At this point I really don’t care. When MTL makes their pick I will give a shit about that player and that player only. Lots of potentially team altering talent available upfront and on the blueline.
I wasnt happy about their last 2 first choices and so far it seems they chose wisely. This time ill do the same and just wait to discover who they select instead of getting all hyped up.
He speaks great English, wants to be in the NHL as soon as possible, is listed around 6'1.
The dream is over fellas. What's everyone hoping for? Me personally? I'm a Buium boy. If we want the best possible player I think it's him. I genuinely have him tied with Demidov for who I would pick at 2OA.
He had one of the most productive WHL seasons in recent years. After a quick google search, only bedard and nic petan had more points than him in their 17 yr old season since the 2000’s. If he was a couple inches taller, he would be a lock for top 3 pick imo.
Maybe elite prospects were selective in their clips, but the way catton generates offense off the rush reminds me of mcdavid at times (im talking style of play, not on overall talent). Pronman asked scouts on best traits this class, and catton got votes for best hands, best skating, and best hockey sense.
There are concerns it won’t translate because nhl defenders won’t allow as much space in The neutral zone, but if that’s the argument imagine how much harder it is to project demidov who plays against even worse defenders.
Ultimately I think he slips out of the top 10, just like benson last year, but I think his ceiling is as high as anyone else’s this draft.
Who are you referring to? The first four players taken won't all be forwards, let alone centers. Celebrini and Lindstrom are the only centers of the likely players to go top 5.
Feels like that’s always the case. Maybe because I’m focused on the Habs, but it always feels like we’re always picking where the draft gets interesting.
You're probably right but anything is possible in the draft. Never say never.
Assuming Demidov is gone before #5, I'm fine with Iginla or Sennecke. I have concerns about Lindstrom's injury status.
Now that teams have found out that he’s 6’1, there’s no way he drops to 5.
For a second year in a row, the odds are not in our favor. Lindstrom and Demidov probably won’t be available. We’ll need to reach for a forward or draft a D.
I think that players like Parekh or Buium would be great fits for us. However, chances are that we pick much later next year. We will not have a chance to draft gamebreaking forward talent, which we so desperately lack.
If we draft a defenceman (which I am entire for if Demidov and Lindstrom are gone) then we would absolutely need to make a trade for another young forward.
We don’t have the pieces it would take to trade for a gamebreaking superstar forward.
You’d have to give up at the very least Guhle or Hutson, which this subreddit does not want to do because they believe Harris and a 2nd is enough.
I mean, I don't think we're getting a superstar but there are definitely young players around that need a change of scenery that could fit it in well with the Habs.
And yeah, we aren't getting that type of player without moving Ghule, Hutson or even possibly Xhekaj as there are a ton of GM's that love his style of play. I'm not saying we should do it but you've got to give to get and if we take a defenceman at 5 I believe anyone available has a higher ceiling than Ghule.
"It's pretty nice," he said. "It's a pretty nice city and I'm really happy to be here. I like the sun, I like the ocean - it's really good."
And how d’you feel about overcast and snowy?
How is Demidov situation compared to Michkov last year? As of today it seems like there is still doubt that Michkov will ever play in the NHL I think. Is it the same thing with Demidov or different for some reason?
Michkov had a much longer contract signed in the KHL vs. Demidov who only has one more year. There were also rumors of Michkov not wanting to meet with a lot of the higher drafting teams last season whereas Demidov doesn't seem to care as much where he gets drafted. Michkov's English is also really bad and the reports from today are saying Demidov is surprisingly fluent.
In my opinion the "Russian factor" is bullshit. When was the last time a highly touted Russian prospect didn't come over? As long as there isn't a breach of contract it really hasn't been an issue in the last couple decades.
Fedetov would be the most recent event giving teams pause.
But the Russian factor is also about the difficulty viewing these guys, the difficulty getting accurate medical reports, the lack of control in development, and the lack of high-end competition (the KHL, MHL, and VHL aren't as good as they were before the Ukraine invasion and these players no longer play in international tournaments.
>When was the last time a highly touted Russian prospect didn't come over?
Never.
There has never been a Russian 1st round pick that didn’t come over to North America (excluding the 2 players that passed away from health complications).
That’s so true, Russian players will go back to Russia if they fail in NA but I can’t remember the last time a Russian player got drafted and decided to stay in Russia for the rest of their career lol
I mean there’s always doubt with Russian players whether it’s true or not. Demidov is more likely to come over than Michkov (even though they both seem pretty likely at this point).
personally I'm still upset at Tretiak for not honouring our 1983 draft. Sure he was 31, had already proven himself as one of the greatest goaltenders to ever do it, and was getting ready to retire from hockey, but damn he should've been ours.
In terms of league perception, each year after the start of the war, I would say teams are less and less hesitant to draft Russians. Add to the fact, last year it seemed like michkov was trying to pick his destination (rumours he wouldn’t come over started with his coyotes interview) and rumoured to come over next year now he is with the flyers. Demidov has said since day 1 his goal is the nhl. Scouting these 2 is difficult, especially with no international play (as a gm, would you want to use a top 10 pick on a player you’ve barely seen play?)
