Draft 2022

[NWTHabsFan]

Today is the day for the Habs private combine in Brossard. They are always very tight lipped about who they invite, but some names do sneak out.

[NWTHabsFan]

Off to Stockholm.

[Boston_Habs]

Simon Nemec.

Is it even possible the Habs would take him at #1 or maybe trade down to #2/3 to take him?

Watching the playoffs and what I see is that guys like Adam Fox, Cale Makar, Victor Hedman (and Mikhail Sergachev!!) are having HUGE impacts on games, maybe even more than players like MacKinnon, Stamkos, etc. They are on the ice more and just do more things in transition, on the PP, distributing the puck.... If we didn't love puck moving dmen already you almost have to love them even more now. Scoring shot up again in 2022 and is showing no signs of going the other way.

Which brings me to Nemec. I admit I haven't watched him for extended time but the growing consensus is he could be an elite player at the position in a league that values his assets probably more than what Shane Wright might bring to the table. His floor/ceiling impact may be higher than Wright.

It would take a high degree of conviction (and risk for Gorton/Hughes) to take Nemec at #1 and the Habs do not have a great track record at the top of the draft. Still, if the view is that Nemec can be a more impactful player than Wright then I wouldn't blame them for going a bit off script and taking Nemec.

[folatre]

Nemec seems like sure thing to be a top-4 NHL blueliner for a long time. He certainly has a nice offensive toolbox and played well in a men's league in Slovakia, peaking with a great post-season. Though, to be honest, when he was playing for his country, I did not notice him all that much.

For me it would be really hard to imagine Montreal taking a d-man in this draft first overall and trading down seems like a risky proposition.

[NWTHabsFan]

Yeah, Nemec is the most well rounded of the defenders in this draft. I think he also has a higher floor that Jiríček too. The latter has a booming shot and is very physical, so he has intriguing potential and some projectable traits. His skating is nowhere near as smooth as Nemec though.

Even though they are both elusive high end RHD prospects that many teams covet, I still have the big three forwards ahead of them both: Wright, Cooley and Slafkovsky; then Nemec and Jiríček.

[seventeen]

I thought Nemec looked really good at the WC. He's not a banger or anything (thank god), but he moves the puck well and finds holes for his wrist shot from the point. Good PP quarterback. I concur that an elite defenseman is probably more important than an elite centre, but I'm not sure Nemec has the ceiling for an elite class defenseman. It will be really interesting to see how Tampa deals with Makar. He has traits similiar to Fox, but is much faster and with a better shot.

A better question may be, "how will Tampa deal with Lehkonen?

[habsask]

Jun 13, 2022 10:39:29 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

Watching the playoffs and what I see is that guys like Adam Fox, Cale Makar, Victor Hedman (and Mikhail Sergachev!!) are having HUGE impacts on games, maybe even more than players like MacKinnon, Stamkos, etc.

And McDonagh!! McDonagh & Sergachev as our No. 1 defense pairing right now! But Gainey & Bergevin traded them away. Horrible trades.

Sigh....

[BadCompany]

Unless they see Slafkovsky as some sort of 40 goal scorer, or Nemec as Cale Makar re-incarnated, AND Wright as just some second/third line tweener, I see no reason why Slafkovsky or even Nemec will be our pick. I could be wrong, of course, but to me this is just overthinking things, to the max.

Of course you’re supposed to take the best player available, and I get that, but IF one of Slaflovsky or Nemec is indeed the best player available (and that is very much an IF) by how much are they the best player available? Organizationally, the team’s immediate and long term needs are a top 2 center, and a top 2 right-shooting defenseman (preferably a #1). While you can never have too many goal scorers, we DO have Caufield already so while it would be nice to add to that in my mind a scoring winger is a lower priority (and I’m not even counting 51 goal scoring Joshua Roy). So Slavkovsky would be out for me. And while we could use Nemec for sure, we DO have a plethora of potential top four defensemen and it’s unclear to me whether or not Nemec is far and away better than Guehle, or even Harris (to say nothing of Romanov, who I still think has untapped offensive potential). I am never one to turn down a top defensive prospect, and for sure the right-side depth chart is weak, but in this case I think that would be a lesser need as well.

