Confirmed with Link: Canadiens Will Pick 5th (Hughes Presser in OP) NO POLITICS

[Runner77]

I’m personally happy with anyone falling to us in the top 5. I’m assuming it’ll be one of Smith/ Michkov unless Habs get skittish about Michkov and they can get a king’s ransom from an eager counterpart.

 

[26Mats]

- Reinbacher could be a very good player makes sense in a top 10 especially this year.
- Reinbacher is NOT a good value with pick 5 based on who could be there.
- If the idea is to pick either Dvorsky or Reinbacher, you can drop down a couple of picks and pick up another asset.

At 5, if Michkov is still there, it's the ONLY possible pick if we want to maximize that value.

That's my resume.

To do that you have to have a read that the teams in between you and where you drop back to don't also have the same assessment of Reinbacher and Dvorsky.

Sometimes if you believe a player is really good, just grab them. Like we did with Romanov.

 

[Whitesnake]

To do that you have to have a read that the teams in between you and where you drop back to don't also have the same assessment of Reinbacher and Dvorsky.

Sometimes if you believe a player is really good, just grab them. Like we did with Romanov.

Which still proves my point. Romanov might only be good No3-4 with low offensive skills. Possible that while they offer a different set of skills, that Fehervary at 46 brings something similar. Durzi at 52 or even....Harris at 71. There was no upside at picking him at 38. The only thing that helps them right now is that it's still a rather ordinairy draft. Maybe McLeod could have been seen at better value. Or Marchenko.

Though to Bergevin's defense, and thanks to our present management wisdom, we still were able to get value for Romanov in a trade. I'M just talking about about picking players in draft and not necessarily what we can do with them once drafted.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

I don't even like Fantilli all that much from what I've seen. I rather Suzuki who showed two-way excellence (for such a young player) in the 2021 playoffs, until Fantilli proves more.

Michkov is on a whole other level of talent.

I prefer Michkov, but come on now. Fantilli has all the earmarks of a future dominant 1C.

Remember that great Caufield sophomore season where he won the Hobey Baker with 52 points in 31 games? That was Caufield's 19-20 years old season and also his Draft+2 year. In his 18-19 rookie season, also his Draft+1 season, Cole had 36 points in 36 games.

Fantilli joined the NCAA 8-9 months younger than Caufield was when he did the same.

Fantilli also has the Hobey Baker, but he did that as a ROOKIE/freshman 18 years old, in his draft year nonetheless, with 65 points in 36 games, eclipsing Caufield by 29 points, while being younger than when Cole had his freshman year. Cole was in the high school program in his draft year. Let that sink in.

I've watched Fantilli quite often this year and your comment just seems ridiculous and homerish.

I'd trade Suzuki in a heartbeat to get Fantilli.

 

[sandviper]

The hockey writers have Carlsson to the Blue Jackets, Will smith to San Jose, and Michkov to us.

Bob McKenzie has Will Smith to the Jackets, Carlsson to SJ, and Michkov to us.

I say an interview with a Blue Jackets beat writer who is different than Aaron Portzline. He thinks at this point it's a coin flip for them between Carlsson and Will Smith. Carlsson is the big center, Will Smith could be the flashy point producing dynamo...

I'd be ecstatic with either Carlsson or Michkov, but am warming up to Smith.

Oh, ok. The way i read your comment and the conversation leading up to it, I assumed Michkov was going #4.

I wouldn't object to Smith but I do prefer Carlsson.

 

[MON4NHLTOR4MLB]

I think Philly takes Reinbacher

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

I’m personally happy with anyone falling to us in the top 5. I’m assuming it’ll be one of Smith/ Michkov unless Habs get skittish about Michkov and they can get a king’s ransom from an eager counterpart.

Imo, all the noise is to entice offers and has nothing to do with wanting/not wanting Michkov, but more about the multiple pressures on the team to get back to the playoffs asap and hence dangle the pick to get a young player who's further along and closer to our contention window.

Molson might be paying lip service to the tank crowd and trying to lower expectations, he wants the playoffs asap.

 

[BenchBrawl]

I prefer Michkov, but come on now. Fantilli has all the earmarks of a future dominant 1C.

