeting specific role players to complement our existing core. Guys like Bear and Martin may not have the ceiling, but these two in the middle-6 is ideal for a playoff team. Can't fit anyone else on the PP anyway! In terms of unique skill sets, Martin's checking ability is rare even for guys without top-6 upside. Same goes for the combination of combativeness and IQ with Bear.

Not every draft has these types of players available, might be more of an opportunity than we think.

I think this year is a great year for this and it's perfect timing considering our timeline. Also those guys sometimes develop into great players...

I would add Aitcheson to the list... if they like him, he brings some serious jam...

 

[WinterLion]

Quick mock draft.

NYI - Misa
SJ - Schaefer
CHI - Hagens
Uta - Frondell
Nsh - Desnoyers
Phi - Martone
Bos - O’Brien
Sea - Mrtka
Buf - Martin
Ana - McQueen
Pit - Eklund
NYR - Hensler
Det - J. Smith
CLB - Lakovic
Van - Bear
Mtl - Spence
Mtl - Aitcheson

Islanders need forward prospects, I could see them switching with a top 4 team so Schaefer can go 1st.

I know people here are down on him, but Carboneau is a great prospect and I think he will go ahead of Spence....

 

[Shutdown]

a few weeks ago i watched some shift by shift videos (good resource: Prospect Shifts ) of a few forwards who are above our range and in our range. my initial ranking:

Martin
O'Brien
Bear
Spence
Carbonneau
Kindel
Lakovic

loved the first three guys. i know that young athletes heal pretty well from achilles injuries but i'd rather give up an asset to trade up and get Martin than gamble on Bear. but i'd take Bear before the other Fs i have ranked after him, by quite a bit.

Spence was interesting but looked to lack the creativity of a top 6 F.

Carbonneau i think will be an NHLer. he has the size, the shot, and can put together some interesting shifts. if we keep both picks i'd take a shot at him.

Kindel, to me, looks like a junior hockey player. don't think his game translates. the announcers did say that the game i watched was the first one back from a long road trip, but i didn't love his game. skilled but disengaged.

again, just one game, but to me Lakovic doesn't seem interested in adding elements to his game that complement his size. he didn't engage with his body and often turned away from contact. his stick is good but he reminds me unfavourably of Kotkaniemi at the same age. a less talented Benoit Pouliot.

a few names have recently popped up on the radar that i haven't had the chance to check out: Cootes, Reschny and Murtagh.
probably going to check out some of the D at some point. seeing how far Buuium fell last year in a draft that was supposedly stacked at D, i'm sure some highly rated D will make their way to our pick.

watched a Cootes shift by shift. with no achilles injury to Bear i might struggle a bit between the two but i think he's my guy if he's available, ahead of Spence and Carbonneau.

seems to have good vision, good shot, a disruptive stick game, great pace. okay size, good physical game. always reading the play off the puck and looking to get into good position to create.

 

[Runner77]

I thought I’d reprise @Beendair Donedat ’s take on these two players (Jack Nesbitt and Justin Carbonneau) for greater feedback from posters who follow the draft closer than most:

“My two potential Habs first round picks:

Jack Nesbitt:

If Jack Nesbitt makes it to where we pick, and we still have one or both of our picks, I feel like he’s pretty much a lock to be taken.

Big center (6’4, 185 lbs) that obviously needs to fill out his frame with some more muscle, Nesbitt still plays a very physical game. Terrific hand eye coordination makes him an excellent net front presence. He muscles his way into the tough areas and can’t be muscled out and excels at tipping pucks… he’s a solid skater, good on draws and defensively responsible, while playing physical and not afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates (or play a little dirty himself). I’ll be surprised if someone doesn’t take him before he gets to Montreal, but I see a diamond in the rough player potential here.

Justin Carbonneau:

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the name Carbonneau on the back of a Habs jersey, but the potential to grab one of the best goal scorers in the draft could fall right to the Habs in their own back yard. Carbonneau is a solid right winger, standing 6’1 and weighing 192 lbs. A terrific skater, Carbonneau isn’t a wallflower who’s sitting waiting for an opportunity, he goes hard to the dirty areas and comes out with the puck. He plays a hard nosed game but also has a bullet of a shot with great accuracy. I’d say he’s the second best right winger in this draft after Martone, and I don’t think he’s that far behind him. He plays a solid all around game but will have to work on his defensive skills a bit (although I think he’s pretty solid in that department). With his skill set and ability to drive a line, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carbonneau emerges as one of the better scorers in this draft. I see a ton of potential in this young man. The fact that he’s a Quebecois is icing on the cake, I’d like him if he came from Antarctica. This is a character kid that has the potential to be a very good player if he keeps working hard and progressing. I think he’d complement our future lineup nicely.”