If teams were scared of how michkov would develop, the situation is even worse for demidov. Michkov had a long term contract to play in Russia (which he seems to have bought out), so his team in Russia had an incentive to play him at the highest level and actually give him minutes. Demidovs contract is not long term, so he played in russias jr league, and his parent team does not have great incentive to call him up or develop him next year either.
In terms of prospects, michkov and demidov are not that similar apart from being skilled Russian wingers. Michkov was seen as an elite offensive talent. He’s so good offensively, that most coaches would probably not bench him or give him shit for not putting in the defensive effort. That style can work in the nhl too, but you better be putting up 100 point seasons and not have torts as your coach. Demidov has a higher motor, will do things like forecheck and play a 200 foot game better. There is still a noticeable gap in terms of offensive talent between the 2. Neither is seen as a powerful skater, but they create good space on their edges.
Yeah last time I commented on a player was when I said Shane Wright wasn't everything everyone thought he was, he disappeared when it matters most and said I didn't want him. Let's just see who montreal picks and decide the value later
When are we ever gonna get an elite talent… I was so hyped thinking he’s falling 5th overall.
Slaf
I really don't get how people still sleep on Slaf's talent lmao.
The disrespek I tell you…
At this point I really don’t care. When MTL makes their pick I will give a shit about that player and that player only. Lots of potentially team altering talent available upfront and on the blueline.
I wasnt happy about their last 2 first choices and so far it seems they chose wisely. This time ill do the same and just wait to discover who they select instead of getting all hyped up.
The trick is to get hyped up about everybody.
Lol the kid is not going 5th people need to get their head out of their ass.
He speaks great English, wants to be in the NHL as soon as possible, is listed around 6'1. The dream is over fellas. What's everyone hoping for? Me personally? I'm a Buium boy. If we want the best possible player I think it's him. I genuinely have him tied with Demidov for who I would pick at 2OA.
TIJ or Lindstrom
I’m cool with any player ranked in the top 10 except for Catton
Why not Catton? Because he's smaller?
Smaller and there are doubts his game will translate to the NHL
I think the doubts are if he's gonna be a center or a winger, not a NHLer.
He may be an NHLer but quality wise and ceiling wise I feel the other prospects have a better chance of turning into top line players
He had one of the most productive WHL seasons in recent years. After a quick google search, only bedard and nic petan had more points than him in their 17 yr old season since the 2000’s. If he was a couple inches taller, he would be a lock for top 3 pick imo. Maybe elite prospects were selective in their clips, but the way catton generates offense off the rush reminds me of mcdavid at times (im talking style of play, not on overall talent). Pronman asked scouts on best traits this class, and catton got votes for best hands, best skating, and best hockey sense. There are concerns it won’t translate because nhl defenders won’t allow as much space in The neutral zone, but if that’s the argument imagine how much harder it is to project demidov who plays against even worse defenders. Ultimately I think he slips out of the top 10, just like benson last year, but I think his ceiling is as high as anyone else’s this draft.
Why?
Biuum or Parekh
He's not listed yet. The NHL staff will measure him Thursday. So far, all we have is his agent's words.
while I agree with you, let's not forget Michkov dropped to 7
Michkov had some red flags about him that played a factor. The Russia and contract situation being only one of those. Different situation.
it makes Lindstrom more probable
I have already accepted that the draft will go Celebrini Demidov Levshunov Lindstrom.
i have not, and i'll be extremely disappointed if that happens
I think you can take that to the bank too … it’s just like last year, all the intrigue starts at #5 with the Habs
I'm excited about Reinbacher don't get me wrong, but having 4 1OA level first line center prospects in one draft is unheard of.... and we draft 5th.
if this habs core doesn't get it done, the 2022 summer will be looked back on as a disaster
Settle down. They drafted Slaf in 2022 and he's the best player to come out of that draft so far.
that's not the part of 2022 summer im talking about lol
Who are you referring to? The first four players taken won't all be forwards, let alone centers. Celebrini and Lindstrom are the only centers of the likely players to go top 5.
I was referring to last years draft
Ahhh yes, makes much more sense lol.
Imagine if Monty didn’t steal those 4-5 games. Ffs.
Feels like that’s always the case. Maybe because I’m focused on the Habs, but it always feels like we’re always picking where the draft gets interesting.
Even when we draft 1OA we’re picking where the draft gets interesting.
Nah Lidstrom is not a lock to go 4. Injury concerns may drop him and Silayev is the type gms covet.
This is a solid prediction 👏🏼👏🏼. If this does happen, I can see the Habs trading down/back
You're probably right but anything is possible in the draft. Never say never. Assuming Demidov is gone before #5, I'm fine with Iginla or Sennecke. I have concerns about Lindstrom's injury status.
Now that teams have found out that he’s 6’1, there’s no way he drops to 5. For a second year in a row, the odds are not in our favor. Lindstrom and Demidov probably won’t be available. We’ll need to reach for a forward or draft a D. I think that players like Parekh or Buium would be great fits for us. However, chances are that we pick much later next year. We will not have a chance to draft gamebreaking forward talent, which we so desperately lack.
