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

[SlafySZN]

We'll see. Neither is a slam dunk over the other. I love Cooley's combination of skill and jam.

I do too, he was my favorite prospect last year but Smith offensive ceiling is very high with his ability to slow the game down or play on the rush too.

 

[Habs]

Absolutely not. Caufield is untouchable.

he's my favorite player, if they blow this deal though he's gone in two years.. .lets hope they do it right

 

[Andrei79]

Smith was sick, he didn’t get cut.

Smith is smarter, better hands, can see the game better, knows when to slow the game up, better vision. Cooley has the motor and defensive game as of now but Smith will also round up his game in college.

Smith's IQ on offense is impressive. There's some Suzuki in his game.

 

[Runner77]

I mean their G.M. already publicly stated that he doesn't have concerns over the "Russian" factor, and no issues with Michkov's contract. It will come down to talent, and Michkov will simply be the most talented player left on the board after Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson go top 3.

It depends on how founded these other rumors might be about Michkov. It goes beyond a “Russian factor” — it’s nebulous what Michkov’s commitment to staying in Russia might be. I don’t think talent will be the deciding factor if a team determines that there is a 5 year waiting period that is within the realm of the possible.

Not every team is willing to wait so long, hence the theory about teams picking later willing to take that risk.

It’s great that he’s showing up at the draft but he’s missing the combine. He could have at least done interviews. Not the best decision given the uncertainty surrounding him.

 

[26Mats]

One more month to go before we can finally stop overanalyzing every tweet and mock draft that comes out, the wait and uncertainty are excruciating.

I'm preparing for the worst but I'll still be livid if Michkov is the best player left at 5 and they don't take him.

* one month plus one week, face palm

 

[CHwest]

would you guys do Cole and #5 to Anaheim for #2? Cole and his buddy are reuninted, and we can't seem to handle contracts anyways.

Its Tuesday, come at me.

I would be really, really tempted. I doubt Anaheim would though.

 

[Andrei79]

It depends on how founded these other rumors might be about Michkov. It goes beyond a “Russian factor” — it’s nebulous what Michkov’s commitment to staying in Russia might be. I don’t think talent will be the deciding factor if a team determines that there is a 5 year waiting period that is within the realm of the possible.

Not every team is willing to wait so long, hence the theory about teams picking later willing to take that risk.

It’s great that he’s showing up at the draft but he’s missing the combine. He could have at least done interviews. Not the best decision given the uncertainty surrounding him.

I've made my peace in regards to Michkov. I doubt he's going to be a Canadien even if he's available. Multi billion dollar franchises rarely choose risk and uncertainty if the downside is losing out completely in one of the best drafts in years. I'm looking at the players who'll be there in the likely scenario Carlsson and Smith are gone as well. I'm hoping we luck put and get the M. Tkachuk/Pettersson of the draft.

 

[montreal]

It's worth waiting till the '26 - '27 to have Michkov. If we can be patient we will be getting a superstar. All good things come to those who wait. What's the rush?

I read where a recent Russian player that just signed in NA when he re-signed his KHL contract he had an NHL out clause so perhaps if Michkov were to re-sign for 2 more years with SKA that he could have an out clause. If the rumor is even true, hopefully the Habs will know if so before the draft.

I did see somewhere I think it was the 31 thoughts but it said an NHL scout said Michkov won't go in the top 12.

If he re-signed and didn't have an out clause, then no I'm not picking him and waiting 5 years, now would I trade down and get another 1st and then look at picking him, 100%.

 

[montreal]

Well, Columbus isn't taking Smith. They will take Carlsson

what makes you say that?

 

[Sterling Archer]

Just imagine being able to draft a player who’s a 1st OA talent in Michkov at no. 5 and not doing it.

That would be such a kick to the dick.

 

[Skip Bayless]

Just imagine being able to draft a player who’s a 1st OA talent in Michkov at no. 5 and not doing it.

That would be such a kick to the dick.

Some would say a twist. A twist to the dick.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

what makes you say that?

They've dropped Fantilli's & Carlsson's names in interviews but not Smith's. Not in a way that they're out & out saying they're only taking one of those 2, but it's enough that the Jackets fan base highly believes it's between Fantilli & Carlsson, whoever Anaheim doesn't take.

There's also a sense that the team makeup needs a big two-way center over a highly skilled forward that may not be a center at the NHL level - a sort of another Kent Johnson with Smith.

John Davidson also came out & explicitly stated they're taking a center, which eliminates Michkov & imo Smith, as there seems to be a general agreement that he's a winger in NHL - again like Johnson.

I feel very strongly that it's Bedard, Fantilli & Carlsson as top 3.

 

[Runner77]

Just imagine being able to draft a player who’s a 1st OA talent in Michkov at no. 5 and not doing it.

That would be such a kick to the dick.

