2024 NHL Draft - The Montreal Canadiens are proud to select?

[Tankdriver]

Lots of draft talk in another thread but time to do a poll on WHO the Canadiens will pick, and not based on who they should pick.

You have lots of time to pick and change throughout, but it closes on draft day at 4 pm.

Lets see who is ready to be hired as a scout!

[seventeen]

I'm going with Sennecke. I think the Habs see so much upside with him that he'll be the guy. I still would like to see them try to move up from 26 to be able to snag Catton, but don't think it will happen.

[drkcloud]

I'm also going with Sennecke. I believe Demidov and Lindstrom will be gone. Lots of buzz about him although he's a bit of a stretch at 5, he seems to have a lot of potential to be a physical specimen with good hands

[Willie Dog]

I picked Catton but I think they take Lindstrom or Iginla instead.

I think Cattoncould be deadly on the 2nd line with Dach.

I read the following on Reddit and thought the post was well done...

He's the forward with the highest pure offensive upside after Celebrini. (yes, I'm aware of Demidov's existence, but I doubt his game translates 5v5 at a higher pace with more agressive checking).

Catton was a 1-man show on a Spokane team depleted of talent. Everything ran through him, and he was always the main focus of the opponents' defense.

Catton's skillset allowed him to keep producing, because he has the brain, skills, skating & moves to manipulate entire defenses and create time & space out of nothing for himself or linemates. That's what Demidov lacks.

In that sense, Catton is much more comparable to Michkov than Demidov is.

Lindstrom is only comparable in overall quality to Catton if one is willing to sacrifice offensive generation because they value size and what size can allow a player — who also has good skills, like Lindstrom — to do.

Lindstrom will be hard to contain at the NHL level, but his average vision and mental quickness will still cap his offensive production. One has to understand that trade-off when picking him.

The issues teams drafting high might have with Catton are embodied by Marner right now, or Panarin last year. How effective will Catton be when the NHL playoffs rolls around and everybody starts hitting twice as often as in the regular season? Will he still be able to find space and time, drive a line, be a productive offensive generator; or will he be mostly kept on the perimeter, in a harmless spot?

Catton regularly went into traffic in the WHL. Wasn't shy to drive inside and shoot with 2, 3 guys in his face. But that was WHL defenses. NHL is a whole different ballgame, and being willing and being able are two different things.

[Cranky]

I wish someone would pay my expenses to scout 4 players by 6 timex each...Lindstrom, Sennecke, Catton and Iggy. Then I would have 90% confidence level of who I would draft.

Thinks I would look for....

Vision, vision, vision...you can't teach vision because it's linked to IQ and game processing.

Skating...you can improve skating but to a degree.

Shot...how quick, how fast and how accurate. It's a teachable skill but it is limited by physical ability. You can't have a deadly wrist shot with puny wrists.

Desire/compatitive...you can't de-donkey a donkey.

Without anything more then internet reading, I'm picking Sennecke.

[Skilly]

I got the top 5, the same as I posted 2 months ago

1. Cellibrini
2. Levshunov
3. Silayev
4. Lindstrom
5. Demidov

[seventeen]

Jun 13, 2024 18:11:23 GMT -5 Skilly said:

I got the top 5, the same as I posted 2 months ago

1. Cellibrini
2. Levshunov
3. Silayev
4. Lindstrom
5. Demidov

That's a practical, and probable scenario. I too think it has the highest likelihood of coming true. Five years from now we may think differently, but the above is sounding more and more like what will happen.

Let's see how good teams are at mis-direction.

[seventeen]

Jun 13, 2024 15:23:12 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

I picked Catton but I think they take Lindstrom or Iginla instead.

I think Cattoncould be deadly on the 2nd line with Dach.

I read the following on Reddit and thought the post was well done...

He's the forward with the highest pure offensive upside after Celebrini. (yes, I'm aware of Demidov's existence, but I doubt his game translates 5v5 at a higher pace with more agressive checking).