Pretty much everyone agrees that while Wright may not end up being the best player in the draft (and he still might be), the odds of him falling out of one-of-the-top-five best players in the draft are low. He didn’t go first overall, but I see Jonathan Toews as a comparable to Wright; If you look at that draft you could probably argue that Nicklas Backstrom, Claude Giroux, Brad Marchand, and maybe even Phil Kessel were “better players” despite being drafted after Toews, but I don’t think anybody in Chicago wishes they had a do-over. That’s how I see Wright. He may not end up being the “best” player in the draft, but I don’t think this is going to be a Wickenheiser/Savard situation. I think we’re still going to get a very good player, and at a position of need to boot.

[Tankdriver]

I think it is also a no brainer in selecting Wright. With him and Suzuki the next 7-10 years are set for your center position. And to qoute the great Marc Bergevin, no one is giving away a number 1 center. You have to acquire them in the draft.I have been reading and listening a lot about Wright and I think it was more the situation he was placed in Kingston, and the role he was asked to play. Once he was put with better players, his point totals jumped up.

[Boston_Habs]

For the record, I would take Wright as well. While Nemec may be the best D prospect in the draft, I'm not sure anyone is calling him the next Cale Makar. I can live with Shane Wright and hopefully his floor is high enough that the bust risk is pretty low.

Hopefully we figure out how to develop guys as opposed to just hoping they get better. I listened to a podcast where Brayden Point came up. What did scouts miss about him to cause him from going from a 3rd round pick to one of the best forwards in the game? The comments were his skating wasn't considered good enough to be an elite player but he ended up improving that by much more than anticipated. The resources now are just different from diet, analytics, video, conditioning, psychology. You need a management team dedicated to embracing all of the innovation and hiring the best personnel. We have that now. I'm not sure what Wright's holes are other than he didn't dominate as much as expected. But if he ends up like Toews who is a career 28/40/68 guy who plays both ends I think we'll all be thrilled.

[seventeen]

I haven't seen, read, or heard anything to make me think we should take anyone other than Wright. That missed year is wreaking havoc with scouts' judgment this year and my guess is that the Europeans, Americans and any Canadians who played in those leagues have a leg up in the determination this year without any real sense that the extra year is going to prove meaningful down the road. I could easily see all the CHL guys who missed a year taking a leap up this year as they 'get back into the groove' I say that in general. Specifically, as to Wright, he's a guy who has always been more productive when playing with better players who can both understand and anticipate his plays. I know myself from playing with less experienced or talented players, that I can make a pass, break to an open spot and the other guy will still be trying to control the ball, or be looking somewhere else entirely. Meanwhile, you've exerted yourself and have to race back because that guy will inevitably cause a turnover.

One thing I would really like to know. Wright got off to a slow start namely because he was centering a pair of rookies and then when he was lined up with better players, his production went up. I'd like to know at what point that change was made, what his points per game was up to that point and then what that same number was the rest of the year. I'm sure the scouts know that, but I don't. His ppg for the whole season was 1.49. The consensus is that it is a disappointing number considering he did 1.14 as a 15 year old and scored .67 goals per game at 15 and only .51 ppg at 17. But what if his ppg after his line-up change was 1.9? Over his 63 games that's 120 points and suddenly it's not disappointing any more. It may not be that high, but that too is not disappointing given Kingston wasn't a good team and even their better players like Lucas Edmonds was a 20 year old and undrafted. Kingston had no transition defensemen either, so Wright was tasked with dropping deeper into the defensive zone to provide an option for the D to pass to in zone exits.

I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Wright ends up being more productive than Suzuki in a couple of years. Wright's not another McDavid, but I think he can be another Bergeron. He has those qualities.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

[seventeen]

I read that thread yesterday. Not sure if it's real, but the guy supposedly follows and writes about the Devils. Now, if I was Hughes, I'd be saying that right until the moment he makes the right (cough) pick, right? Hell, if we're lucky enough to draft Bedard next year, we'd have 3 high quality centres and one of them could be moved for the right package. (Colorada for Byram +, for example). But we're keeping Bedard.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Jun 15, 2022 17:23:38 GMT -5 Disgruntled70sHab said:

