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The only "issue/question" I might raise is no mention of goal-scoring as a strength ... THAT is an obvious need for the Habs in the years to come, and something largely missing from the current prospect pool.

@Commandant picked this guy at 5. Reading that summary Helenius sounds perfect for what we need. Helenius, Centre/Right Winger, Liiga The player that Kyle had ranked over Eiserman, Helenius checked in at third (Fred) and fifth (Ben), landing him at the third spot in our consolidated rankings. Helenius has been very impressive thus far in the top Finnish men’s league with Jukurit. In 28 games thus far, he has scored an impressive eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points. For a 17-year-old, in a men’s league, only the best of the best young stars can pull that off. The reason for the success starts with an outstanding skating ability. While he isn’t a burner, with an ability to leave defenders in the dust consistently, he instead has shifty edges, shaking off defenders like it is nothing. That, paired with a high-end IQ allows him to manipulate defenders and create space for himself. Strong playmaking instincts allow him to take advantage of that space as well. On top of the skill, despite his slim build, he works very hard to win pucks back for his team. Maybe not physically, with body checks, but instead with an overwhelming pressure leading with his stick. Smart skater, with skilled playmaking instincts, and a high-end work ethic that is producing well against men at a very young age.

Margarita Bob has this guy at #5. Big centre with injury issues 5. Cayden Lindstrom The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Medicine Hat Tiger scoring centre remains in the same slot he occupied at mid-season, but his draft day status will be heavily influenced by NHL team doctors and medical reports at the NHL Combine, June 2-8 in Buffalo. Lindstrom suffered a hand injury in December that required surgery and also was reportedly rehabbing a back ailment. He didn’t play any games for more than three months and came back to play in only four playoff games for the Tigers, tallying a goal and an assist and 14 penalty minutes. If he’s deemed healthy, that size and offensive potential make him an attractive Top 5 pick but if there are any concerns about the medical reports, well, teams are very interested to do that due diligence

crazy talk

Rangers and Carolina is some exciting hockey. Great change of pace from these low scoring grinders we had lately.

My reasoning for not making that trade is as follows: 1) with the 5th pick the Habs could easily get a forward just as good or better than Batherson, someone who is 8 years younger and cheaper for a number of years. The Habs window to win is not for a couple years. 2) the extra defensemen could be used in another deal 3) I don't want to help Ottawa by giving them potentially a young stud (maybe a Lindstrom) that may haunt us for years to come I am not discounting Batherson who is a good player and on a reasonable contract but a no for me.

I had forgotten about the penalty. I would almost guarantee the Senators don't forfeit this year since they will most likely be drafting higher in 2025 or 26. It would be nice if they forfeited this year though as it pushes the Winnipeg pick one spot closer. I do not make that trade.

Not trading 5th overall and Xhekaj or Mailloux for a 26 year old 65 point guy.

The hawks didnt move up. Just like the Habs "win" for slafkovsky doesnt count. This doesnt count against the sharks or hawks It only counts if you move up.

I would trade the 5th overall and a defenseman not Hamed Hutson, Reinbacher or Guhle for Batherson.

Should have had Blue Chew.

If they did sign them both where would we be now? Little or no cap room. A team just outside the playoffs probably. Likely drafting 12-16th this year, a middling team. I would rather go through a little pain with some light at the end of the tunnel.

I know Kaliyev has been brought up here before. It doesn't sound like Rob Blake is trying to increase his trade value. Kings Kaliyev 'Didn't Help us Down The Stretch at All" According to Blake - Los Angeles Kings News, Analysis and More (thehockeynews.com)

It's ok, when it happens to me I just call it a senior's moment and move forward. I am confident your next trade proposal will be better. LOL Don't let it discourage you!

Bergevin decided not to give Danault and acceptable offer and his re-signing Armia left no cap space for Hughes to keep Lehkonen ... on the other hand, if the Habs had both of them, even if MB was still fired who knows if Gorton and Hughes even sign on to a team likely stuck outside the playoffs but in the teens without lottery luck ... no Slafkovsky, no Reinbacher, no 2025 5th overall

Which to a certain degree makes it all the more concerning.

Apologies all .... misread CapFriendly ... can't wait for the "cap year" switch-over.

No the Hawks have only moved up once so far. They can still win one of the upcoming lotteries (but not two of them). Winning the lottery is defined as improving your spot in the draft order.

Now hopefully the right teams win so the Winnipeg pick can move up a notch or two

The Habs can still move up 10 spots twice in future drafts but at least the Hawks are done moving up for the next 5 years.

Yes, it would have been great to move up but I am quite satisfied to pick 5th. Easier for teams to make plans now knowing where they are drafting.

I’m glad it’s over and we are picking fifth.

Well that was uneventful….

I would not be surprised