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

[JohnTheBaptist]

I think he's fantastic. #1 potential imo. He ticks every box except PP1 QB. Doesn't quite have the vision/creativity from what I've seen.

He looks like a more polished right handed Guhle sort of. Guhle seemed to have a bit more snap to his game; more aggressiveness. But Guhle was more raw in his draft year.

Reinbacher makes great decisions with the puck. Tons of poise. Really good shot. Solid hands but he's not a dangler. He can rush the puck really well. Strong, can skate. Physical, good positioning. A lot of people will piss and moan if we pick him draft day but when you have him and Guhle patrolling the blue line come playoff time, no one will be upset.

I think passing on him would be a big mistake. Our blue line would be outstanding going forward. Gotta feeling Hughes is going to pick him which I might go into further detail about in a future post.

Cliff notes is that Hughes is a needs guy (though he seems to be cautious about saying it now) and he's gonna see that top pairing right hand spot as a big gaping hole that he wouldn't feel too comfortable about Mailloux or Barron fixing. Reinbacher's his man.

So is Reinbacher is ahead of Mailloux in your opinion?

 

[River Meadow]

I lowkey want Smith, tbh.

But would be great to get Michkov, too.

IF we draft Dvorsky, I can maybe get on board but also if he kinda busts... management need to be held accountable.

Leonard I can get on board with too.

Benson IMO is just too small and his tools aren't dynamic enough to warrant 5th OA, I could get on board but same as Dvorsky, if he kinda busts then management needs to be held accountable.

 

[Mad]

So is Reinbacher is ahead of Mailloux in your opinion?

He’s a vastly superior defenseman.

Mailloux has great tools, but his decision making isn’t good. He’s less composed than Reinbacher under pressure and I don’t think he can take over the transition game like Reinbacher does.

Mailloux has a way better shooting arsenal though. He’s also more physical and has some dirty elements to his physical play. He’s also a better weapon on the pp.

Reinbacher would be a legit piece going forward, while Mailloux is still only potential, even if I believe he’ll play in NHL.

You’re looking to something closer to Guhle in terms of style than Mailloux.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

So is Reinbacher is ahead of Mailloux in your opinion?

oh yeah absolutely. @MadMslm summed it up pretty well. Mailloux has higher offensive upside I'd say. Reinbacher's D is much much better.

I think Reinbacher's a guy that can put up solid point totals while not being super flashy by just making smart plays. Good stretch passes from what I've seen. Plus he rushes the puck pretty well. He was only .06 (or something close to that) less PPG than Josi's at the same age and same league. Reinbacher's offence will likely never be elite but 40-50 is doable from what I can see while giving you prime shut down D. His advanced stats I think are better than Seider's at the same age.

He just projects really really well. Not a lot of flash but just rock solid.

 

[JohnTheBaptist]

He’s a vastly superior defenseman.

Mailloux has great tools, but his decision making isn’t good. He’s less composed than Reinbacher under pressure and I don’t think he can take over the transition game like Reinbacher does.

Mailloux has a way better shooting arsenal though. He’s also more physical and has some dirty elements to his physical play. He’s also a better weapon on the pp.

Reinbacher would be a legit piece going forward, while Mailloux is still only potential, even if I believe he’ll play in NHL.

You’re looking to something closer to Guhle in terms of style than Mailloux.

Sounds very interesting. So a future lineup of?

Guhle - Reinbacher
Matheson - Mailloux
Xhekaj - Barron

 

[Kennerback]

I understand Leonard’s the guy that’s being talked about lately. And I believe he’ll be a solid player. He definitely has elements up on Smith like physicality and more speed, but he doesn’t have Smith’s vision, creativity and offensive hockey sense.

The other thing is I don’t buy the hit job on Smith rehashing the same arguments used on Shane Wright. Smith does Not do the slow-movement floating. Smith does not shy from being hit. He doesn’t avoid boards and corners. He doesn’t get rid of the puck as soon as someone skates toward him. Sometimes he cherry picks but he’ll take his man and go deep, sure not enough.