Wright has been #1 for two years. Everyone has been examining him for warts. There are none. He hasn't maintained his incredible unsustainable record as an underage phenom. He is bigger than Connor Bedard, has no weaknesses, plays a 200 foot team game. Size, leadership, smarts, shot, defense, walks on water but his feet get wet. He is my choice.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Jun 17, 2022 12:19:23 GMT -5 Habs_fan_in_LA said:

Jun 15, 2022 17:23:38 GMT -5 Disgruntled70sHab said:

Wright has been #1 for two years. Everyone has been examining him for warts. There are none. He hasn't maintained his incredible unsustainable record as an underage phenom. He is bigger than Connor Bedard, has no weaknesses, plays a 200 foot team game. Size, leadership, smarts, shot, defense, walks on water but his feet get wet. He is my choice.

I had lunch last week with a former associate coach for the Kingston Frontenacs, and he pretty much summed up Shane Wright the way you did ... no ands, ifs or buts, Wright is the best player in the draft ...

Cheers.

[NWTHabsFan]

Alrighty then, I have put this off long enough. I had this “almost done” for ages, so enough is enough. My seat of the pants top 32 for the draft. I can say that I have seen all of the guys in my top 32, a few even live which makes a big difference. I don’t have access to InStat or get the viewings that a lot of the amateur scouts on public websites get, but it is my opinion and mine only on attributes I like in a player. I combine a bit of hybrid of projection and upside when ranking a player. This is not a mock draft, so I don’t expect that this is how the first round will necessarily go. Teams will value guys more based on their preferences or certain attributes (e.g., size). They also talk to these kids and all their entourages, etc. And like many drafts, this draft is poised to go all over the map after he first few picks in my opinion.

I have broken into some forms of tiers, as there are groups of different players with different attributes and areas of improvement that are pretty close and will vary based on team preferences. Nothing new here, but I will have guys say 5-8 spots apart that are not really drastically different in terms of draft value.

I start being a bit provocative and fun in my top tier. I like the other contenders and I think it is close, but one guy edges the others out in too many categories without the flash that often signifies low risk plays that often only work in junior hockey.

1. Shane Wright, C Kingston

Now the fun contenders.

2. Logan Cooley, C, US NTDP
3. Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, TPS
4. Simon Nemec, RD, Nitra
5. David Jiríček, RD, Plzen

Here is where the draft could start to get fun ( it could be fun in the top five too, but I am going with six onwards). Oh yeah, I do like a few guys more than some of the public lists and others not so much. Shocking lol.

6. Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg
7. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgården
8. Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP
9. Frank Nazar, C, US NTDP
10. Kevin Korchinski, LD, Seattle
11. Danila Yurov, RW, Magnitogorsk
12. Brad Lambert, C, Pelicans

See, I already placed a Russian kid high. I fully expect that they will all go lower than earlier projected and than where I rank them, but it does not change the skill that they bring to this draft compared to peers. There will be steals. Don’t sleep on skill. Also note I have not put some of the big boys who are all the latest draft darlings on my list yet. Again, projection and upside from my personal views.

13. Pavel Mintyukov, LD, Saginaw
14. Cutter Gauthier, LW, US NTDP
15. Jiri Kulich, C, Karlovy Vary
16. Marco Kasper, C, Rögle
17. Liam Öhgren, LW, Djurgården
18. Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg
19. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omsk Krylia
20. Isaac Howard, LW, US NTDP
21. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, US NTDP
22. Filip Mešár, RW, Poprad
23. Rutger McGroarty, RW, US NTDP
24. Noah Östlund, C, Djurgården

That was a big group and you could put it in a blender based on team’s lists. That part of the draft will be a blast and some guys will fall at this point. Cue the camera on HuGo a lot as the speculation that they will move up (if they have not already) will make for good tv on a slow night. The first round is painfully slow tv. It was even worse in the two COVID years when it was all done remotely. Don’t even get me started on the COVID day two proceedings. They took a month it felt like.

The next group are folks that may or not be late first or early second as there are a number of very valid contenders at this point onwards. I think these guys deserve a shot. 32 GMs may drastically disagree. In making this final cut, it became very clear to me that having the 33 pick to open day two will be a blast for new management (that is my subtle hint to hold onto this pick lol).

