Pre-Game Talk: Kent Hughes Presser, Thursday morning, June 8th 2023 9:30 am

[Rapala]

They're definitely high on Leonard and Smith.

He actually took it a bit further when talking about size requirements for playoff hockey. "I don't know about that but I do know you have to want to compete." He also said some players may be playing down in a lineup compared to where they played their entire lives and we have to project how good they can be in a bigger role. Interesting stuff.

 

[26Mats]

He actually took it a bit further when talking about size requirements for playoff hockey. "I don't know about that but I do know you have to want to compete." He also said some players may be playing down in a lineup compared to where they played their entire lives and we have to project how good they can be in a bigger role. Interesting stuff.

I would ask that same question about Dvorak and Evans.

How many points could Dvo put up playing wing with Suzuki and Caufield, or on Dach's wing?

Is Evans ready for the 3c role?

 

[Captain97]

I will say, if we do draft Leonard + acquire Dubois a future top 6 with Dubois, Dach, Leonard, and Slaf would be a nightmare to play against.

All are big, skilled, can skate and aren't afraid to lay the body.

Caufield - Suzuki - Slaf
PLD - Dach - Leonard

Would cause a hell of a forcheck and the 2nd line will cycle teams into the ground.

 

[morhilane]

I don't even believe CLB's GM (Davidson iirc) when he says they'll be picking a center.

It's all posturing.

Why would CLB reach for a winger or dmen when they desperately need 1st line and 2nd line centers and this draft top 5 is center heavy?

 

[WeThreeKings]

Why would CLB reach for a winger or dmen when they desperately need 1st line and 2nd line centers and this draft top 5 is center heavy?

Why would CBJ not take a center when the literal top 3 prospects in the entire draft are centers.

 

[Goldenhands]

Guys, don't forget that Hughes is a long time agent. Anything he says about prospects today may be part of a mind game or him trying to influence what the other teams might think. He's very unlikely to just flat out come out and tip his hand, that's just not how a guy like that works.

Exactly lol, that board sometimes... There is nothing in that press conference that suggest anything about the Habs pick outside that Michkov represent a real risk, they are obviously worried that he could re-sign with SKA at the end of his contract.

Kent was asked about Smith and was obviously all smile about the kid's progress since he coached him a few yrs ago, like a father would be. Then they asked about Leonard and Habs obviously like him alot. Then was asked about Reinbacher where he was a bit more reserved in his comments, which can be interpreted differently. A good poker player never shows his hand dont forget. Wasnt asked about Dvorsky or any other players.

Conclusion will be on draft day.

 

[Rapala]

So with Leonard he actually made hockey references, with Smith he just talked about how much he matured since he coached him as a 15 yr old. The fact that he emailed his parents to that effect is kind of natural seeing how well he knows them.

 

[schwang26]

He would make an experienced backup to Montembeault.

Why in God's name would they want Price back to screw up the salary cap??? No thanks.

 

[Deleted member 257557]

Arpon Basu asked his philosophy on drafting and if he thinks the composition of his team influences the drafting.

Kent replied saying unless they believe both players are pretty equal, they draft the best player available. Wonder if that calms down the crowd of "we won't draft a small player"?

So glad logic does not stop at “equal talent“ before immedietely drafting for “marketing needs“ but position, org needs, personality, work ethics, progression curve, etc come next!

 

[Habs 4 Life]

The same guys that pass on Brady Tkachuk For Kotkaniemi?

Yup, those 2 jabronis

 

[Wats]

I'd probably puke if we traded for Hart.

What if they don't really give up much? I mean it's not really that crazy to think his value isn't high. Samsonov for example was a former highly touted prospect that was simply let go (I'm sure they would have traded him if he had value). It might simply cost a 3rd + Primeau for all we know.

 

[sampollock]

So with Leonard he actually made hockey references, with Smith he just talked about how much he matured since he coached him as a 15 yr old. The fact that he emailed his parents to that effect is kind of natural seeing how well he knows them.

Could be very telling

 

[Wats]

At the same time, Dustin Brown played close to 1300 games + 90 playoff games with that style of play and with the same size.

I'd still take a Parise over a Brown (Same draft Brown went 13, Parise went 17).

 

[phillytennis]

I would ask that same question about Dvorak and Evans.

How many points could Dvo put up playing wing with Suzuki and Caufield, or on Dach's wing?

Is Evans ready for the 3c role?

Evans is unproductive...he is basically trade bait.

 

[sampollock]

Evans is unproductive...he is basically trade bait.

very low bait

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I'd still take a Parise over a Brown (Same draft Brown went 13, Parise went 17).

I would not.

 

[Deleted member 257557]

Smith or Leonard will be our pick.

Both would fit in nicely I feel.

Then sign Rantanen in 2026 as a ufa and and it could get fun to watch A bunch osf similar age young core is cool, at some point the advantage should be having enough good cheap players and cap space to sign a crazy good ufa or two.

 

[26Mats]

Evans is unproductive...he is basically trade bait.

Well how much production to you expect from the 4th line.

Having said that, I do question how much he can produce at C. He may be able to be more productive on the wing.

 

[Rapala]

Could be very telling

or not. My best guess is Bedard Fantilli Carlsson and Smith are all off the board. We are not drafting Michkov so It may be Leonard.

 

[phillytennis]

I like Beck as our 3rd line centre...Mantha or Comtois...4th line centre.

 

[Runner77]

Could be very telling

If you haven’t learned by now how well Hughes can spin a tale, then sure, take whatever he said to the bank.

No GM for that matter will show their hand at these fan-pablum marketing type “pressers”.

 

[Vachon23]

I'd still take a Parise over a Brown (Same draft Brown went 13, Parise went 17).

Again I wasn't comparing Brown to Leonard, Leonard is more talented but I was comparing the size and style of play for longevity.

And you're comparing Parise to who ?

 

[Deleted member 257557]

Well how much production to you expect from the 4th line.

Having said that, I do question how much he can produce at C. He may be able to be more productive on the wing.

For me 4th liners need to bring something the coach would need for a given situation whether a booming slap shot, face-off godness,Reaves-like intimidation, best-in division board play… something to go with the shortcomings. Why would you ice a vanilla player in the nhl?

 

[sampollock]

If you haven’t learned by now how well Hughes can spin a tale, then sure, take whatever he said to the bank.

No GM for that matter will show their hand at these fan-pablum marketing type “pressers”.

yup
why would he tip his hand.

 

[26Mats]

For me 4th liners need to bring something the coach would need for a given situation whether a booming slap shot, face-off godness,Reaves-like intimidation, something. Why would you ice a vanilla player in the nhl?

Evan's is good at faceoffs, has speed, and can play in all situations, up and down the lineup. That's what he brings.