Habs Fan in Edmonton

Agreed. I don't see any point in buying out Hoffman especially when cap space will be more important next year than this year as you said. If he has a good year we might actually get some sort of pick for him at the deadline.

It seemed like all the scouts in Bob Mackenzie's rankings had him at 1 or 2. Just saying that what we read from the pundits is far from a sure thing. And I am not at all against Hughes trying to trade up to make sure he gets the center he wants if it is possible without giving up too much.

There is a growing expectation if you believe all the newsletter writers who are quite often wrong. There is almost always a surprise. Who thought a supposed generational talent like Wright would drop to 4 last year? Nobody on this forum.

Also a lot of articles about the Habs trying to trade up. I am sure Hughes is working the phones but those kinds of deals rarely happen. I don't see much point in trying to trade up 1 spot (unless the cost is reasonable) as the guy you want at #4 might be available at #5. Teams are pretty tight lipped about who they are taking (obviously) to maximize trade leverage. https://nhltradetalk.com/canadiens-trying-to-trade-for-number-two-pick-2023-nhl-draft/

I agree, they made some great moves. I believe teams were able to protect 8 players so it's not like they were able to get the other teams top players but they were able to get a solid base and built smartly from there. The Eichel trade was the final piece of the puzzle.

The more I see of Ryan Leonard the more I like him. Seems like a great combination of grit and skill. The kind of player you win Stanley Cups with.

I also agree with your original points. I think Engstrom's stock has risen fairly quickly while Nordstrom's stock has fallen. I think Engstrom is the much more attractive asset right now. Certainly a log jam going forward at LD (even if they trade Edmundson as you said) which is not a terrible thing as it gives them some options. I like Harris but not sure how high his ceiling is but I believe he can also play the right side which is valuable. I really like Xhekaj as he brings an element that others don't (repeating myself here).

Absolutely. Been away on holidays and when I saw the story my day perked up. Very very pleased with the contract. On to the draft.

It is a dream, I would love to see the Habs get Carlsson, I am no scout but a very slight chance at 5, might be the perfect compliment to Suzuki, Habs would be set at center for a long time. All it might take is one of the American teams to fall in love with the American guy (Smith).

It will be interesting to see what he does about the coach, then he has to sign Mathews.

Of course they have to be willing to learn. My point being is that you are not going to pass on a phenomenal offensive talent because they don't have a well developed defensive game at 18 years old. Some things can be learned, some can't. Michkov can do things that can't be taught.

Great question. It rarely happens so hard to say. I would happily throw in a 2nd or late 1st to move from 5 to 3 to get a Carlsson but somehow I think that is not enough. I guess it depends on how bad a team wants a certain player.

I think you can teach an 18 year old forward the defensive side of the game.

Here is one scouting report, I don't think there is any question of his offensive ability. https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2023/05/04/matvei-michkov-2023-nhl-draft-scouting-report/

This certainly sounds encouraging. If true then the Habs should take him at 5. Of course, if true there is less of a chance he will be available at 5.

Yes, I expect Hughes will be active. If he doesn't make any deals it won't be for a lack of trying. I think trading up/trading down are both on the table.

I could care less about either team but would rather draft 31 than 32. Go Vegas!

It is a big decision. Less of a big decision if you are very confident he will come over in 3 years. If he drops to 5 it means other teams are not that confident. I would love to see Michkov in Montreal, I am just not sure at this point how big the risk is that he will not come over. I am confident Hughes will have done his homework and will make a good decision.

I tend to agree but there are always some surprises. If Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson and Smith are the 1st four taken then they have a big decision to make. I would love to see them trade up and get Carlsson but not sure what it would cost or if it's even possible.

I think that would only happen if Mike Milbury ends up as the Toronto GM. If I was a GM looking for a job I think Pittsburgh is about the last place I would want to end up. The oldest core in the league and a weak prospect pool. Unless ownership is on side with a complete rebuild.

Given that we are short of RD prospects I would think that if you are moving Barron as part of a package then it better be for something special.

Agree 100%, trading Guhle (only 21) who showed signs of becoming a top pairing defensemen for another prospect/draft pick does not interest me at all.

Nice goal, Beck shows off his great skating ability on this one. I think Beck has one of the highest floors of any Habs prospect as his defensive acumen/work ethic/faceoff ability/excellent skating seem like a perfect fit for the #3 center role, maybe higher if his offensive abilities continue to improve. Whereas guys like Roy and Farrell while more talented offensively are top 6 or bust. In my opinion.

Fantilli didn't hurt his chances of going #2 today. A beautiful goal.

How often do you see a team trade a legitimate 1st pairing defenseman that still has a lot of miles left? You pretty much have to draft and develop them.