25. Gleb Trikozov, LW, Omsk2
26. Jagger Firkus, RW, Moose Jaw
27. Calle Odelius, LD, Djurgården
28. Nathan Gaucher, C, Quebec
29. Ryan Chesley, RD, US NTDP
30. Owen Beck, C, Mississauga
31. Denton Mateychuk, LD, Moose Jaw
32. David Goyette, C, Sudbury

I could get going on my honourable mentions, but I fear it would morph into a round two list in no time. There is decent depth this draft, but the kids have had such varying degrees of playing time and development. Especially in the OHL where almost all kids missed a full year. We are getting closer to “ back to normal” scouting environments but next year should be pretty well there. The top half of the first round in 2023 is pretty juicy, but lots can change. Focus on 2022 NWT, as HuGo will be busy. I don’t expect 14 picks. I expect some trades (maybe for roster players, maybe to move up, maybe to move out to 2023). It should be another interesting next chapter in the rebuild/retool/redo.

Onwards and bring it on!! I am ready.

[seventeen]

Thanks NWT (*makes note to save this list for reference 3 years from now*). From the various articles etc. I have read, I agree with much of your list. I think players like Lekkeremaki, Nazar, Kemmell and Korchinski will indeed go higher than many other lists have shown. You've got them in the right place (speaking as a non-pro). One example is Korchinski. I can't recall who said it (Marco D'Amico?) but Korchinski grew 4 inches this past year. Hockeydb shows him as 6'2", 185 lbs. It's surprising to me that he could even find his skates after growing 4 inches. It takes time for your muscles and other body parts (nerves, tendons etc) to get used to that kind of growth. Putting up 65 points in 67 games with an awkward body is pretty amazing.

I'm currently listening to another podcast(MHN podcast Ep 10 hosted by Jimmy Murphy. Marco D'Amico and Pierre McGuire are on. McGuire is already peeing his pants over Slafkovsky. But he also tried to tone down everyone's expectations by referencing the 1999 draft which was probably the worst ever. I don't think this draft is anywhere near that one, where the Sedins and Martin Havlat were part of a very small part of the first round who ever saw much NHL ice. It was rather crazy of him to use that draft to tone down expectations. One reason this draft may not be looking as good as other recent ones is because Covid shut down the CHL for a full year (pretty well). It may very well be that some of those guys who didn't play and develop will do so, but just a year later. Time will tell, but I thought that was a disingenuous comparison, coming from a guy who is rumoured to have promoted Tyler Boucher for the Sens last draft. Funny how McGuire was let go shortly after Melnyk passed away. Coincidence?

D'Amico brought up Frank Nazar and McGuire (who has scouted everyone) made some factual comments about his skills (positive ones), but in a very monotone voice. Not excitement at all in it. Very different from when he talks about Slafkovsky, yet Nazar is one of those guys who could be Matt Barzal with defensive abilities.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the podcast. Thanks again NWT! Cheers

[Polarice]

I would love to see Montreal trade up to also get Slafkovsky. A draft where Montreal get both Wright and Slafkovsky would be one for the history books.

[BadCompany]

How often does a top 10 pick get traded on draft day, never mind a top 5? There is just no incentive to trade a top 5 pick, especially if the expectation is that the pick is going to play in the NHL next year (as is the case with Slafkovsky). I think that if you want the 2nd overall you're looking at Caufield and probably +. Otherwise, why would New Jersey (or Arizona, or Seattle, or even Philly) do it?

I think our best bet for a trade up in the first round will be Columbus, at 12. They already have the 6th overall so they get their fancy and shiny new prospect, and they can pick up a plug-and-play player for next season. It would be a real coup for them. The question is, of course, what will be the cost? Forget Anderson, they already had him (and I don't see Anderson being worth more than a 2nd anyways), so who?

How about Petry? Columbus is a day-trip away from Detroit so Julie will be happy, they have a reasonable amount of cap space, and a distinctive lack of quality right-shooting defensemen. A Werenski-Petry pairing is a legitimate, top-tier defensive pairing. I don't think Petry alone will get you the 12th (cap, contract, etc), but I think an expanded and complicated deal could get it done. Something like:

Petry, Mailloux, and the 26th

for

Jake Bean, Alexander Texier, and the 12th.