The kick in the dick was already received when the team kept piling useless wins in a lost season. Hughes didn’t mind then so now he reaps what he sowed.

 

[Sterling Archer]

The kick in the dick was already received when the team kept piling useless wins in a lost season. Hughes didn’t mind then so now he reaps what he sowed.

So imagine how much worse it would be if they were gifted a player like Michkov and did it all over again.

 

[Runner77]

So imagine how much worse it would be if they were gifted a player like Michkov and did it all over again.

Gifted? When is he coming over? He’s apparently considering another KHL extension.

Should he not be at the combine to provide assurances?

More like a burnt offering if these rumors of his late arrival are founded.

 

[Deleted member 257557]

It's worth waiting till the '26 - '27 to have Michkov. If we can be patient we will be getting a superstar. All good things come to those who wait. What's the rush?

I would agree if I were immortal. Buuuuuut for me 5oa has one year of college or ahl at most before I must be entertained. 2 rd picks and beyond I don’t care if I can still watch a whole period without pissing myself and forgetting who I’m rooting for by the time they make it.

 

[salbutera]

Just imagine being able to draft a player who’s a 1st OA talent in Michkov at no. 5 and not doing it.

That would be such a kick to the dick.

Prepared to chance a 5OA pick & wait 5-years for him to come over should that manifest?

 

[sansabri]

Prepared to chance a 5OA pick & wait 5-years for him to come over should that manifest?

yes

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

I mean their G.M. already publicly stated that he doesn't have concerns over the "Russian" factor, and no issues with Michkov's contract. It will come down to talent, and Michkov will simply be the most talented player left on the board after Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson go top 3.

Their GM didn't say they have no concerns over MIchkov.

Why Sharks could face huge test of patience for long-term gain with No. 4 pick

The Sharks' choice will likely come down to Leo Carlsson, Will Smith or — most notably — Matvei Michkov.

theathletic.com

I don't have access to the full article, but from what I've read Grier essentially just said that Michkov isn't a DND.

It's not much different than what Hughes said.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Michkov isn't refusing the combine, he said he didn't receive an invite. Presumably it will be like last year where no Russians from Russia attended.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Gifted? When is he coming over? He’s apparently considering another KHL extension.

Should he not be at the combine to provide assurances?

More like a burnt offering if these rumors of his late arrival are founded.

Prepared to chance a 5OA pick & wait 5-years for him to come over should that manifest?

What “reputable” source said he was going to sign a 2 year extension when he has 3 years left on his existing deal?

I’m sure any team that talks to him will enquire about that. If he does stay, it’ll cost him a ton of money and quality of life he’d have in the NHL. There’s a reason all the best Russians are here and not there.

 

[Runner77]

Michkov isn't refusing the combine, he said he didn't receive an invite. Presumably it will be like last year where no Russians from Russia attended.

Interesting, did not know that. It’s hypocritical cause he can attend the draft and be eligible to be drafted.

But somehow, the combine, a lesser event than the other two but still significant for teams’ intel, is objectionable.

Makes zero sense.

What “reputable” source said he was going to sign a 2 year extension when he has 3 years left on his existing deal?

I’m sure any team that talks to him will enquire about that. If he does stay, it’ll cost him a ton of money and quality of life he’d have in the NHL. There’s a reason all the best Russians are here and not there.

You want reputable sources out of Russia? Whose life should be risked to achieve that end? What we’re hearing now is likely as good as it’s going to get until the geopolitical situation has resolved itself.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Their GM didn't say they have no concerns over MIchkov.

View attachment 711984

Why Sharks could face huge test of patience for long-term gain with No. 4 pick

The Sharks' choice will likely come down to Leo Carlsson, Will Smith or — most notably — Matvei Michkov.

theathletic.com

I don't have access to the full article, but from what I've read Grier essentially just said that Michkov isn't a DND.

It's not much different than what Hughes said.

I watched an interview with him immediately after the lottery and he seemed pretty positive about Michkov, and didn't seem too concerned about his contract, so maybe he's walking it back.

Also, the Athletic is doing a lot of speaking for Grier in the above article. He's being really general in his statements, and they're completely reinterpreting that in a negative light for Michkov.

 

[salbutera]

What “reputable” source said he was going to sign a 2 year extension when he has 3 years left on his existing deal?

I’m sure any team that talks to him will enquire about that. If he does stay, it’ll cost him a ton of money and quality of life he’d have in the NHL. There’s a reason all the best Russians are here and not there.

Like Kaprizov did it actually is more financially profitable for him.

As for reputable source, not saying it will happen , I’m pretty sure that rumor was based on Kravtsov signing a 2-yr deal and not Michkov.

Lots of unknowns, I’m assuming Michkov will be around for the entire pre draft day period to go thorough interview process.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Some would say a twist. A twist to the dick.

THEY'RE GONNA GRAB OUR DICKS AND TWIST THEM

Please, just don't pass because of the Russian factor.