Carlsson, Smith, Michkov: rank them in order of preference

[BigDaddyLurch]

...while the thought of Carlsson or Michkov dropping to us is exciting, I don't think it happens...I've been scouring the internet trying to find as much Michkov-content as I can and, I gotta say, that kid has changed my mind on drafting him if we get the chance; he looks like he could be a real gamebreaking talent...unfortunately, I think San Jose takes him...I truly think we end up with Smith or Dvorsky, which I am OK with...

 

[NORiculous]

Make no mistake, if he never comes over it would be a total disaster.

Obviously it would be painful but it is something that is probably not going to happen.

The Russia thing could be over well before he finishes his contract. But even if it isn’t, it doesn’t mean no Russian will be able to leave. It would get pretty ugly over there if it came to that. Today is not like it was in the Cold War because of information and VPNs.

People aren’t expecting the Habs to win next year. They will most probably get another top 10 pick. So it actually helps them achieve this to not have a good player right away. Who knows, they could get lucky next year.

Trying to pick a super star and him not being able to make it here would be excusable since the drop off is there afterwards and that the Habs need a guy that is more then a 2nd liner.

Never bet on the end of the world because it only happens once. Grab Michkov and don’t look back IF he gets to #5.

 

[Runner77]

seems like a lot of games around Michkov, I was wrong about him earlier in the year, he's the second best offensive prospect in this draft and people should be canned for not drafting him, he's worth the risk. He's special.

GM's are totally playing head games lol

Totally. Only executive I’ve reluctantly trusted so far is Davidson asserting that CBJ will take a center with its 1st rounder (not exactly earth-shattering). Everybody else is playing the misinformation game in an attempt to gain leverage on their counterparts. Same movie every year.

 

[Habs]

Totally. Only executive I’ve reluctantly trusted so far is Davidson asserting that CBJ will take a center with its 1st rounder (not exactly earth-shattering). Everybody else is playing the misinformation game in an attempt to gain leverage on their counterparts. Same movie every year.

we will either have smith or michkov available at 5 by the looks of it, BedJesus, Fantilli and Carlsson will be gone no doubt. Please god, don't let them screw it up and go 'off the board'

 

[MadMslm]

Does anyone know if we can compensate his current organization to release him from his contract?

The NHL prohibits teams to buy out contracts.

There’s a transfer agreement between European leagues and the NHL where there’s small compensations for players on contracts that play in NHL (as most of those contracts have an NHL clause)

It’s not the case with the KHL. It could also set a bad precedent where some teams could ransom players for absurd amounts to NHL teams, which is something the league doesn’t want.

If he wants to buy out his contract, he’ll have to do it by himself. He signed a 5 year contract, and depending on how much of that he kept of those first few years he might be able to buy the last two years of the deal, which is unlikely.

Chances are he’ll play the reminder of his contract the KHL with a possibility of buying out the last year of that contract. In the most optimistic scenarios he’ll be here in two years, if not we’ll have to wait and see what happens after year three.

 

[cphabs]

The NHL prohibits teams to buy out contracts.

There’s a transfer agreement between European leagues and the NHL where there’s small compensations for players on contracts that play in NHL (as most of those contracts have an NHL clause)

It’s not the case with the KHL. It could also set a bad precedent where some teams could ransom players for absurd amounts to NHL teams, which is something the league doesn’t want.

If he wants to buy out his contract, he’ll have to do it by himself. He signed a 5 year contract, and depending on how much of that he kept of those first few years he might be able to buy the last two years of the deal, which is unlikely.

Chances are he’ll play the reminder of his contract the KHL with a possibility of buying out the last year of that contract. In the most optimistic scenarios he’ll be here in two years, if not we’ll have to wait and see what happens after year three.

Thank you!

 

[General Fanager]

Michkov
Carlsson
Smith

 

[SlafySZN]

Smith, please.

Or Leonard since theres no way Carlsson will be available.

 

[River Meadow]

Smith, please.

Or Leonard since theres no way Carlsson will be available.

Good ol' MERICAN boys.

USA! USA!

we will either have smith or michkov available at 5 by the looks of it, BedJesus, Fantilli and Carlsson will be gone no doubt. Please god, don't let them screw it up and go 'off the board'

Come on @Habs

You've been here long enough to know damn well they're going off board, and selecting the most gentlemen of the bunch with the best interview.