My thoughts anyways.

[folatre]

Great stuff, NW. My son and I are starting to get excited about the draft. I see logic in thinking in terms of tiers and for the most part I agree with where you have kids slotted.

I would have probably put Mateychuk in the 13-24 tier, though I must admit that I did not watch any WHL playoffs. Did Mateychuk leave some doubts in your mind about how dynamic he projects to be at the next level?

I also notice that you are somewhat less bullish on Gauthier than some of the media. Do you think his size has created a sort of ‘halo effect’ with some scouts and pundits whereby they want to see other attributes to his game as better than they actually are?

[folatre]

BC, you could be on to something. I would say Columbus is certainly among the three likeliest destinations for Petry.

I imagine the Blue Jackets would try to make it work without giving up either of their picks in the top half of the first round. And while I think there is a market for Petry with no retention, I do not see enough seriously viable landing spots to spark a major bidding war. Hockey is debatable, but for me I think the equivalent of a couple of second rounders is probably about it.

[NWTHabsFan]

seventeen I listened to that Montreal Hockey Now podcast with McGuire being McGuire. Classic. He is very knowledgeable and has watched a lot of hockey this year with the Sens, but he can’t help getting a little over exuberant on certain things.

I really like the players in that Korchinski tier. I watched him specifically at the beginning of the year and then live in the WHL finals recently and it was great to see how much his game has developed this season. He is a puck retrieval and zone exit guru, and those are super valuable in a puck moving/transition game these days.

Nazar is one of a number of guys who play a skilled chaotic game if that makes sense. I think they have a lot of upside as a result. He is in motion all the time, and not just for the sake of moving about.

[NWTHabsFan]

folatre Yes, a clear case can be made for Mateychuk in a higher tier. I really like him and his potential. I like that young core from Moose Jaw, as I expect they will be a force next season. I just sort of started to run out of spots as I was slotting in other good players and I had to get him into my list right away. There are lots of guys I like that straddle the back end of the first to the middle of the second. I really like Owen Pickering too, speaking of WHL defenders, but he is so raw still but you can see what he could become once he grows into that lanky body of his.

As for Gauthier, I really like him. He would be great in a Habs uni. I just like the skills of some of the others ahead of him more. I fully expect he will go top ten and higher than I have him. Teams like his size and he has a great release and shot. Lots to like. I just think he was getting a lot of accolades around the combine where he was saying he is ready to play centre. His game projects as a power winger who can get deep with a play driver on his line. He has defaulted to both Cooley and Nazar to be his centre all season and they do the defensive zone heavy lifting.

It is difficult to switch from wing to centre and excel, especially when moving up a level in hockey where you will be playing against bigger, older and more experienced players. I don’t buy the “centre” hype and think he will be a very good power winger. Teams love those guys and he is in demand as this draft is a bit light on those kind of higher end big forwards. And, I am being a bit contrarian by not over-valuing size. It is important but there are some really skilled guys I would rank just a tad higher right now. When I post my draft target list for the Habs, you will see I have a few big boys in mind.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Jun 19, 2022 23:15:32 GMT -5 NWTHabsFan said:

Alrighty then, I have put this off long enough. I had this “almost done” for ages, so enough is enough. My seat of the pants top 32 for the draft. I can say that I have seen all of the guys in my top 32, a few even live which makes a big difference. I don’t have access to InStat or get the viewings that a lot of the amateur scouts on public websites get, but it is my opinion and mine only on attributes I like in a player. I combine a bit of hybrid of projection and upside when ranking a player. This is not a mock draft, so I don’t expect that this is how the first round will necessarily go. Teams will value guys more based on their preferences or certain attributes (e.g., size). They also talk to these kids and all their entourages, etc. And like many drafts, this draft is poised to go all over the map after he first few picks in my opinion.

I have broken into some forms of tiers, as there are groups of different players with different attributes and areas of improvement that are pretty close and will vary based on team preferences. Nothing new here, but I will have guys say 5-8 spots apart that are not really drastically different in terms of draft value.

I start being a bit provocative and fun in my top tier. I like the other contenders and I think it is close, but one guy edges the others out in too many categories without the flash that often signifies low risk plays that often only work in junior hockey.