Smith’s so smart, he’ll pick up the defensive side of the game that other centers like Dvorsky do better at this point. His skills are through the roof. He has so much ease with the puck. With Michkov off, he’s a no brainer at 5OA.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I have come around. One of the top 5 or bust.

 

[Kennerback]

I have come around. One of the top 5 or bust.

I’m looking at the « others ». They all have this or that individual qualities that might be ahead of Smith or Michkov, but the whole offensive skill set is not on the same level.

Smith has that ease and effortlessness with the puck on his stick that players like Kane or Zegras have.

 

[DramaticGloveSave]

I’ll be happy with either of Michkov or Smith, but Dvorsky is the guy who will be the playoff warrior of this draft.

 

[ottawa]

Oh they will , They are gonna pick Dvorsky and pass up into Smith or Michkov or they will draft the Budget Version of another Jiri Sekac.

This org never picks BPA , trash scouting.

Slaf was BPA to many scouts so they're 1/1 so far

 

[Rapala]

Slaf was BPA to many scouts so they're 1/1 so far

The funny thing BPA is so subjective it doesn't really show for a couple of years in most cases. Some go on to be BPA in the AHL and yet never graduate to the big leagues. BPA at draft age is usually a hit and miss proposal at best regardless of how many scouts are on board. Hughes said it himself he wanted the best player 5 years from now. About the same time we find out if this rebuild has any legs.

 

[Habaddict]

In theory, if they like someone more and they are willing to trade down, teams would have to pay a premium for it.

At 8th, it’s the Capitals. They have no other 1st rounder this year, and a pretty slim prospect pool. If they would include their 8th + unprotected 1st next year you could think about it.

But not sure they’ll take that gamble with Metro and the Atlantic looking this strong.

In terms of picks, Arizona, Detroit and St-Louis could offer multiple ones.

There’s always charts that goes over projected value of draft picks, here’s one of them from three years ago.

Obviously teams won’t always follow charts like these, even tho they all have their own variations, everything depends on how much they like a player.

View attachment 710828

So that was my question. What should we get, to down
from #5 to #8 or #9? Because in this draft, #5 and #12 may
not be far apart in future value. This draft is very strong in
that range.

 

[Mad]

Sounds very interesting. So a future lineup of?

Guhle - Reinbacher
Matheson - Mailloux
Xhekaj - Barron

Looks better than having Mailloux and Barron on the two first pairs. Pushing everyone back a spot can only be beneficial.

They can all skate, they can all do stretch passes and help transition. No one is under 6’2, so that’s a big defensive squad.

Really reminds me of what the Hurricanes have right now.

So that was my question. What should we get, to down
from #5 to #8 or #9? Because in this draft, #5 and #12 may
not be far apart in future value. This draft is very strong in
that range.

For the 8th Overall, I’d ask Washington’s 2024 1st, unprotected or with minimum protection. If they want to climb so bad, they should overpay for it.

I don’t know if I would do it for 8th + Lapierre or McMicheal. They have Miroshnichenko (he has health concerns) and Chesley (liked him a lot last year) that are insteresting.

At 9th, the Red Wings also have pick 17th. So if we could get both pick, Habs could get out of this draft with a pretty good haul and who knows maybe replicate what the stars did in 2017. Not sure Yzerman is ready to pay for that and I don’t expect him to trade any of his top prospects/young players because he wants to compete now.

If he really loves the player at 5th, he might take that risk.

So yeah, you could grab a player at 9th and 17th that end up in the top 10 players in re-draft. Talent so close in that range that any of them could jump ahead.

I’d definitely entertain the idea. If Michkov is there though, I’d pick him.

 

[themilosh]

I mean at what point he's not a risk? Second round?
This is not the first time a player will not be joining in the first 3 years before getting drafted.
I don't want to touch politics but who knows what will happen in the next months in this area.

If I saw correctly , Michkov will not be at combine but he will be Present at draft. Pretty much confirms someone will pick him in the first round. There is no way Michkov is not picked in the top 10.