 

[WeThreeKings]

...while the thought of Carlsson or Michkov dropping to us is exciting, I don't think it happens...I've been scouring the internet trying to find as much Michkov-content as I can and, I gotta say, that kid has changed my mind on drafting him if we get the chance; he looks like he could be a real gamebreaking talent...unfortunately, I think San Jose takes him...I truly think we end up with Smith or Dvorsky, which I am OK with...

It would be Smith.. and he'd be the most talented prospect we've drafted in a long, long time from an offensive stand point.

And carries none of the "risk" that is floating out there about Michkov.

The concern really is that Smith is gone and they won't take Michkov. Weighing all the factors right now, it would be inconceivable to take anyone but Michkov at 5 if the top 4 sans Michkov plays out as is, and there's no reason to believe it wouldn't unless Timmins went full Grant and took Dvorsky at 3.

Good ol' MERICAN boys.

USA! USA!



Come on @Habs

You've been here long enough to know damn well they're going off board, and selecting the most gentlemen of the bunch with the best interview.

This post just sucks. It's not even a funny meme anymore.

 

[montreal]

goal - 4:01
assist - 11:23

 

[River Meadow]

This post just sucks. It's not even a funny meme anymore.

 

[Barriwhite]

It would be Smith.. and he'd be the most talented prospect we've drafted in a long, long time from an offensive stand point.

And carries none of the "risk" that is floating out there about Michkov.

The concern really is that Smith is gone and they won't take Michkov. Weighing all the factors right now, it would be inconceivable to take anyone but Michkov at 5 if the top 4 sans Michkov plays out as is, and there's no reason to believe it wouldn't unless Timmins went full Grant and took Dvorsky at 3.



This post just sucks. It's not even a funny meme anymore.

You never go full Grant!

 

[26Mats]

It would be Smith.. and he'd be the most talented prospect we've drafted in a long, long time from an offensive stand point.

And carries none of the "risk" that is floating out there about Michkov.

The concern really is that Smith is gone and they won't take Michkov. Weighing all the factors right now, it would be inconceivable to take anyone but Michkov at 5 if the top 4 sans Michkov plays out as is, and there's no reason to believe it wouldn't unless Timmins went full Grant and took Dvorsky at 3.

It will of course be interesting to see how these players turn out in ten years.

Hopefully our scouts and those looking into the facts about Michkov's situation know what they're doing.

We'll hear the day after the draft the positives about the player we selected. And then we'll know in about 5 - 10 years how things turn out. Amazing that Filip Forsberg fell to 10 in his draft year after being top 3 on may lists during the year, only to become one of the best players from that draft.

It's intersesting to hear all the pre draft chatter. But it's only part of the picture. The scouts have a more complete picture, even if not complete.

 

[MadMslm]

It will of course be interesting to see how these players turn out in ten years.

Hopefully our scouts and those looking into the facts about Michkov's situation know what they're doing.

We'll hear the day after the draft the positives about the player we selected. And then we'll know in about 5 - 10 years how things turn out. Amazing that Filip Forsberg fell to 10 in his draft year after being top 3 on may lists during the year, only to become one of the best players from that draft.

It's intersesting to hear all the pre draft chatter. But it's only part of the picture. The scouts have a more complete picture, even if not complete.

Forsberg was my pick in 2012. Feels like he fell because teams expected more out of him production wise. That year I saw him 18/20 times and he was just all around an effective player without being really flashy (other than a few moments). He was just a highly effective player in his role, and clearly got better through the years.

Interviews probably play a big part of the selection process. Hopefully they get to talk to Michkov around the draft media tour.

I want to say that who they take to dinner will probably tell us a lot about their intention, but last year they didn’t even take Slafkovsky. He even said his discussion with the Habs felt better than a dinner.

Honestly if Michkov or Carlsson are available, I take them right away.

If it’s Smith (which is to be expected), I think there’s a discussion to be had about him or Reinbacher. It might not be a sexy pick for many, but it could be the right pick to make in the long run.

 

[26Mats]

Forsberg was my pick in 2012. Feels like he fell because teams expected more out of him production wise. That year I saw him 18/20 times and he was just all around an effective player without being really flashy (other than a few moments). He was just a highly effective player in his role, and clearly got better through the years.

Interviews probably play a big part of the selection process. Hopefully they get to talk to Michkov around the draft media tour.