1. Shane Wright, C Kingston

Now the fun contenders.

2. Logan Cooley, C, US NTDP
3. Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, TPS
4. Simon Nemec, RD, Nitra
5. David Jiríček, RD, Plzen

Here is where the draft could start to get fun ( it could be fun in the top five too, but I am going with six onwards). Oh yeah, I do like a few guys more than some of the public lists and others not so much. Shocking lol.

6. Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg
7. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgården
8. Joakim Kemell, RW, JYP
9. Frank Nazar, C, US NTDP
10. Kevin Korchinski, LD, Seattle
11. Danila Yurov, RW, Magnitogorsk
12. Brad Lambert, C, Pelicans

See, I already placed a Russian kid high. I fully expect that they will all go lower than earlier projected and than where I rank them, but it does not change the skill that they bring to this draft compared to peers. There will be steals. Don’t sleep on skill. Also note I have not put some of the big boys who are all the latest draft darlings on my list yet. Again, projection and upside from my personal views.

13. Pavel Mintyukov, LD, Saginaw
14. Cutter Gauthier, LW, US NTDP
15. Jiri Kulich, C, Karlovy Vary
16. Marco Kasper, C, Rögle
17. Liam Öhgren, LW, Djurgården
18. Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg
19. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omsk Krylia
20. Isaac Howard, LW, US NTDP
21. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, US NTDP
22. Filip Mešár, RW, Poprad
23. Rutger McGroarty, RW, US NTDP
24. Noah Östlund, C, Djurgården

That was a big group and you could put it in a blender based on team’s lists. That part of the draft will be a blast and some guys will fall at this point. Cue the camera on HuGo a lot as the speculation that they will move up (if they have not already) will make for good tv on a slow night. The first round is painfully slow tv. It was even worse in the two COVID years when it was all done remotely. Don’t even get me started on the COVID day two proceedings. They took a month it felt like.

The next group are folks that may or not be late first or early second as there are a number of very valid contenders at this point onwards. I think these guys deserve a shot. 32 GMs may drastically disagree. In making this final cut, it became very clear to me that having the 33 pick to open day two will be a blast for new management (that is my subtle hint to hold onto this pick lol).

25. Gleb Trikozov, LW, Omsk2
26. Jagger Firkus, RW, Moose Jaw
27. Calle Odelius, LD, Djurgården
28. Nathan Gaucher, C, Quebec
29. Ryan Chesley, RD, US NTDP
30. Owen Beck, C, Mississauga
31. Denton Mateychuk, LD, Moose Jaw
32. David Goyette, C, Sudbury

I could get going on my honourable mentions, but I fear it would morph into a round two list in no time. There is decent depth this draft, but the kids have had such varying degrees of playing time and development. Especially in the OHL where almost all kids missed a full year. We are getting closer to “ back to normal” scouting environments but next year should be pretty well there. The top half of the first round in 2023 is pretty juicy, but lots can change. Focus on 2022 NWT, as HuGo will be busy. I don’t expect 14 picks. I expect some trades (maybe for roster players, maybe to move up, maybe to move out to 2023). It should be another interesting next chapter in the rebuild/retool/redo.

Onwards and bring it on!! I am ready.

Hard to argue with any of the choices. I think any year sees Russians drop at draft day. This year will be more than most. Wright and Firkus would be great. Hope for #1 and #2 overall is more about not making a mistake than needing both. Not too long ago we prayed for #1 overall. If we get a good deal to move up, take it, but don't count on it.

[Tankdriver]

Hearing more and more whispers that the Habs might take Cooley as he has more superstar potential. Getting harder and harder to sort what is real and what is fiction. Can't wait for the draft to happen.

[PTH]

Jun 20, 2022 13:48:55 GMT -5 folatre said:

BC, you could be on to something. I would say Columbus is certainly among the three likeliest destinations for Petry.

I imagine the Blue Jackets would try to make it work without giving up either of their picks in the top half of the first round. And while I think there is a market for Petry with no retention, I do not see enough seriously viable landing spots to spark a major bidding war. Hockey is debatable, but for me I think the equivalent of a couple of second rounders is probably about it.