Let's say Slaf was in the american college and he would have to wait 3 years until he joins us. Would you be guys scared that he might not join us? I know it's not the same as what's happening in Russia but Michkov gotta finish his contract that he signed unless both parties say they part away before 3 years.


We'll see , but we heard alot of GMs lately that wouldnt mind wait 3 years.
Anyways our team is like 2-3 years to be somewhat relevant to begin with.

It's not like we are 1 Michkov away to be a great team.

The parity in the NHL is insane rn.. any given Sunday, every day.. hiw can you say we are 2-3 years from being "relevent" and yet Seattle in just 2nd year, FROM SCRATCH, wins first rnd and forces game 7 with Dallas?

All you need is to be a top 10 team (top 1/3) to be a threat for the Cup.. speed and size.. Hugo is doing that.. we're much closer than you think. I'd even argue that we could make playoffs as early as next year, without too much
Dallas and Vegas both missed the playoffs last year. 1 year.. a competent rebuild in todats NHL is 3 years.. anything beyond that and youre not an effective Builder.

 

[Mad]

The other thing is I don’t buy the hit job on Smith rehashing the same arguments used on Shane Wright. Smith does Not do the slow-movement floating. Smith does not shy from being hit. He doesn’t avoid boards and corners. He doesn’t get rid of the puck as soon as someone skates toward him. Sometimes he cherry picks but he’ll take his man and go deep, sure not enough.

Smith’s so smart, he’ll pick up the defensive side of the game that other centers like Dvorsky do better at this point. His skills are through the roof. He has so much ease with the puck. With Michkov off, he’s a no brainer at 5OA.

With the 5th overall pick, if you look at forwards selected in the last 20 years, you’ll end up with an average of 55-60 pts per season.

Same thing when I did the exercise with the 3rd overall pick a few years ago.

I’m confident we end up with an NHL player, and honestly we are due to hit on an elite offensive talent.

Smith has probably the best hands and vision/playmaking combo of the draft. I don’t think the criticism is the same as Wright.

He’s deadly with open space, he can create more space for himself and set up anyone if you give him a little bit. I did note a few times when I saw him that he doesn’t offer sustained effort. Maybe it’s because the line is dominant and he knows they can score if they get one or two chances. Yes he’ll go to the boards and he’ll get himself to the middle of the ice on some plays, but in the NHL there’s barely any space on the ice.

He doesn’t have the explosion in his skating to create separation right away between him and other players in the ice. And because the play is pushed the boards in the NHL he will need to be engaged to win those battles if he want to have that space to use his vision and hands.

As I said before, getting stronger will fix part of that, but the rest will come from his drive to succeed and effort. His defensive commitment will also play a role on how good he can be and if he can be a viable center in the long run. Obviously if he produces a lot, you’ll have to give him breathing room on his defensive assignments.

I think it’s fair criticism, other than Bedard and Michkov, all the players have things that could hold them down from achieving their potential or even derail their career.

Especially when you will most probably get out of there with a 60 pts player. I wouldn’t be disappointed with Smith, he’s fifth on my list but i do think he has highest chances of busting from that top 5.

 

[NotProkofievian]

With the 5th overall pick, if you look at forwards selected in the last 20 years, you’ll end up with an average of 55-60 pts per season.

Same thing when I did the exercise with the 3rd overall pick a few years ago.

I’m confident we end up with an NHL player, and honestly we are due to hit on an elite offensive talent.

Smith has probably the best hands and vision/playmaking combo of the draft. I don’t think the criticism is the same as Wright.

He’s deadly with open space, he can create more space for himself and set up anyone if you give him a little bit. I did note a few times when I saw him that he doesn’t offer sustained effort. Maybe it’s because the line is dominant and he knows they can score if they get one or two chances. Yes he’ll go to the boards and he’ll get himself to the middle of the ice on some plays, but in the NHL there’s barely any space on the ice.

He doesn’t have the explosion in his skating to create separation right away between him and other players in the ice. And because the play is pushed the boards in the NHL he will need to be engaged to win those battles if he want to have that space to use his vision and hands.