I want to say that who they take to dinner will probably tell us a lot about their intention, but last year they didn’t even take Slafkovsky. He even said his discussion with the Habs felt better than a dinner.

Honestly if Michkov or Carlsson are available, I take them right away.

If it’s Smith (which is to be expected), I think there’s a discussion to be had about him or Reinbacher. It might not be a sexy pick for many, but it could be the right pick to make in the long run.

I think if we want Michkov, he's ours. But we have to give up a lot.

To MTL: 3rd overall and we commit to taking Michkov
To columbus: 5th overall + Matheson + Beck + FLA 1st
Can't imagine Columbus preferring one of Carlsson or Smith more to pass on that package to take whoever falls to 5. Columbus needs C's (Beck) and a top 4 LD (Matheson).

 

[SlafySZN]

Forsberg was my pick in 2012. Feels like he fell because teams expected more out of him production wise. That year I saw him 18/20 times and he was just all around an effective player without being really flashy (other than a few moments). He was just a highly effective player in his role, and clearly got better through the years.

Interviews probably play a big part of the selection process. Hopefully they get to talk to Michkov around the draft media tour.

I want to say that who they take to dinner will probably tell us a lot about their intention, but last year they didn’t even take Slafkovsky. He even said his discussion with the Habs felt better than a dinner.

Honestly if Michkov or Carlsson are available, I take them right away.

If it’s Smith (which is to be expected), I think there’s a discussion to be had about him or Reinbacher. It might not be a sexy pick for many, but it could be the right pick to make in the long run.

There’s absolutely no discussion to be had. No one would pass a player of Smith’s talent for a dman who climbed some lists because he’s the only decent ‘’complete’’ RHD. Especially with a 5th pick. He doesn’t have an elite trait.

 

[MadMslm]

I think if we want Michkov, he's ours. But we have to give up a lot.

To MTL: 3rd overall and we commit to taking Michkov
To columbus: 5th overall + Matheson + Beck + FLA 1st
Can't imagine Columbus preferring one of Carlsson or Smith more to pass on that package to take whoever falls to 5. Columbus needs C's (Beck) and a top 4 LD (Matheson).

Smith might be the key here. His recent rise in the rankings is no surprise to no one. He’s 3rd on McKenzie’s pre-lottery list and if he keeps that ranking on his final list it will be interesting to see if teams value him more than Carlsson.

Rumours are that Columbus likes him a lot and even that french scout from Nashville was pretty impressed by him and alluded he might go higher. They made it clear they are picking a center and Fantilli will go second without a doubt. It will Carlsson or Smith.

With their assistant Gm being on team Sweden for the WC they will have enough inside information on Carlsson.

And who knows where San Jose mind is at. Is it Michkov for them or any of remaining center between Carlsson or Smith.

Listening to Hughes press conference, I doubt he’s ready to pay for Michkov. And by the time the draft rolls by, he will have a good indication where everyone’s mind is on. They will know which team met who and who which team is most likely drafting.

After the draft I had Beck ranked 6th best forward on my list of prospects for the Habs.

With the camp he had, the first half of season and his performance in the playoffs, I wouldn’t be afraid to put him first on that list.

Im not sure I’d trade him right away, now depending on what assets are on the line it’s always possible.

 

[MadMslm]

There’s absolutely no discussion to be had. No one would pass a player of Smith’s talent for a dman who climbed some lists because he’s the only decent ‘’complete’’ RHD. Especially with a 5th pick. He doesn’t have an elite trait.

That’s the thing, he’s not just some decent defenseman. He’s showing some elite traits.

Reinbacher is a really good skater and has shown great athleticism. Not only he possess great physical tools but his ability to process the play quickly under pressure is elite. This kid won’t be less than a number 3 and there’s definitely top defensman ceiling.

At this time, I still have Smith fifth and I was waiting to see how Reinbacher would play against teams at the WC. He was great in his first two games but with his injury he might not play again, and if that’s the case he’ll stay 6th.

The interviews at the combine will be important to determine how they feel about each player.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Smith, but like every other prospects he has traits that could stop him from reaching his ceiling.

His lack of engagement at some moments and low motor might play against him. Part of his weakness will be fixed by gaining strength so he can effectively win battles on the board to then have space to use his hands and vision. He’s engagement level needs to be more consistent if he ever dreams of hitting more than 70pts a season.

