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

[River Meadow]

Why are people disapointed in Leonard? He is a really good prospect. Like Smith and Benson.

If we dont pick Michkov, it wont be because of the war and his contract. It will be because he has problems. Bobrov’s family is working on Michkov team. They have insider info.

Id rather not draft another Drouin/Ribeiro/Galchenyuk if he really have attitude issues or more. All those 3 guys were skilled, but mentally weak.

If he has none of this issues and he is available im sure theyll pick him. And if they dont, im sure they will have done their due dilligence.

They shouldn't be.

IMO Leonard is the real deal Holyfield. He will score goals in the NHL, he just will. What he brings should translate extremely well to the NHL.

I would be happy with him, or Benson, or Michkov, or Smith.

 

[Andrei79]

 

[WeThreeKings]

That is a great film room and I think it will be Leonard for Montreal.

Especially if the rumors are true that Reinbacher had trouble in his interview with Montreal.

Leonard has the personality to thrive in the Montreal market, he has a skill set that is tough to come by, and the offense is at a top 6 level and as the video says, can grow from complementary to legitimate play driver.

I think Adam Nicholas watching that tape thinks that the flashes of high level playmaking can be turned into regular occurences.

 

[Omar]

Yeah that's cool and all, I don't think that's lost on anyone but there's a chance he isn't picked by teams 4-7 and even beyond. So do we just not discuss the merits of drafting other players because we want a star and why can ONLY Michkov be a star?

You’re a smart dude. We all know that the players ranked 1-5 are the top end of this draft and there’s a major drop off after that. The probability that someone outside of the top 5 becomes a star is much less. Obviously you should be able to discuss other prospects but it’s understandable why people are so adamant we take him.

How has the team that just won the cup acquired their three stars? (Eichel, Stone, Pietrangelo)

How many stars did they drafted or traded to do so ?

People are indeed desperate for a star. Lets just not simplify it by saying that if they don't draft Michkov, they won't have an offensive star for another decade.

Drafting Michkov = guaranteed star
Not drafting Michkov for dubious reason =\ no more stars for a while and an obvious fail a getting one.

Its not as black or white as this.

Its still up in the air but Kirby Dach showed 1C/star upside and Hutson also displayed superstar qualities this season.

Again, people being desperate for a star is one thing. Drafting Michkov for this sole reason is a logical flaw.

It’s much easier to draft a star than trade for one or sign one as a UFA. And we are sitting in 5th spot where we have nothing stopping us from picking one of the top 5. That’s why.

 

[WeThreeKings]

You’re a smart dude. We all know that the players ranked 1-5 are the top end of this draft and there’s a major drop off after that. The probability that someone outside of the top 5 becomes a star is much less. Obviously you should be able to discuss other prospects but it’s understandable why people are so adamant we take him.


It’s much easier to draft a star than trade for one or sign one as a UFA. And we are sitting in 5th spot where we have nothing stopping us from picking one of the top 5. That’s why.

But why can't we have a discussion around what happens if we pass on him for hockey and non-hockey related reasons?

That is a legitimate and likely outcome right now, so just getting mad about the Michkov dossier isn't a productive conversation at this point.

 

[NORiculous]

The war will last another 15 to 20 years.

If it does and doesn’t get worse in the next 3 years, then it doesn’t concern this issue.

 

[morhilane]

He really likes to go inside, which is how you produce in the NHL, unless you have a laser aimed shot.

 

[NORiculous]

This management didn't give me reasons to doubt their decision making.

Only the way they handled Slafkovsky last year. It still could be fine but they attracted attention because it wasn’t the normal way of handling a prospect that was in over his head.

So, I would say that there is some still-unconfirmed-reasons to doupt and that is not nothing, to a portion of fans.

I’m pretty sure that had they quickly sent Slafkovsky down, there would probably less pressure right now.

Just my opinion.

 

[WeThreeKings]

He really likes to go inside, which is how you produce in the NHL, unless you have a laser aimed shot.

His inside skill is really good and why I've been getting more and more excited about the prospect of picking him.

 

[sampollock]

According to the Match TV site, citing a well-informed Russian source, the attacker will land at the Washington Capitals in the first round, that is to say in 8th place in the draft. This source even claims that it is almost 99% certain.

The only other possibility would be to see him selected by the San Jose Sharks at number four. The Canadian would therefore be completely excluded from the race for the selection of Michkov.