Catton was a 1-man show on a Spokane team depleted of talent. Everything ran through him, and he was always the main focus of the opponents' defense.

Catton's skillset allowed him to keep producing, because he has the brain, skills, skating & moves to manipulate entire defenses and create time & space out of nothing for himself or linemates. That's what Demidov lacks.

In that sense, Catton is much more comparable to Michkov than Demidov is.

Lindstrom is only comparable in overall quality to Catton if one is willing to sacrifice offensive generation because they value size and what size can allow a player — who also has good skills, like Lindstrom — to do.

Lindstrom will be hard to contain at the NHL level, but his average vision and mental quickness will still cap his offensive production. One has to understand that trade-off when picking him.

The issues teams drafting high might have with Catton are embodied by Marner right now, or Panarin last year. How effective will Catton be when the NHL playoffs rolls around and everybody starts hitting twice as often as in the regular season? Will he still be able to find space and time, drive a line, be a productive offensive generator; or will he be mostly kept on the perimeter, in a harmless spot?

Catton regularly went into traffic in the WHL. Wasn't shy to drive inside and shoot with 2, 3 guys in his face. But that was WHL defenses. NHL is a whole different ballgame, and being willing and being able are two different things.

Everything keeps pointing to that last paragraph as to why Catton won't go top 5. But if he is an outlier and gets to those dirty areas in the NHL despite his current size (he is driven to improve), he's going to top more than a few guys.

[Willie Dog]

Jun 13, 2024 18:55:56 GMT -5 seventeen said:

Jun 13, 2024 15:23:12 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

I picked Catton but I think they take Lindstrom or Iginla instead.

I think Cattoncould be deadly on the 2nd line with Dach.

I read the following on Reddit and thought the post was well done...

Everything keeps pointing to that last paragraph as to why Catton won't go top 5. But if he is an outlier and gets to those dirty areas in the NHL despite his current size (he is driven to improve), he's going to top more than a few guys.

This video shows how dangerous Catton can be, I am very, very impressed by this kid, he reminds of a mini-Slaf with the no look passing and shooting but he is a terrific skater. He also wears habs colors and he wears number 27... hint hint

[drkcloud]

Jun 13, 2024 18:11:23 GMT -5 Skilly said:

I got the top 5, the same as I posted 2 months ago

1. Cellibrini
2. Levshunov
3. Silayev
4. Lindstrom
5. Demidov

Marinaro claims to have picked the top 4 of a couple years ago

Slafkovsky
Nemec
Cooley
Wright

Not sure how many people had Wright at 4th. This year he admits having no idea beyond Celebrini. I'll take a stab at it.
1st Celebrini
2nd Demidov- Hawks want a winger to play with Connor Bedard
3rd Levshunov- Ducks go with top defender on the draft to replace Drysdale. They have plenty of forward prospects.
4th Lindstrom. Blue Jackets go with big forward most nhl ready.
5th Sennecke. Habs need a forward and despite possible BPAs being on the board in Selayev, Iginla, Catton, they go with the guy who may fill in physically the most, decent hands and possibly the 2nd best offensive upside after Demidov...

Gonna be interesting

thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/why-beckett-sennecke-is-the-second-best-forward-in-the-2024-nhl-draft

[seventeen]

Marinaro said he had Wright at #1, right up until a couple of weeks before the draft. He heard enough rumours around about Slafkovsky that he took a risk and put him first (he put money on it). Realizing NJ had Hughes and Hischier and didn't need a centre, he went with Nemec at #2. The 3rd pick was the hardest, with it being a tossup between Wright and Cooley. He just had a hunch or flipped a coin and went with Cooley. Go big or go home, huh?