 

[WinterLion]

I thought I’d reprise @Beendair Donedat ’s take on these two players (Jack Nesbitt and Justin Carbonneau) for greater feedback from posters who follow the draft closer than most:

“My two potential Habs first round picks:

Jack Nesbitt:

If Jack Nesbitt makes it to where we pick, and we still have one or both of our picks, I feel like he’s pretty much a lock to be taken.

Big center (6’4, 185 lbs) that obviously needs to fill out his frame with some more muscle, Nesbitt still plays a very physical game. Terrific hand eye coordination makes him an excellent net front presence. He muscles his way into the tough areas and can’t be muscled out and excels at tipping pucks… he’s a solid skater, good on draws and defensively responsible, while playing physical and not afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates (or play a little dirty himself). I’ll be surprised if someone doesn’t take him before he gets to Montreal, but I see a diamond in the rough player potential here.

Justin Carbonneau:

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the name Carbonneau on the back of a Habs jersey, but the potential to grab one of the best goal scorers in the draft could fall right to the Habs in their own back yard. Carbonneau is a solid right winger, standing 6’1 and weighing 192 lbs. A terrific skater, Carbonneau isn’t a wallflower who’s sitting waiting for an opportunity, he goes hard to the dirty areas and comes out with the puck. He plays a hard nosed game but also has a bullet of a shot with great accuracy. I’d say he’s the second best right winger in this draft after Martone, and I don’t think he’s that far behind him. He plays a solid all around game but will have to work on his defensive skills a bit (although I think he’s pretty solid in that department). With his skill set and ability to drive a line, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carbonneau emerges as one of the better scorers in this draft. I see a ton of potential in this young man. The fact that he’s a Quebecois is icing on the cake, I’d like him if he came from Antarctica. This is a character kid that has the potential to be a very good player if he keeps working hard and progressing. I think he’d complement our future lineup nicely.”

I feel like Carboneau is a bit underrated at this point. Nesbitt would be very exciting if they like him. Definitely a lot to work with if you think he has the willingness to round out his game.

 

[mbz]

Should we try to move up for McQueen? His injuries scare me but the upside is pretty big.

 

[Doublechin]

Should we try to move up for McQueen? His injuries scare me but the upside is pretty big.

I'd rather target Martin if we move up

 

[shamrun]

....

Justin Carbonneau:

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the name Carbonneau on the back of a Habs jersey, but the potential to grab one of the best goal scorers in the draft could fall right to the Habs in their own back yard. Carbonneau is a solid right winger, standing 6’1 and weighing 192 lbs. A terrific skater, Carbonneau isn’t a wallflower who’s sitting waiting for an opportunity, he goes hard to the dirty areas and comes out with the puck. He plays a hard nosed game but also has a bullet of a shot with great accuracy. I’d say he’s the second best right winger in this draft after Martone, and I don’t think he’s that far behind him. He plays a solid all around game but will have to work on his defensive skills a bit (although I think he’s pretty solid in that department). With his skill set and ability to drive a line, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carbonneau emerges as one of the better scorers in this draft. I see a ton of potential in this young man. The fact that he’s a Quebecois is icing on the cake, I’d like him if he came from Antarctica. This is a character kid that has the potential to be a very good player if he keeps working hard and progressing. I think he’d complement our future lineup nicely.”

I have been to the armada games a few times this year. Anyone living near there should go to the games is fun actually. I thought he was so good and i was telling my wife he might make team canada. Still he looked good to me. And he he played with no quit. Think his mental make up might interest the habs.

ps: I dont know much about prospects and all that

 

[Team_Spirit]

From the prospect board

Post in thread '2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Fisher’s Top 64 Following U18 Worlds'

Tuesday at 1:06 AM

Not bad. But Reschny to Seattle seems far-fetched. I kinda get the logic: they picked Catton at 8 last year, so they're clearly not adverse to picking smallish but talented WHL centers pretty high. But I think that's precisely why they'd be reluctant to do it again this year; seems risky. I just have a real hard time seeing Reschny breaking into the top-10.

And I just don't think McQueen will drop that far. Maybe he should, depending on his health status, but I think there's definitely a team in that 8-12 range that will want to bank on his upside.

Catton is a very explosive...

• Larry Fisher

• 

 

[WinterLion]

From the prospect board

Post in thread '2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Fisher’s Top 64 Following U18 Worlds'

Tuesday at 1:06 AM

Not bad. But Reschny to Seattle seems far-fetched. I kinda get the logic: they picked Catton at 8 last year, so they're clearly not adverse to picking smallish but talented WHL centers pretty high. But I think that's precisely why they'd be reluctant to do it again this year; seems risky. I just have a real hard time seeing Reschny breaking into the top-10.