Remember that great Caufield sophomore season where he won the Hobey Baker with 52 points in 31 games? That was Caufield's 19-20 years old season and also his Draft+2 year. In his 18-19 rookie season, also his Draft+1 season, Cole had 36 points in 36 games.

Fantilli joined the NCAA 8-9 months younger than Caufield was when he did the same.

Fantilli also has the Hobey Baker, but he did that as a ROOKIE/freshman 18 years old, in his draft year nonetheless, with 65 points in 36 games, eclipsing Caufield by 29 points, while being younger than when Cole had his freshman year. Cole was in the high school program in his draft year. Let that sink in.

I've watched Fantilli quite often this year and your comment just seems ridiculous and homerish.

I'd trade Suzuki in a heartbeat to get Fantilli.

My worries are around his IQ / decision-making.

He has all the tools, sure. But so did Al Iafrate, picked 4th overall in 1984.

I have no doubt that Fantilli will have strong seasons in the NHL, but it's still unclear to me such a type of player will be preferable to a smarter Suzuki in the playoffs. Maybe, maybe not.

Michkov would change this team, spiritually.

No doubt in my mind the late-1970s Habs would have won at least 2 cups, probably 3, without Lafleur. But Lafleur turned it into a religious experience. This is what I'm aiming for, and this is what we deserve.

Besides, we won't get Fantilli (or Carlsson) even if we lose out on Michkov. We'll get Will Smith, and what's your opinion on him? Feels like quite a drop. And I liked what I saw of him, but still come to this conclusion.

 

[waffledave]

My worries are around his IQ / decision-making.

He has all the tools, sure. But so did Al Iafrate, picked 4th overall in 1984.

I have no doubt that Fantilli will have strong seasons in the NHL, but it's still unclear to me such a type of player will be preferable to a smarter Suzuki in the playoffs. Maybe, maybe not.

Michkov would change this team, spiritually.

No doubt in my mind the late-1970s Habs would have won at least 2 cups, probably 3, without Lafleur. But Lafleur turned it into a religious experience. This is what I'm aiming for, and this is what we deserve.

Besides, we won't get Fantilli (or Carlsson) even if we lose out on Michkov. We'll get Will Smith, and what's your opinion on him? Feels like quite a drop. And I liked what I saw of him, but still come to this conclusion.

Smith is an electrifying player. I would be thrilled if we got him.

 

[BenchBrawl]

Smith is an electrifying player. I would be thrilled if we got him.

I agree he's electrifying, but unclear how much that will translate. He's an enigma.

To go from Michkov, an absolute surefire franchise offensive superstar, to a lottery ticket, is quite the drop, probabilistically speaking.

 

[Scotianhab]

I agree he's electrifying, but unclear how much that will translate. He's an enigma.

To go from Michkov, an absolute surefire franchise offensive superstar, to a lottery ticket, is quite the drop, probabilistically speaking.

I like Smith way more than Slafkovsky. Thats how good this draft is imo.

 

[BenchBrawl]

I like Smith way more than Slafkovsky. Thats how good this draft is imo.

Not sure at all. Let's give it 3 years for Slafkovsky. He has shown unusual clutchness in big moments in 2022, and has the body advantage. He had no opportunity to be clutch in his role and in this weak MTL team this year, at age 18. Seems premature to judge one way or another.

I would probably pick Slafkovsky ahead of Smith right now.

People are sleeping on Slafkovsky right now, and I say this without being a fanboy. Slaf can still blossom into an incredible and unique player for us.

 

[waffledave]

I agree he's electrifying, but unclear how much that will translate. He's an enigma.

To go from Michkov, an absolute surefire franchise offensive superstar, to a lottery ticket, is quite the drop, probabilistically speaking.

We don't know if Michkov will pan out either. We don't know much of anything. I would rather have Smith + Caufield vs Michkov and no Caufield cause we traded him to move up.

Not sure at all. Let's give it 3 years for Slafkovsky. He has shown unusual clutchness in big moments, and has the body advantage. He had no opportunity to be clutch in his role and in this weak MTL team this year, at age 18. Seems premature to judge one way or another.