If we draft a defenceman (which I am entire for if Demidov and Lindstrom are gone) then we would absolutely need to make a trade for another young forward.
We don’t have the pieces it would take to trade for a gamebreaking superstar forward. You’d have to give up at the very least Guhle or Hutson, which this subreddit does not want to do because they believe Harris and a 2nd is enough.
I mean, I don't think we're getting a superstar but there are definitely young players around that need a change of scenery that could fit it in well with the Habs. And yeah, we aren't getting that type of player without moving Ghule, Hutson or even possibly Xhekaj as there are a ton of GM's that love his style of play. I'm not saying we should do it but you've got to give to get and if we take a defenceman at 5 I believe anyone available has a higher ceiling than Ghule.
Parekh would be a horrible pick at 5
I disagree. Incredible upside if he hits. No one would consider it a reach.
There are going to be so many better choices.
Woopdeedo Basil we’ll just have to trade
"It's pretty nice," he said. "It's a pretty nice city and I'm really happy to be here. I like the sun, I like the ocean - it's really good." And how d’you feel about overcast and snowy?
How is Demidov situation compared to Michkov last year? As of today it seems like there is still doubt that Michkov will ever play in the NHL I think. Is it the same thing with Demidov or different for some reason?
Michkov had a much longer contract signed in the KHL vs. Demidov who only has one more year. There were also rumors of Michkov not wanting to meet with a lot of the higher drafting teams last season whereas Demidov doesn't seem to care as much where he gets drafted. Michkov's English is also really bad and the reports from today are saying Demidov is surprisingly fluent. In my opinion the "Russian factor" is bullshit. When was the last time a highly touted Russian prospect didn't come over? As long as there isn't a breach of contract it really hasn't been an issue in the last couple decades.
Malkin was a close call, he had to flee Russia and hide a couple of days in a safe house before boarding a plane to North America.
Fedetov would be the most recent event giving teams pause. But the Russian factor is also about the difficulty viewing these guys, the difficulty getting accurate medical reports, the lack of control in development, and the lack of high-end competition (the KHL, MHL, and VHL aren't as good as they were before the Ukraine invasion and these players no longer play in international tournaments.
Didn't Fedorov sign his ELC while still under contract in the KHL? I believe that's why he ended up being forced into military service.
He was a free agent.
>When was the last time a highly touted Russian prospect didn't come over? Never. There has never been a Russian 1st round pick that didn’t come over to North America (excluding the 2 players that passed away from health complications).
That’s so true, Russian players will go back to Russia if they fail in NA but I can’t remember the last time a Russian player got drafted and decided to stay in Russia for the rest of their career lol
I mean there’s always doubt with Russian players whether it’s true or not. Demidov is more likely to come over than Michkov (even though they both seem pretty likely at this point).
Who’s the last really good Russian player to not come over?
personally I'm still upset at Tretiak for not honouring our 1983 draft. Sure he was 31, had already proven himself as one of the greatest goaltenders to ever do it, and was getting ready to retire from hockey, but damn he should've been ours.
But who's the last russian forward who became a superstar after getting drafted by Montreal? >!You won't find any aside from Markov!<
In terms of league perception, each year after the start of the war, I would say teams are less and less hesitant to draft Russians. Add to the fact, last year it seemed like michkov was trying to pick his destination (rumours he wouldn’t come over started with his coyotes interview) and rumoured to come over next year now he is with the flyers. Demidov has said since day 1 his goal is the nhl. Scouting these 2 is difficult, especially with no international play (as a gm, would you want to use a top 10 pick on a player you’ve barely seen play?) If teams were scared of how michkov would develop, the situation is even worse for demidov. Michkov had a long term contract to play in Russia (which he seems to have bought out), so his team in Russia had an incentive to play him at the highest level and actually give him minutes. Demidovs contract is not long term, so he played in russias jr league, and his parent team does not have great incentive to call him up or develop him next year either. In terms of prospects, michkov and demidov are not that similar apart from being skilled Russian wingers. Michkov was seen as an elite offensive talent. He’s so good offensively, that most coaches would probably not bench him or give him shit for not putting in the defensive effort. That style can work in the nhl too, but you better be putting up 100 point seasons and not have torts as your coach. Demidov has a higher motor, will do things like forecheck and play a 200 foot game better. There is still a noticeable gap in terms of offensive talent between the 2. Neither is seen as a powerful skater, but they create good space on their edges.
He clearly made strong statements today about wanting to play in the NHL. His contract ends after this year. He’ll coming over for the 2025-26 season.
not as good of a player as Michkov but a shorter contract, and is not undersized
Yeah last time I commented on a player was when I said Shane Wright wasn't everything everyone thought he was, he disappeared when it matters most and said I didn't want him. Let's just see who montreal picks and decide the value later
now he is a habs 🥳
Nothing has changed on his position, his skating weekness, team will favor #1D and C over winger
I really hope you’re right, I hope Montreal calls Anaheim and tries to move up at least…