“Matvei Michkov will go to Washington, you will see. The Capitals are definitely going to draft him. Michkov, who refused all meeting requests from team representatives in Russia, did so following requests from his team, the SKA, not to discuss with any representatives from outside. Everything seems crystal clear. Michkov will not be selected in the top three because of his 3-year contract in Russia. It's hard to imagine Montreal (5th) selecting him. Teams like Arizona (6th) or Philadelphia (7th) understand that he could not arrive in the NHL until 26 years old. In 8 seasons, the leadership group has time to change. What's the point of selecting a prospect who will only come to help the team during the reign of your successor? There is only only one real competitor for the Capitals and that is the #4 San Jose Sharks because the team owner loves Russian hockey and is a fan of Igor Larionov. If for some incredible reason the Caps do not select him, he will not pass the Vancouver Canucks (11th) but according to my information, the Capitals are seriously considering selecting Michkov to succeed Alex Ovechkin. »

- Anonymous Russian source

 

[Simarino]

Special player!! toughness skills determination hockey IQ skating..He checks all the boxes

 

[Andrei79]

That is a great film room and I think it will be Leonard for Montreal.

Especially if the rumors are true that Reinbacher had trouble in his interview with Montreal.

Leonard has the personality to thrive in the Montreal market, he has a skill set that is tough to come by, and the offense is at a top 6 level and as the video says, can grow from complementary to legitimate play driver.

I think Adam Nicholas watching that tape thinks that the flashes of high level playmaking can be turned into regular occurences.

Yeah, I don't get why people think if the Canadiens draft him, it's for 2nd or 3rd line upside. He has speed, strength, compete, hands, he can deke players or power through them. He has a strong inside game and can score in front of the net. He can both drive play or complement a line. You can insert him on any line, which means his path to the NHL will be relatively fast. I can imagine him on a line with Slafkovsky and Dach, which would be a handful for any team to manage.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Yeah, I don't get why people think if the Canadiens draft him, it's for 2nd or 3rd line upside. He has speed, strength, compete, hands, he can deke players or power through them. He has a strong inside game and can score in front of the net. He can both drive play or complement a line. You can insert him on any line, which means his path to the NHL will be relatively fast. I can imagine him on a line with Slafkovsky and Dach, which would be a handful for any team to manage.

He can also play with Suzuki and Caufield, filling the same role he is doing for Smith-Perrault now.

Adam Nicholas would love working with this kid.

 

[Jaynki]

It’s much easier to draft a star than trade for one or sign one as a UFA. And we are sitting in 5th spot where we have nothing stopping us from picking one of the top 5. That’s why.

''One of the top 5'' is a subjective collective discourse right now but is far from guaranteeing anything. Its nothing more than glitters.

Its as hard to draft a star than it is to trade for one or sign for one. In fact, if you look at the NHL stars right now, the big majority of them have been found throughout the draft and were not obvious top 5 pick.

Just look at our team, our best C has been picked 13OV. Our 40G since a while has been picked 15OV. Our prospective 1D has been picked 16OV and our best prospect, one who truly has star potential has almost been picked in the 3rd round (Hutson).

Again, Drafting Michkov does not guarantees us that we will have our next superstar since Guy Lafleur. And not drafting him don't equal to not having stars for another decade or drafting another 3rd liner with grit.

Its so much more nuanced than this.

 

[Runner77]

This may come as no surprise to some but I'm starting to see a plan crystalize in my head, I'm willing to bet that on the day of the draft if Hughes has in his mind to take Smith then Reinbacher, that the second the 4th pick is Smith. That he calls the jets and offers Barron and the Fla 1st for Dubois.

Looks like a similar scenario was devised elsewhere:

 

[waffledave]

According to the Match TV site, citing a well-informed Russian source, the attacker will land at the Washington Capitals in the first round, that is to say in 8th place in the draft. This source even claims that it is almost 99% certain.

The only other possibility would be to see him selected by the San Jose Sharks at number four. The Canadian would therefore be completely excluded from the race for the selection of Michkov.

“Matvei Michkov will go to Washington, you will see. The Capitals are definitely going to draft him. Michkov, who refused all meeting requests from team representatives in Russia, did so following requests from his team, the SKA, not to discuss with any representatives from outside. Everything seems crystal clear. Michkov will not be selected in the top three because of his 3-year contract in Russia. It's hard to imagine Montreal (5th) selecting him. Teams like Arizona (6th) or Philadelphia (7th) understand that he could not arrive in the NHL until 26 years old. In 8 seasons, the leadership group has time to change. What's the point of selecting a prospect who will only come to help the team during the reign of your successor? There is only only one real competitor for the Capitals and that is the #4 San Jose Sharks because the team owner loves Russian hockey and is a fan of Igor Larionov. If for some incredible reason the Caps do not select him, he will not pass the Vancouver Canucks (11th) but according to my information, the Capitals are seriously considering selecting Michkov to succeed Alex Ovechkin. »

- Anonymous Russian source

Lol now he's not coming for 8 years? Wonder where that comes from.

