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

[Vachon23]

Will Smith is more talented.

Will Smith have more offensive flashy skills, but Ryan Leonard is better in certain other area.

I do think if both are available, Smith would be the pick though

 

[Belial]

Anyone who watched the NTDP see Leonard throw some big hits, or was he just physical? Threw hits/was able to protect the puck ?

He can do both. But mostly he will just play a heavy game, and likes to throw reverse hits when protecting the puck on the boards.

 

[WeThreeKings]

could CBJ take Michkov???? wild card???

They've come out and said they are taking a center.

 

[ottawa]

could CBJ take Michkov???? wild card???

Possible.

Just because Michkov has a 3 year contract doesn't mean he'll stay in Russia for 3 years.

However, I think given Columbus' move to get Provorov and that's why I imagine they go with Carlsson, who probably shouldn't play this year, but will be likely good for next season allowing them to move that much closer to be competitive

Columbus said they're taking a center

 

[OldCraig71]

Hardworking, two-way forward with a heavy shot and good instincts around the net. Plays with physicality and energy, projecting as an impactful top-six NHLer. Ryan Leonard

sound like a Kent player?

Sounds like the kind of top 6 player we need and I confess to knowing nothing about him at all but look how much better off we would be right now if we had Brady Tkachuk instead of drafting Bambi.

 

[MarkovsKnee]

Anyone who watched the NTDP see Leonard throw some big hits, or was he just physical? Threw hits/was able to protect the puck ?

He's not overly aggressive in his hits. He plays more of a smart physical game. He doesn't go out out of his way to hit guys, just there to win the battle and take the puck. He isn't afraid to mix it up in front, but doesn't just stand there and get beat up like Gallagher. He's always making quick moves in and out of the slot.

He has terrific leg strength, and drives a lot of his power from that.

 

[Kosseca]

Really sound like he managing expectations on Mitchkov - he's not playig games with other GMs here, he speaking to MTL fans.

On PLD and Hart... message seems clear, if he trade for PLD it is with an extension in place. For Hart, I think he's aware of the rumors and he just wanted to put the break to any follow-up questions on potential trade. I didnt hit me as slip where he open up about ongoing discussion, more like a "i know what you are going to ask next".

On who they may take... seems like they have their list and they will follow it. they have a no-draft note next to Mitchkov at 5, but after that they will go with BPA....

I was surprised that they didn't yet inform pending UFA of their plans with them.... I dont like that lol.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

He's not overly aggressive in his hits. He plays more of a smart physical game. He doesn't go out out of his way to hit guys, just there to win the battle and take the puck. He isn't afraid to mix it up in front, but doesn't just stand there and get beat up like Gallagher. He's always making quick moves in and out of the slot.

He has terrific leg strength, and drives a lot of his power from that.

So, if there's a chance to smoke someone he would, or just stick check?

Both Tkachuks will. Brady will chase a hit just because. Matthew will chase a hit if you're a star, or he just really doesn't like you.

 

[Redux91]

the Reinbacher report wasn't as glowing as the Leonard report.

It was never gonna be Reinbacher lol

It's Smith or Leonard 100%

 

[WeThreeKings]

So, if there's a chance to smoke someone he would, or just stick check?

Both Tkachuks will. Brady will chase a hit just because. Matthew will chase a hit if you're a star, or he just really doesn't like you.

Leonard will put you through the boards to get the puck. He won't put you through the boards just 'cause.

 

[Gustave]

When do we hear Timmins talk about all the talent that's available that he can't find ?

Rumour has it that he’s still texting Bergy and doodling about how Leonard’s legs are made from granit and has the traps of a Greek god.

 

[26Mats]

Will Smith and Ryan Leonard brings us 2 different things and both will help one of our need.

Ryan Leonard would be the perfect fit with Suzuki-Caufield. He's exactly the type of player they need.

But Will Smith will help us having 2 dynamic lines


Sounds like a players every executive/coach would like

I don't give a shit about need. KK fulfilled our need for a big center - except his talent level was lower than Brady Tkachuk.