The guessing game this year really begins with Chicago (duh, yeah?) unless SJ values a D over Celebrini (unlikely). Chicago has spent a lot of time looking over Levshunov video and interviewing him. That might either indicate they have a preference for him and want to cross their I's and dot their T's (hey, it's Chicago). Can't help thinking they want another dman to compete with Korchinski for that elite dman designation. When you factor in things like the MHL in Russia being weaker because more guys would be in the KHL to fill the spots vacated by Western players, then Demidov's dominance takes on a slightly less impressive impact. I predict they take Levshunov. He's here, he's safe and he's good.
That takes us to Anaheim, where Verbeek has stated (and he's not trying to fool anyone) that he's looking for a right Dman or a Right power winger. I wonder if we could trade Josh to Anaheim? But back to reality. A lot of mock drafts have Anaheim taking Silayev, who is a lefty, but played on the right side most of this past season. I'm not sold on that. He's big, so Verbeek would like that, but Anaheim's been connected to Helenius too and there's always Lindstrom, a big kid, albeit left handed, with a mean streak, which Verbeek would love. Let's say he takes Lindstrom, even if he is left handed.

So now we're down to Columbus, who probably are miffed that Verbeek picked Lindstrom. Demidov is still available, so I think Waddell, who saw what the lack of scoring caused him in Carolina is thinking "do I take Demidov, who is average size, or Sennecke or Iginla? Or maybe even Catton. Or Sam Dickinson and Silayev? It's just complete turmoil because Anaheim took Lindstrom instead of Silayev.  Columbus has Jiricek and Mateychuk, both offensive types and Waddell should fortify that group, so let's say Columbus picks Silayev, a beast of a player who can play either side and excels at the defensive side and matches well with Jiricek and Mateychuk.

So Demidov falls to Montreal. Do they race to the stage to announce his name, or will the vision of a 6'3", 220 pound Beckett Sennecke lure them that way. Sennecke needs to gain 40 lbs from his current weight, but that's just filling in that big body. Or will they go with the scoring talent, compete level and blood lines of Tij Iginla? Or look to Zeev Buium, an excellent Dman from Denver of the NCAA. Or....Berkly Catton, because he has so much bloody skill and ability? Decisions, decisions.

[frozone]

I feel like there will be a few surprises on draft day so I’m going to have some fun with my prediction.

1. Celebrini - no need to get fancy with this pick, we know what it is.
2. Lindstrom - I’m going to ignore the injury for now since the athletic podcast also reported that teams weren’t really worried after the report which apparently included a herniated disc (?). Anyway… if it’s true that teams aren’t worried, I think Chicago would be happy to select Lindstrom to be either the 2C behind Bedard or perhaps his winger. Lindstrom really hasn’t been playing high level hockey for very long but has been exploding once given proper coaching and development. He really hasn’t played center for very long either. In other words, he’s just scratching the surface. This pick is all about potential.
3. Levshunov - Anaheim will be happy to select the top ranked RHD in the draft to add to their impressive depth on D.
4. Catton - Columbus goes with the player that typically gets looked over in most mocks due to being only slightly smaller than Celebrini.
5. Buium - BPA. Do yourself a favour and compare Buium’s 2023-24 season with the draft seasons of current superstar NHLers that came out of the NCAA. Don’t limit yourself to just the Dmen either. He’s a winner and if the objective is to win the Stanley cup, I think Buium is the best pick for the Habs at this point. Maybe I’m a bit biased because I’ve actually seen him play, and to me he’s the type of hockey player that you just shouldn’t pass on.


What about the Russians? I think Demidov may slide. To be honest I know barely anything about the MHL quality of hockey, and for that reason I have my doubts about his highlight reels. And Silayev just doesn’t have the offensive potential imo to warrant a top 5 selection.

[Cranky]

You guys are killing me.

Next up, lotto balls predictions...

[seventeen]

Let me add to the bingo balls. On the Sick Podcast, Recrutes, it was stated that Grant Mcagg (yeah, I know, but he is right sometimes) has Verbeek picking Sennecke and wasn't that an interesting thought. Also, there are some doubts around Levshunov, that while he is a great skater, he is only average height for an NHL dman (6'2") and his decision making isn't better than average. Course, it all depends on the team and their scouts and their weightings of factors.

