Well we know for a fact that Michkov straight out told AZ to not draft him because he'd not go there. He even refused to meet them.
I recall reading a scout saying "Michkov is going to get some GM fired."
Maybe it took decades of refusing to rebuild for those fans/media to realize that it was preferable to failed renovation projects. We will never know!
Well that's unfortunate. Fortunately these cases are far and between, where a player forces his way to certain teams (or rather out of certain teams). That said, I kinda welcome player empowerment if that's where the league is heading (as in Tkachuk, PLD, Horvat wanting a trade). Because of the hard cap and numerous trade clauses, player movement is hard enough as it is. Would be more interesting to see more stars move around in this league.
Passing on Michkov was a huge mistake by Montreal. He's destined to be a star and is watching film of Crosby playing center to.learn for his own transition to center for next season .
well it was KHL yes and he is now a center. Montreal needed a star and he was there for the taking , not a stay at home blueliner.
Quebec City is a much nicer place than Winnipeg. Some of Canada's problem is weather and it is true that QC suffers from the same aspects as Winnipeg does when it comes to -10 C blizzard winters, but I do think Nordiques would be a much more attractive destination for non-Canadian players to want to go to over anything in Manitoba. I know if I was a UFA player, I would very much consider Quebec City as a legit option. The main problem, which is not only a QC problem is that you lot have gotten crazier in regards to taxes and I don't blame NHLers for not wanting to play in Canada because of that. Nonetheless, Quebec City would be one of the best choices between them and other teams like Winnipeg, Ottawa, Detriot, or Buffalo.
Jets are a weird team because the guy crying out for money is the majority owner and he's not really worth anything compared to other owners. I doubt he would be able to buy any other team in the NHL currently besides the Coyotes (which should increase value once they get land for a new arena). However, their minority owner is David Thomson who is worth close to 60 billion. If Chipman fails, which it seems now is inevitable in time, who says that Thomson just outright buys the team from him and keeps them in Winnipeg?
Say what you want about if his talent will transform into plays and points based on his work ethic, but he would be the best player on or in the entire Montreal Canadiens organisation. He's more talented than Suzuki, Caufield, Reinbacher, etc. Now with that said, they didn't need a winger yet that's what makes the NHL draft unique. It's one of the few along with the MLB where BPA is of utmost importance.
I think it's especially important to take this into Montreal Canadiens context. They haven't had a legit superstar in ages.
It was a preseason game and only a game… projecting him as a for sure dominant center after this sample is a leap.
I have zero questions about his talent and ceiling. I think he’s a fantastic talent, but he certainly has questions. To portray it like it he doesn’t is dishonest.
He's a center now and the Flyers will likely do all they cam to keep him there
At least my point here was, that his upside is so big that it should be worth the gamble. Especially for Montreal who have not had a superstar since forever.
One thing people should know is that Montreal's Director of amateur scouting is Nikolai Bobrov. He's Russian himself and his father works for SKA, which is Michkov's team in the KHL.
Maybe and I can see the case for it. Yet, they would have known him very well, they have plenty of wingers… and likewise, they haven’t had a prospect like Reinbacher on defense since the 70s.
I'm old enough to remember that Quebec city already had some issues to attract players in the 90's (hello Lindros).
From what I understand he can become a Pietrangelo type of defenseman.
Depending how you feel about Pietrangelo, I can see it. A legit #1D who you can build around a Cup sort of defense, but not likely a top 5 level D.
Maybe Michkov refused to play for Canadians and that is why Canadians decided to pass on him.
I think exposure does have something to do with it. He’s really a treat to watch and plays a very mature game. With some real offensive upside too. In a better version of the Swiss league as it has improved since this comparison… he produced like Josi. To my eyes he was more impactful on both ends of the ice compared to Josi too (I spent a good amount of time comparing their tapes). I think he’s a great young defenseman… but I’ve been screaming that for a year basically.