Just get the most talented player, even if it's an LD. I'd rather the next Jake Sanderson, Moritz Seider, or Cale Makar than the next Kotkaniemi, Conor Crisp, or Mike McCarron.

 

[Vachon23]

Reports at the combine where saying that Ryan Leonard is build like a NFL linebacker

 

[MarkovsKnee]

So, if there's a chance to smoke someone he would, or just stick check?

Both Tkachuks will. Brady will chase a hit just because. Matthew will chase a hit if you're a star, or he just really doesn't like you.

Oh he'd definitely smoke someone if the chance is there. Lol

He'll retaliate hit too, but he doesn't chase hits. He's more along the lines of Landeskog physically.

 

[xX SEYF Xx]

Yes he was very positive about Smith and Leonard as he should be, think he would've had very positive comments too if asked about Carlsson or Fantilli, but he didn't look reluctant about Michkov.
The so said smoke about Montreal reluctance didn't make it to this presser.
He simply said they'll do their homework starting by evaluating the player himself and factor in all the rest when making the decision. He said they WILL talk to him, that Nick is from Russia and that they all have contacts.

 

[Vachon23]

I don't give a shit about need. KK fulfilled our need for a big center - except his talent level was lower than Brady Tkachuk.

Just get the most talented player, even if it's an LD. I'd rather the next Jake Sanderson, Moritz Seider, or Cale Makar than the next Kotkaniemi, Conor Crisp, or Mike McCarron.

I agree with that at 100 % even if the BPA is a LD you take him

The point was more that not only they are good players but both would fil a different need

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Oh he'd definitely smoke someone if the chance is there. Lol

He'll retaliate hit too, but he doesn't chase hits. He's more along the lines of Landeskog physically.

Alright I'm sold

 

[SwiftyHab]

the Reinbacher report wasn't as glowing as the Leonard report.

he did mention that he was rated best defenseman in the draft

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

yea forget Michkov unless hes playing a mind game

i think this is the Habs board

1-Bedard
2-Fantilli
3-Carlsson
4-Smith
5-Leonard
6-Reinbacher

hopefully SJS picks MM which leaves us with the fresh prince of la belle province

 

[morhilane]

I was surprised that they didn't yet inform pending UFA of their plans with them.... I dont like that lol.

You want Drouin and Thierney back that bad?

Byron playing career's is done. Monahan probably is too.
Belzile might get a contract and go back to be the Rocket captain and injury call-up guy.

The rest are AHLers who turns veterans and Habs have a bunch of kids turning pro that need a spot on the Rocket.

 

[Vachon23]

yea forget Michkov unless hes playing a mind game

i think this is the Habs board

1-Bedard
2-Fantilli
3-Carlsson
4-Smith
5-Leonard
6-Reinbacher

hopefully SJS picks MM which leaves us with the fresh prince of la belle province

I agree with that !

 

[MarkovsKnee]

I don't give a shit about need. KK fulfilled our need for a big center - except his talent level was lower than Brady Tkachuk.

Just get the most talented player, even if it's an LD. I'd rather the next Jake Sanderson, Moritz Seider, or Cale Makar than the next Kotkaniemi, Conor Crisp, or Mike McCarron.

He was talking about players of equal talent would be the only situation where they would draft for need.

So in the case of Theo Lindstein (LD) vs Maxim Strbak (RD), both play similar games. They're strong defensively, good skaters and haven't shown a lot of offensive upside. We'd take Strbak in that case. Most teams do this.

 

[jaffy27]

Looks like it is Carlsson, Smith or Leonard at this point.

Just reading tea leaves.

So Michkov then…..never let them see you coming

 

[SwiftyHab]

Anyone who watched the NTDP see Leonard throw some big hits, or was he just physical? Threw hits/was able to protect the puck ?

do we have a video of leonard playing physical? Ive seen plenty of his goals and assists but nothing that shows me his physicality

 

[Vachon23]

2 questions that I would have like to hear:

1 - What do you think of Zach Benson ? And does the Habs already have some smaller player in the system could influence the pick ?

2 - What do you think of Dalibor Dvorsky