I found both those comments interesting. I wasn't surprised at Sennecke going that early. If you're Verbeek, who isn't a fan of Russians and wants that right handed forward or Dman, Sennecke fits the bill. Lindstrom's herniated discs will hurt him, I think. He suffered those while working out in the gym, doing squats I believe it was said. Lifted a tad too much while rehabilitating his other injury.

Chicago has paid so much attention to Levshunov. Is that misdirection, or confirmation? Let's say it's confirmation. RHD, does a lot of things well, so Chicago bumps its defensive talent level. Anaheim then takes Sennecke, ticking off both Columbus and Montreal. Columbus then has to decide between Iginla, Lindstrom, Demidov and maybe another defenseman. There have been whispers about Yakemchuk moving up the ranks. That's still pretty high for him, but this year is wild. Zeev Buium is a more likely candidate. I just don't think Waddell will take Demidov. So, that leaves Ivan for us. The key is Chicago. If they pass on Demidov, he'll be there for us. What does concern me, more than the level of Demidov's competition, is his age. He's a December 10th birthday, which isn't October at least, but it is older than other prospects, especially Tij Iginla. Iginla has an August 4thh birthday. He's 6 weeks short of going to the 2025 draft class and 9 months younger than Demidov, leaving almost a full year more of development. I'd be tempted to go for Iginla instead of Demidov, but I leave that for the scouting experts in Montreal, who haven't made many mistakes (I don't consider Reinbacher a mistake).

Just a side note about Reinbacher vs Michkov, people are pointing out that in a video, Gorton is shown asking the scouts if they're sure about picking Reinbacher and to consider if they are simply being risk averse. Critics are saying this shows Gorton really wanted to choose Michkov but backed the staff decision.  A different viewpoint is that it would have been easy for the scouts to say, "Yes, you're absolutely right, Mr. Gorton. We're being too safe. Let's go for it. No one will complain!". Instead they held firm, which tells me they had strong feelings about Michkov which had little to do with his size or ability. It was also a good indication that HuGo have done a good job of ensuring scouts feel comfortable with their stances on players and aren't afraid to back those stances. That's a really good organizational indicator.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Grant McCagg is on record as saying that, if he's available, the Habs are interested in drafting Ivan Demidov ...

Cheers.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Jun 15, 2024 11:31:05 GMT -5 Cranky said:

You guys are killing me.

Next up, lotto balls predictions...

From the 2nd overall pick to the 5th ...

[Cranky]

On paper, it should Demidov, but this is so hard because there is really very little to separate them.

Power forward? Big guy with fantastic hands? Russian but who oozes skill?

I'm still going with Sennecke and will gladly eat crow if we pick from the other two.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Jun 16, 2024 17:44:42 GMT -5 Disgruntled70sHab said:

Jun 15, 2024 11:31:05 GMT -5 Cranky said:

You guys are killing me.

Next up, lotto balls predictions...

From the 2nd overall pick to the 5th ...

Feels like I’m in high school again at a dance. I see a table with five girls. They are all pretty. I’m waiting to pick fifth.
My number one is the homecoming queen and she is taken. Won’t be disappointed by any of the next four but in order,
Celebrini
Eiserman
Catton
Demidov
Iginla
Lindstrom

I defer to HuGo.

[Boston_Habs]

Jun 17, 2024 3:37:05 GMT -5 Cranky said:

I'm still going with Sennecke and will gladly eat crow if we pick from the other two.

What am I missing? Sennecke seems to slot in the #15 range in most mocks and you want him at #5? Beware of late draft risers...

[Willie Dog]

Jun 18, 2024 10:23:00 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

Jun 17, 2024 3:37:05 GMT -5 Cranky said:

I'm still going with Sennecke and will gladly eat crow if we pick from the other two.