And I just don't think McQueen will drop that far. Maybe he should, depending on his health status, but I think there's definitely a team in that 8-12 range that will want to bank on his upside.

Catton is a very explosive...

• Larry Fisher

• 

View attachment 1030670

Wow he really likes Reschny...

nice list. I really hope we keep our top 4 picks!!

 

[covfefe]

Yeah but the you know who crew will exclaim we need these small skilled guys and then cry when we get physically outmatched in the playoffs, then resume bashing Slaf.

I'm a big fan of Potter and have been all year. But what if I told you...that you can like multiple types of players

 

[Artaud]

Can Carter Bear play center? I've seen him listed at both W and C.

 

[montreal]

View attachment 1030759

View attachment 1030758

I'm a big fan of Potter and have been all year. But what if I told you...that you can like multiple types of players

I haven't seen too much of Potter, not a big fan other then the skating/speed and shot. I wonder how scouts will view him compared with Cameron Schmidt who at least to me seems a similar player. Potter's skating is a thing of beauty but not sure about the IQ.

 

[Draft]

Can Carter Bear play center? I've seen him listed at both W and C.

Yes, but I don’t project him having the skating/puck skills to succeed there in a top-6 role offensively in the NHL. He’s a very straightforward player. High IQ in terms of anticipation, decision making, and awareness at both ends but not particularly creative. I think he’d be more effective on the wing.

 

[Draft]

I thought I’d reprise @Beendair Donedat ’s take on these two players (Jack Nesbitt and Justin Carbonneau) for greater feedback from posters who follow the draft closer than most:

“My two potential Habs first round picks:

Jack Nesbitt:

If Jack Nesbitt makes it to where we pick, and we still have one or both of our picks, I feel like he’s pretty much a lock to be taken.

Big center (6’4, 185 lbs) that obviously needs to fill out his frame with some more muscle, Nesbitt still plays a very physical game. Terrific hand eye coordination makes him an excellent net front presence. He muscles his way into the tough areas and can’t be muscled out and excels at tipping pucks… he’s a solid skater, good on draws and defensively responsible, while playing physical and not afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates (or play a little dirty himself). I’ll be surprised if someone doesn’t take him before he gets to Montreal, but I see a diamond in the rough player potential here.

Justin Carbonneau:

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the name Carbonneau on the back of a Habs jersey, but the potential to grab one of the best goal scorers in the draft could fall right to the Habs in their own back yard. Carbonneau is a solid right winger, standing 6’1 and weighing 192 lbs. A terrific skater, Carbonneau isn’t a wallflower who’s sitting waiting for an opportunity, he goes hard to the dirty areas and comes out with the puck. He plays a hard nosed game but also has a bullet of a shot with great accuracy. I’d say he’s the second best right winger in this draft after Martone, and I don’t think he’s that far behind him. He plays a solid all around game but will have to work on his defensive skills a bit (although I think he’s pretty solid in that department). With his skill set and ability to drive a line, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carbonneau emerges as one of the better scorers in this draft. I see a ton of potential in this young man. The fact that he’s a Quebecois is icing on the cake, I’d like him if he came from Antarctica. This is a character kid that has the potential to be a very good player if he keeps working hard and progressing. I think he’d complement our future lineup nicely.”

Apart from the inconsistency, one of the gripes I’ve heard about Carbonneau is that he doesn’t win nearly as many puck battles as you’d think when watching him. I don’t have access to the stats directly, but I was told his average for 50/50 pucks in a pretty big sample of games that had been tracked was much lower than you’d anticipate.

Not saying that to discount the good things, just adding a bit to the profile. If others have watched him closely through the year, I’d be curious to see if it matches the eye test.

 

[sheed36]

I thought I’d reprise @Beendair Donedat ’s take on these two players (Jack Nesbitt and Justin Carbonneau) for greater feedback from posters who follow the draft closer than most:

“My two potential Habs first round picks:

Jack Nesbitt:

If Jack Nesbitt makes it to where we pick, and we still have one or both of our picks, I feel like he’s pretty much a lock to be taken.

Big center (6’4, 185 lbs) that obviously needs to fill out his frame with some more muscle, Nesbitt still plays a very physical game. Terrific hand eye coordination makes him an excellent net front presence. He muscles his way into the tough areas and can’t be muscled out and excels at tipping pucks… he’s a solid skater, good on draws and defensively responsible, while playing physical and not afraid to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates (or play a little dirty himself). I’ll be surprised if someone doesn’t take him before he gets to Montreal, but I see a diamond in the rough player potential here.