I would probably pick Slafkovsky ahead of Smith right now.

Dude Slafkovsky low key sucks.

 

[BenchBrawl]

We don't know if Michkov will pan out either. We don't know much of anything. I would rather have Smith + Caufield vs Michkov and no Caufield cause we traded him to move up.



Dude Slafkovsky low key sucks.

Michkov is the most guaranteed prospect in this draft, ahead of Bedard. He's as surefire as it gets. He already proved his skills worked against men and has a consistent history of dominance by now.

As for Slafkovsky, this kind of snappy judgement on a 18 years old is beneath your intelligence, which I know you have plenty. Let's relax on Slaf and see what happens in the next five years. Big forwards often blossom later anyway.

 

[Scotianhab]

If Slaf doesn’t improve his IQ and his awareness he will be a good 3rd liner. I was leaning Wright on draft day but would have been happy with Cooley who could end up being the best player.

 

[BenchBrawl]

If Slaf doesn’t improve his IQ and his awareness he will be a good 3rd liner. I was leaning Wright on draft day but would have been happy with Cooley who could end up being the best player.

He can improve it. We'll see.

In any case, he is a surefire NHLer.

The 2022 draft was a crapshoot, everyone knew it. Can't expect us to get out with the best player, in terms of probability. What's important is that Slaf brings unique element to the team construction. No one in their right mind was sure he would be a franchise player. Maybe he will turn into one, but that would be luck.

Cooley had a ton of question marks too, and hasn't proved shit yet.

 

[Scotianhab]

He can improve it. We'll see.

In any case, he is a surefire NHLer.

The 2022 draft was a crapshoot, everyone knew it. Can't expect us to get out with the best player, in terms of probability. What's important is that Slaf brings unique element to the team construction. No one in their right mind was sure he would be a franchise player. Maybe he will turn into one, but that would be luck.

Cooley had a ton of question marks too, and hasn't proved shit yet.

Slaf hasn’t proven shit either. Cooley had a Great D+1year. Slaf was injured most of the year.

 

[BenchBrawl]

Slaf hasn’t proven shit either. Cooley had a Great D+1year. Slaf was injured most of the year.

Slaf has proven he belonged in the NHL.

You'd have to be pretty pessimistic to believe he's not a NHLer after what he has shown as a 18 years old.

Don't get overdosed on the Kotkaniemi comparisons. Besides, Kotkaniemi is still playing in the current playoffs, as disappointing as his career has been.

 

[Twisted Sinister]

My worries are around his IQ / decision-making.

He has all the tools, sure. But so did Al Iafrate, picked 4th overall in 1984.

I have no doubt that Fantilli will have strong seasons in the NHL, but it's still unclear to me such a type of player will be preferable to a smarter Suzuki in the playoffs. Maybe, maybe not.

Michkov would change this team, spiritually.

No doubt in my mind the late-1970s Habs would have won at least 2 cups, probably 3, without Lafleur. But Lafleur turned it into a religious experience. This is what I'm aiming for, and this is what we deserve.

Besides, we won't get Fantilli (or Carlsson) even if we lose out on Michkov. We'll get Will Smith, and what's your opinion on him? Feels like quite a drop. And I liked what I saw of him, but still come to this conclusion.

I prefer Michkov, but come on now. Fantilli has all the earmarks of a future dominant 1C.

Remember that great Caufield sophomore season where he won the Hobey Baker with 52 points in 31 games? That was Caufield's 19-20 years old season and also his Draft+2 year. In his 18-19 rookie season, also his Draft+1 season, Cole had 36 points in 36 games.

Fantilli joined the NCAA 8-9 months younger than Caufield was when he did the same.

Fantilli also has the Hobey Baker, but he did that as a ROOKIE/freshman 18 years old, in his draft year nonetheless, with 65 points in 36 games, eclipsing Caufield by 29 points, while being younger than when Cole had his freshman year. Cole was in the high school program in his draft year. Let that sink in.

I've watched Fantilli quite often this year and your comment just seems ridiculous and homerish.

I'd trade Suzuki in a heartbeat to get Fantilli.