As I said before, getting stronger will fix part of that, but the rest will come from his drive to succeed and effort. His defensive commitment will also play a role on how good he can be and if he can be a viable center in the long run. Obviously if he produces a lot, you’ll have to give him breathing room on his defensive assignments.

I think it’s fair criticism, other than Bedard and Michkov, all the players have things that could hold them down from achieving their potential or even derail their career.

Especially when you will most probably get out of there with a 60 pts player. I wouldn’t be disappointed with Smith, he’s fifth on my list but i do think he has highest chances of busting from that top 5.

Smith plays a very different game than Wright does. Wright's game is all based on positioning, timing, making quick one touch passes, and sniping. It hasn't worked out for him in the pros so far, but we'll see if and how he adapts in the future.

Smith's game is based on possession, beating lines of coverage with his hands, and vision.

The thing that they have in common is that they don't exactly have very much ''chien'' in their game.

 

[Mad]

Smith plays a very different game than Wright does. Wright's game is all based on positioning, timing, making quick one touch passes, and sniping. It hasn't worked out for him in the pros so far, but we'll see if and how he adapts in the future.

Smith's game is based on possession, beating lines of coverage with his hands, and vision.

The thing that they have in common is that they don't exactly have very much ''chien'' in their game.

Looking back at his rookie season and his u18 performance, it’s true he did look more dynamic (or alive) but he really never was the one creating the opportunity.

He was really good at finding himself in open space and because he has an elite shot, it would end in the back of the net. This became even more glaring last year, even if some (myself included) wouldn’t believe the evidence completely.

Most of his goals are always the same thing over and over again. He was never the play driver.

And yes Smith is a play driver and will control the play, while Wright will dish it to a winger and go to open space.

That’s why I said the criticism is different than Wright. Smith can turn the game around and take control of it, while Wright can’t. And Smith is a puck magnet, so he will always be engaged in the play more than Wright who skates from open space to open space.

I can’t lie that in some performances, Smith didn’t always impress me in term of effort. It’s fine for the level he’s in, but if he wants to reach his potential in the NHL he will have to be more consistent.

And yeah no “chien”, but I get it, he has the puck too often to maybe develop that part of his game. I would be more confident in him developing some than Wright.

 

[NORiculous]

Slaf was BPA to many scouts so they're 1/1 so far

Who? My memory tells me I only saw one list with Slaf at #1.

It was clearly a weak draft, no one was able to play at the NHL level. That probably makes predictions harder.

 

[NotProkofievian]

Looking back at his rookie season and his u18 performance, it’s true he did look more dynamic (or alive) but he really never was the one creating the opportunity.

He was really good at finding himself in open space and because he has an elite shot, it would end in the back of the net. This became even more glaring last year, even if some (myself included) wouldn’t believe the evidence completely.

Most of his goals are always the same thing over and over again. He was never the play driver.

And yes Smith is a play driver and will control the play, while Wright will dish it to a winger and go to open space.

That’s why I said the criticism is different than Wright. Smith can turn the game around and take control of it, while Wright can’t. And Smith is a puck magnet, so he will always be engaged in the play more than Wright who skates from open space to open space.

I can’t lie that in some performances, Smith didn’t always impress me in term of effort. It’s fine for the level he’s in, but if he wants to reach his potential in the NHL he will have to be more consistent.

And yeah no “chien”, but I get it, he has the puck too often to maybe develop that part of his game. I would be more confident in him developing some than Wright.

Not that that's bad, but overall I agree on the differences between their games.

 

[ReHabs]

Who? My memory tells me I only saw one list with Slaf at #1.

It was clearly a weak draft, no one was able to play at the NHL level. That probably makes predictions harder.

It seems to have been a very weak draft on the top end. Wright ended up having a dud-like season, Slafkovsky had a terribly poor season in Liiga despite what the propogandists like to say, and Cooley would've gone 6-10 in the 2023 draft at the highest. Then there is Nemec and Jiricek who had interesting profiles respectively but it's harder to get horny for Euro. defecement prospects unless they're really standout amazing (ie Hedman, etc) and neither fit that profile.