No one denies his hands, skills and vision. He’s the top playmaker of this draft. At 5th overall, in the situation the Habs are in, they can’t get it wrong. So yes there’s always discussion to be had.

I do believe they will pick whoever is left of those five.

 

[26Mats]

Smith might be the key here. His recent rise in the rankings is no surprise to no one. He’s 3rd on McKenzie’s pre-lottery list and if he keeps that ranking on his final list it will be interesting to see if teams value him more than Carlsson.

Rumours are that Columbus likes him a lot and even that french scout from Nashville was pretty impressed by him and alluded he might go higher. They made it clear they are picking a center and Fantilli will go second without a doubt. It will Carlsson or Smith.

With their assistant Gm being on team Sweden for the WC they will have enough inside information on Carlsson.

And who knows where San Jose mind is at. Is it Michkov for them or any of remaining center between Carlsson or Smith.

Listening to Hughes press conference, I doubt he’s ready to pay for Michkov. And by the time the draft rolls by, he will have a good indication where everyone’s mind is on. They will know which team met who and who which team is most likely drafting.

After the draft I had Beck ranked 6th best forward on my list of prospects for the Habs.

With the camp he had, the first half of season and his performance in the playoffs, I wouldn’t be afraid to put him first on that list.

Im not sure I’d trade him right away, now depending on what assets are on the line it’s always possible.

Trading Beck to move up would be bold. But you have to give to get, like we we did in the Romanov trade - although not so much like the Petry for Matheson trade, haha.

I do like that Gorton said they have the prospect depth and number of draft picks to make moves, and that Hughes is aggressive. At this point I'd sacrifice from our depth of quality prospects to try to get the game breaker.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

I prefer Smith out of the options that were listed, but I'm still convinced that Hughes makes a deal and we end up drafting Reinbacher, and acquiring PLD at the draft.

 

[26Mats]

I prefer Smith out of the options that were listed, but I'm still convinced that Hughes makes a deal and we end up drafting Reinbacher, and acquiring PLD at the draft.

We need more help at forward than on D. I only take Reinbacher if he's a special talent. The big 5 seem to be.

 

[Naslundforever]

More vids of Michkov are coming up my youtube feed this week; he does look comfortable against men and quite agile; it could be great to have him and Coco on the pp indeed opposite each other, shooting side. I would say he looks older for sure… I always wonder if kids peaked early or are still progressing hard (wondering the same about Carlsson?). Hutson looks 5 years younger for example!

 

[26Mats]

More vids of Michkov are coming up my youtube feed this week; he does look comfortable against men and quite agile; it could be great to have him and Coco on the pp indeed opposite each other, shooting side. I would say he looks older for sure… I always wonder if kids peaked early or are still progressing hard (wondering the same about Carlsson?). Hutson looks 5 years younger for example!

Michkov is a December birth, so he's on the older end of his class. So he's a 2004 birth, unlike most who are 2005. He'll be 19 this December.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

We need more help at forward than on D. I only take Reinbacher if he's a special talent. The big 5 seem to be.

If they acquire PLD, which I mentioned in my post, I think they plug a couple of holes with elite talent.

I don't know how Hughes works it, but I could see them potentially moving back to 8th and trading with Washington (if they felt that Reinbacher was their guy and knew he would still be available). Say the Habs traded the 5th for 8th and Hendrix Lapierre or Connor McMichael, then they went ahead and drafted Reinbacher.

They could then move the Florida 1st, Christian Dvorak, and say Harris to Winnipeg for PLD.

You'd have acquired a top line center, a solid young prospect with a couple years of development, and a terrific prospect right hand shot defenseman, and not have given up a whole lot overall.

Then perhaps you'd be able to dump one of Mike Hoffman or Joel Armia on Chicago, since they will need warm bodies to flesh out their roster and get to the cap floor.

Ideally I'd like to add a tougher guy to play on the fourth line as well, someone with size that would take some of the onus off of Xhekaj doing the heavy lifting in the fighting department.

Habs potential lineup 2023-2024:

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Harvey-Pinard - Dubois - Anderson
Slafkovsky - Lapierre/McMichael - Gallagher
Pezzetta - Evans - _____

Matheson - Savard
Guhle - Barron
Xhekaj - Kovacevic

Montembeault
Allen