I like when people have a conversation and both are making excellent points. You're both absolutely right.

-Fantilli has been a dominant player at the NCAA level with all the tools in the world, but his toolbox is a bit lacking. However, he's been able to overcome it through sheer force of will, and he seems to be adding new facets to his game, such as a mean streak this year. He's an enticing prospect for sure, but what translates to at the NHL level is anyone's guess. I think the floor is pretty low, though.

-Michkov is a can't miss ball of hockey IQ. It's like watching a hockey chess master. Absolutely spellbinding.

Caufield needs to sign a contract that is beneficial to us in some way. If he's asking for the Matthews UFA contract till 2028 and won't budge, he has to go. That won't help the Habs in any way and might actually screw them during their window.

At that point, you trade him for 2 if Anaheim does it. Does Anaheim do it though? Who knows?

 

[Scotianhab]

Slaf has proven he belonged in the NHL.

You'd have to be pretty pessimistic to believe he's not a NHLer after what he has shown as a 18 years old.

Don't get overdosed on the Kotkaniemi comparisons. Besides, Kotkaniemi is still playing in the current playoffs, as disappointing as his career has been.

Please I would have preferred Slaf go to junior or even the AHL. I hate rushing prospects. I don’t think he proved anything other than getting his bell rung a few times. I want him to succeed bc I love the Habs but this year for him wasn’t good at all imo.

 

[BenchBrawl]

Please I would have preferred Slaf go to junior or even the AHL. I hate rushing prospects. I don’t think he proved anything other than getting his bell rung a few times. I want him to succeed bc I love the Habs but this year for him wasn’t good at all imo.

I think he's gonna be fine.

 

[Scotianhab]

Fantilli is a better player than Slaf and I’d still send him back to the NCAA for another year.

I think he's gonna be fine.

Hopefully. We don’t need a 1st overall bust in a rebuild.

 

[dinodebino]

Well that's what Chicago did and they're looking pretty smart right about now.

Le fantasme de HFBoards alright.

 

[BenchBrawl]

Le fantasme de HFBoards alright.

Yeah, let's be "reasonable" instead. Let's be professionals. Like all the professionals who led us to exactly f***all in the last 30 years with their "you can't lose in Montreal" mentality.

Even the Boston Bruins, the usual example provided to prove that you can excel without a full rebuild, not only got lucky to sign arguably the greatest free agent signing in history (Chara), but despite this ultimately underachieved anyway.

Meanwhile Chicago, Pittsburgh and LA accumulated the Stanley Cups with their franchise players, mostly all picked Top 3 in the draft.

Now watch us win f***all in the next decade, while Chicago win multiple cups with Bedard in 8 years.

 

[dinodebino]

Yeah, let's be "reasonable" instead. Let's be professionals. Like all the professionals who led us to exactly f***all in the last 30 years with their "you can't lose in Montreal" mentality.

Even the Boston Bruins, the usual example provided to prove that you can excel without a full rebuild, not only got lucky to sign arguably the greatest free agent signing in history (Chara), but despite this ultimately underachieved anyway.

Meanwhile Chicago, Pittsburgh and LA accumulated the Stanley Cups with their franchise players, mostly all picked Top 3 in the draft.

Now watch us win f***all in the next decade, while Chicago will win multiple cups with Bedard in 8 years.

The rebuilt is on, living a second off season of it. You want to ADD to it, not substract to it.

Michkov won’t come before three seasons. You trade tit-cul (and why not Suzuki un coup parti) and your team will suck balls bigger than mine for three more seasons before the Saviour arrives. That is not a rebuilt. That is stupidity. And no one except drooling HFBoareds fanboys would want that in Mtl.

We have a core, ADD to it. We have other kids to trade. Not 22 (who, btw, is the most popular kid with fans since a while, selling jerseys like it’s f***ing porn) or your YOUNG captain for maybes in three years.

The rebuilt is on! Let’s build on it! You guys don’t want a rebuild; you are yearning for The Messiah. Well, let me wake you up a bit: he ain’t comin’. This is hockey, not some ficticious fairy tale. Live the moment! Y’all wanted a rebuild, we have one now!