Yup, my thinking is a 2nd rounder along with a serviceable player (not a dump, just a player the other team can do without.... a Zucker, Foegele type).

An upgrade to #12 from another pick makes sense, though it doesn't fit Hughes' take that trading Petry had to improve the team.

I just don't see retention on longer-term contracts as being viable, and there are very few actually out there. And the only case I can think of involving the Habs was Pacioretty and Tatar, who both had retention in that weird part of the deal.

[PTH]

Jun 20, 2022 8:06:14 GMT -5 BadCompany said:

(and I don't see Anderson being worth more than a 2nd anyways),

Really ? Given that there are rumors a lot of teams are calling about him, my assumption would be that he'd have nice value. And he's signed, in his prime, with injury issues apparently mostly resolved, so we "bought low" and could now sell relatively high.

I have to think he's worth a nice return - at least a high end prospect or 1st rounder. Otherwise, might as well keep him since we can't ice a full lineup of 21 year olds...

[Tankdriver]

Even if we wanted to, we can't. Just too many long term contracts on the books. Plus there is that pesky little thing called the cap floor to hit.

Would be nice to trade as much as we could this off-season and get as many 1st rounders possible in next year's draft, but that is me dreaming or taking hallucinogens. More balls in the machine means more chance to grab a top 3 pick.

[NWTHabsFan]

Jun 22, 2022 7:23:03 GMT -5 Tankdriver said:

Hearing more and more whispers that the Habs might take Cooley as he has more superstar potential. Getting harder and harder to sort what is real and what is fiction. Can't wait for the draft to happen.

The “debate” on other boards and on twitter has become so toxic, to be honest. Personal attacks, name calling, bullying of each other, and not to mention constant bashing of the players that individuals don’t want the Habs to pick. I just want the draft to be over so that part of the debate is over. I know it won’t end there though, as the first sign this fall or at the WJC where the #2 or #3 guy shines, the toxic “I told you so” crowd will be courageous behind their keyboards again.

In the end, you have to trust HuGo and the scouts to have done their due diligence, which no doubt they have. They are the only ones with so much on the line. The first pick overall in front of your crowd. A rabid fan/media base that will over-analyze every move or non move. The first draft for a new regime. A key piece in a rebuild after a season from hell. They have to get that pick and other high picks right, or close enough to right. For the rest of us, it is fun to make a list or say who they should pick. I have nothing to lose picking one guy over another. They do.

The bottom line is there are three very good forward options. Each can be a very key piece for your team down the road, but there are different risks associated with each before any of the three actually achieve that ideal projection potential. I have stated my preference, but I will support whomever HuGo pick as in the end I want that prospect to have a long and successful career with the Habs. That would be a nice change for a Habs first round pick lol.

[BadCompany]

Jun 22, 2022 8:40:04 GMT -5 PTH said:

Jun 20, 2022 8:06:14 GMT -5 BadCompany said:

(and I don't see Anderson being worth more than a 2nd anyways),

Really ? Given that there are rumors a lot of teams are calling about him, my assumption would be that he'd have nice value. And he's signed, in his prime, with injury issues apparently mostly resolved, so we "bought low" and could now sell relatively high.

I have to think he's worth a nice return - at least a high end prospect or 1st rounder. Otherwise, might as well keep him since we can't ice a full lineup of 21 year olds...

I think teams like the idea of Josh Anderson... I'm not sure they like Josh Anderson. I mean, who doesn't like the idea of a big, hard skating, hard hitting winger who is capable of scoring 25+ goals? Good character guy, will even drop the gloves on occasion. Sounds great, right?

But is that really Josh Anderson? He's only broken 20 goals once in his career, and even with a career high of 47 points in that year he still only averages about 30 points a season. Sure, injuries play a part in that, but if you want him to play that style that makes him so attractive, that hard skating, hard hitting style, serious injuries are always going to be a risk. He's also not really known as a playoff performer, and while he certainly isn't bad defensively nobody is lining him up to kill penalties. Throw in his age and the long term contract at a not insignificant $5.5 million a year...

I like Josh Anderson. I'm not trading him just for the sake of trading him. And for sure, if a good offer is there you have to consider it. But I would be (pleasantly?) surprised if the offers were really that good.