There will be stars and studs who'll emerge from the 2022 draft but it's as much of a crapshoot as we could've ever feared.

 

[OnTheRun]

Who? My memory tells me I only saw one list with Slaf at #1.

It was clearly a weak draft, no one was able to play at the NHL level. That probably makes predictions harder.

He was #1 EU skater in a draft where the #1 NA skater went 4th.
In itself the lack of a strong consensus for the #1 pick (it extended all the way to 1~5, really) in the 2022 draft make him a BPA pick.

They took the guy they thought had the best chance of becoming the best player in 5 years based on the information they had in June 2022.

 

[bringbacktheskate604]

Van will be interesting to watch, don’t see them rebuilding, but to push forward they need takers for some of their albatross multi year contracts Benning acquired / doled out last summer.

Would HuGo take on one of those multi-year contracts of Van were to provide their 11OA pick? Would Van even be open to doing so?

Definitely not rebuilding but the only contract that is on the books after next season that is 30+ and not worth his current aav is OEL and his buyout is extremely team friendly.

Myers is owed 1 million on an expiring deal.
Garland is 2 years at 4ish milllion.
Brock is part of the core and while overpaid, its two years and he's at worst a 60 point guy over 82.
Canucks have a ton off the books next year in dead cap and with the cap increasing it beccomes less of an issue.
The thing that people ignore is there is a good chance we have 10+ million to spend with everyone already signed once Myers and one of Garland or Beauvillier is moved it very well probably costs a 2nd to unload my Myers and the return on Garland wont be worth what his value but it wont cost anywhere near a 1st. In fact theres rumblings the team might try to trade down.

van is rebuilding, our company has season tickets, they have begged for renewals during this 'rebuilding phase' is what numbnuts Aquilini has stated several times to the ticket holders. I mean, when he isn't busy making shitty wine he makes time to treat the fans like total eltardos

Our owner is greasy, no doubt but the team despite high ticket prices and 7 years of losing is still the 7th most profitable club in the league and the owner quite literally is willing to absorb any financial cost like paying 3 coaches at once and provides everything for his players.
As a season ticket holder, I've experienced nothing like what you describe.

 

[HuGort]

Van will be interesting to watch, don’t see them rebuilding, but to push forward they need takers for some of their albatross multi year contracts Benning acquired / doled out last summer.

Would HuGo take on one of those multi-year contracts of Van were to provide their 11OA pick? Would Van even be open to doing so?

I can't see Vancouver trading 11th pick just to move a contract.

 

[HabsWhiteKnightLOL]

Slaf was BPA to many scouts so they're 1/1 so far

Slaf was not BPA at all , also that would make them 1/2 since Mesar is a budget Louis Leblanc.

Dear god picking Slaf at #1 overall and saying BPA when 4 of them were far superior to him is like asking to overdose on copium.

That's a 0/2 for me dawg and if they don't pick whos available at 5 , between Michkov Smith Carsson or even Fantilli in a dream world , its gonna be another check mark into the failure column of first rounders since new management.

Dodging BPA and go for the cute approach then trying to ask fans to digest that , we been there too many times in the last decade.

Smith or Michkov or Bust plain and simple.

Id rather see the BPA bust than get the cute pick who will average 30 points a season for a decade because he has the karakter and mental of the ''nhl''.

I might live my entire life and not see a single PPG player at this point drafted by this team , even the Laffs have that.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Slaf was not BPA at all , also that would make them 1/2 since Mesar is a budget Louis Leblanc.

Dear god picking Slaf at #1 overall and saying BPA when 4 of them were far superior to him is like asking to overdose on copium.

That's a 0/2 for me dawg and if they don't pick whos available at 5 , between Michkov Smith Carsson or even Fantilli in a dream world , its gonna be another check mark into the failure column of first rounders since new management.

I appreciate the negativity and skepticism but at some point it has to end no? Team is literally rebuilding for the first time in my lifetime give it some time. I've been the biggest negative nancy for like 20 years with this team but to see you keep trucking on truly puts my past negativity to shame.

I tip my hat to you sir