Justin Carbonneau:

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the name Carbonneau on the back of a Habs jersey, but the potential to grab one of the best goal scorers in the draft could fall right to the Habs in their own back yard. Carbonneau is a solid right winger, standing 6’1 and weighing 192 lbs. A terrific skater, Carbonneau isn’t a wallflower who’s sitting waiting for an opportunity, he goes hard to the dirty areas and comes out with the puck. He plays a hard nosed game but also has a bullet of a shot with great accuracy. I’d say he’s the second best right winger in this draft after Martone, and I don’t think he’s that far behind him. He plays a solid all around game but will have to work on his defensive skills a bit (although I think he’s pretty solid in that department). With his skill set and ability to drive a line, I wouldn’t be surprised if Carbonneau emerges as one of the better scorers in this draft. I see a ton of potential in this young man. The fact that he’s a Quebecois is icing on the cake, I’d like him if he came from Antarctica. This is a character kid that has the potential to be a very good player if he keeps working hard and progressing. I think he’d complement our future lineup nicely.”

Cosentino did a post lottery top 16 mock draft for Sportsnet last night and he had the Habs taking Nesbitt @ pick 16.

NHL Top 16 Mock Draft: Who will Islanders take after surprise lottery win?

With the results of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery in, Sam Cosentino provides a projected mock draft of the top 16 prospects.

www.sportsnet.ca

 

[WinterLion]

Apart from the inconsistency, one of the gripes I’ve heard about Carbonneau is that he doesn’t win nearly as many puck battles as you’d think when watching him. I don’t have access to the stats directly, but I was told his average for 50/50 pucks in a pretty big sample of games that had been tracked was much lower than you’d anticipate.

Not saying that to discount the good things, just adding a bit to the profile. If others have watched him closely through the year, I’d be curious to see if it matches the eye test.

Yeah I'd love to hear more too.

Carbonneau is such a unique prospect.... He is so damn frustrating... He will really need to learn how to play within a system and use his teamates better... but if you think he can do that... boy does he have a lot of skills...

I feel like he will be misunderstood a bit because of it. I think the interviews will be extremely important with him. If teams think he will play ball and work on the details he will go high... if not he might slip pretty far. Guys that want high upside will like him. I fear Boston will take him and he will become a star. Definitely the type of player that has "star" attributes... even the selfishness points to it. He thinks he can beat the whole world every time he touches the puck! Might just be a headcase though... haha

 

[WinterLion]

Cosentino did a post lottery top 16 mock draft for Sportsnet last night and he had the Habs taking Nesbitt @ pick 16.

NHL Top 16 Mock Draft: Who will Islanders take after surprise lottery win?

With the results of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery in, Sam Cosentino provides a projected mock draft of the top 16 prospects.

www.sportsnet.ca

I love that!

The top 20 is taking shape! That's great news for our picks!

I wonder what Bobrov is doing right now..... (reading latin verse?... meditating in temple?... researching the ancestral roots all the top prospects?)

 

[Vachon23]

If they keep both pick (what I highly doubt), I think they will select 1 forward and 1 Dmen

 

[OneSharpMarble]

From the prospect board

Post in thread '2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Fisher’s Top 64 Following U18 Worlds'

Tuesday at 1:06 AM

Not bad. But Reschny to Seattle seems far-fetched. I kinda get the logic: they picked Catton at 8 last year, so they're clearly not adverse to picking smallish but talented WHL centers pretty high. But I think that's precisely why they'd be reluctant to do it again this year; seems risky. I just have a real hard time seeing Reschny breaking into the top-10.

And I just don't think McQueen will drop that far. Maybe he should, depending on his health status, but I think there's definitely a team in that 8-12 range that will want to bank on his upside.

Catton is a very explosive...

• Larry Fisher

• 

View attachment 1030670

Oh man if O'Brien is there at 16 would be excellent.

 

[Kennerback]

Yeah I'd love to hear more too.

Carbonneau is such a unique prospect.... He is so damn frustrating... He will really need to learn how to play within a system and use his teamates better... but if you think he can do that... boy does he have a lot of skills...

I feel like he will be misunderstood a bit because of it. I think the interviews will be extremely important with him. If teams think he will play ball and work on the details he will go high... if not he might slip pretty far. Guys that want high upside will like him. I fear Boston will take him and he will become a star. Definitely the type of player that has "star" attributes... even the selfishness points to it. He thinks he can beat the whole world every time he touches the puck! Might just be a headcase though... haha

This is not a good or bad thing, it’s just that Carbonneau’s stride and the way he moves reminds me of Shane Wright. Otherwise I don’t have an opinion on his game.

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

I’m interested to see where Hagens goes now

For the teams 3-6 it seems like each team could prefer one of the big C options.

Chicago has Bedard, Utah has Cooley/Keller

Maybe Nashville at 5 or Philly at 6