 

[BergevinBurner]

If Leonard is our guy and they see him as the future linemate for Cole/Suzuki, then I hope they glue Slaf and Dach together this season to start building some chemistry.

Also, Leonard is committed to playing at Boston University next season with Smith, right?

 

[WeThreeKings]

Looks like a similar scenario was devised elsewhere:

I think Engels forgets that Dach exists.

Arpon talked to someone in the Habs organization, not only do they love Dach at center, the sense that Arpon got is that if they got PLD, he would play wing and Dach would remain at center.

If Leonard is our guy and they see him as the future linemate for Cole/Suzuki, then I hope they glue Slaf and Dach together this season to start building some chemistry.

Also, Leonard is committed to playing at Boston University next season with Smith, right?

The whole line is - now I think that might change. If I draft Leonard, I am strongly suggesting he transfer somewhere that he can lead his own line.

 

[Jaynki]

Yes but the risk/reward ratio seems to be better than Leonard/Reinbacher.

For your first question, could we consider Cammalleri a star? The list is truly thin tho but i would not fault anyone wanting to not sign in Montreal with Bergevin and Therrien leading the charge. Or Gauthier/Martin, etc.

Yes but the risk/reward ratio seems to be better than Leonard/Reinbacher.

I agree with you.

I think Smith offensives tools and Fantilli or Carlsson big centerman upside are more enticing.

Leonard and Reinbacher even tho we feel have a bit of a lesser ultimate upside (therefore a ''worse'' rr/ratio.) It does not mean that they won't reach an higher upside than the other 3. Also, Reinbacher and Leonard are not dime-a-dozen prospects. They are A-quality prospects that are only found at the top of the draft.

 

[bcv]

I think Engels forgets that Dach exists.

Arpon talked to someone in the Habs organization, not only do they love Dach at center, the sense that Arpon got is that if they got PLD, he would play wing and Dach would remain at center.

PLD - Suzuki - CC
Slaf - Dach - Leonard
Roy - Beck - Heineman

That's a top 9 capable of going very far in the playoffs imo

 

[ReHabs]

I know , that's why I'd be disappointed in rein or Leonard , then again draft is a crapshoot man , really hope they take michkov

@ReHabs it's easy for fans like us who have watched the product for so long say *just take michkov* , because if he busts/never comes over we won't even have regrets since we are never in position to draft a stud like that. Literally if we draft him and never comes over it's still worth it the kid is a monster. No regrets

For Hughes tho , what does he care that we have not been entertained for 30 years , he dosent , he's trying to build a complete team , I get it , huge risk and dosent wanna end up with egg on his face and a wasted asset

I think fans feel a lot of pain when things don't work. It's not fair to say we don't have skin in the game, we have more than Hughes who'll just move on to his next gig. We're in for life. Most of us anyway. Pretty much all my friends have given up on the Habs, I'm just broken enough to keep caring about the team to this level and this depth. I think many here can sympathize with this notion.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

PLD - Suzuki - CC
Slaf - Dach - Leonard
Roy - Beck - Heineman

That's a top 9 capable of going very far in the playoffs imo

I will not stand for this RHP erasure.

 

[bcv]

I will not stand for this RHP erasure.

RHP - Davidson - Ylonen can be the 4th line

 

[sansabri]

According to the Match TV site, citing a well-informed Russian source, the attacker will land at the Washington Capitals in the first round, that is to say in 8th place in the draft. This source even claims that it is almost 99% certain.

The only other possibility would be to see him selected by the San Jose Sharks at number four. The Canadian would therefore be completely excluded from the race for the selection of Michkov.

“Matvei Michkov will go to Washington, you will see. The Capitals are definitely going to draft him. Michkov, who refused all meeting requests from team representatives in Russia, did so following requests from his team, the SKA, not to discuss with any representatives from outside. Everything seems crystal clear. Michkov will not be selected in the top three because of his 3-year contract in Russia. It's hard to imagine Montreal (5th) selecting him. Teams like Arizona (6th) or Philadelphia (7th) understand that he could not arrive in the NHL until 26 years old. In 8 seasons, the leadership group has time to change. What's the point of selecting a prospect who will only come to help the team during the reign of your successor? There is only only one real competitor for the Capitals and that is the #4 San Jose Sharks because the team owner loves Russian hockey and is a fan of Igor Larionov. If for some incredible reason the Caps do not select him, he will not pass the Vancouver Canucks (11th) but according to my information, the Capitals are seriously considering selecting Michkov to succeed Alex Ovechkin. »

- Anonymous Russian source

i mean, it could happen. all it takes is for Michkov to tell every team he's not coming and poof, he's in Washington this September.

 

[The Great Weal]

I'm getting more and more comfortable with Wood at 5, not enough people are discussing him.