What am I missing? Sennecke seems to slot in the #15 range in most mocks and you want him at #5? Beware of late draft risers...

I posted a review someone did of him in the draft rankings thread and I thought other than height he's got nothing on Catton

[Cranky]

Jun 18, 2024 10:23:00 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

Jun 17, 2024 3:37:05 GMT -5 Cranky said:

I'm still going with Sennecke and will gladly eat crow if we pick from the other two.

What am I missing? Sennecke seems to slot in the #15 range in most mocks and you want him at #5? Beware of late draft risers...

He's not a 1 game or a one series riser. Unlike our beloved Kk.

He came into the season at 5'10" and exited at 6'3". It took a toll on him looking like Bambi on ice but now, his skating is on par and his vision and stick handling is top 3.

He is Zegras with perpetual bad hair days and no me-moi attitude. Now he also has the body of an big NHLer.

I look at his style as Jason Spezza...with attitude. I can live with that.

I posted a video of McCagg scouting opinion and I'm sold.

This isn't a stretch considering how close the pack is after Celebrini.

[Willie Dog]

www.nhl.com/news/mock-2024-nhl-draft-opinions-vary-after-1st-2-picks

Kimelman and Morreale give their opinion on who the habs will take based on availability... with a name like Morreale he has to be a winner 😁


5. Montreal Canadiens
Kimelman -- Ivan Demidov: The 18-year-old dominated Russia's junior league, showcasing his dynamic offensive skill set and outstanding skating, and he'll likely get the chance next season to test those skills in the KHL. Demidov is under contract with SKA St. Petersburg through the 2024-25 season, so a little patience could be met with a great reward for the Canadiens.

Morreale -- Cayden Lindstrom: He remains a top forward option in this draft despite missing 36 regular-season games because of injuries to his back and hand. He had 46 points (27 goals, 19 assists) in 32 games prior to getting injured and had two points (one goal, one assist) and 17 shots on goal in four WHL playoff games.







Would love for them to land Greentree at the 26 spot

26. Montreal Canadiens (from Winnipeg Jets)

Kimelman -- Liam Greentree: He has NHL-ready size and showed a high level of maturity as captain and leading scorer on a Windsor team that finished 19th among 20 teams in the OHL. As one NHL scout said, "I think he's a beast right now. Imagine him in two years."

Morreale -- Spencer Gill, D, Rimouski (QMJHL): Gill's consistency as a stable puck transporter from the back end with an improved defensive game was impressive during the second half of the season; some scouts have compared him to Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews. The 17-year-old right-handed shot (6-4, 186) had 46 points (12 goals, 34 assists) in 65 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League games, and two assists in seven games for Canada at the World U-18s. Gill sees the ice well, finds options when pressured, and can transition effectively from his end. He'll need to increase his strength for the next level, but he offers tremendous upside.

[seventeen]

I read a transcript of a Demidov interview at Milstein's camp. He came across quite well. He said that the 5'11' being shown for his height is an old measurement and he's 6' or slightly over now. I saw a photo of him with Levshunov (also a Milstein client) and Demidov looked about 2" shorter, but I don't know what footwear each had. Levshunov is supposed to be 6'2", so that sort of confirms a 6' Demidov. I've also seen scouting reports that say his skating is good, so there seems to be a disparity around that quality. Who is right?

In some of the video clips his skating style looks a lot like Catton's with that wide stance and great lateral movement. Both pass the puck extremely well, while Catton would have played in a more physical league which is currently probably of a better quality than the MHL in Russia. Too bad SKA didn't give him ice time in the KHL.  Catton is a better skater, though with better acceleration and top speed.  Demidov may be slightly more agile, but Catton does describe himself as slippery, so again, how much worse is he than Demidov except of a slighter frame. 

Demidov also said his ankle is coming along well and he should be back on skates in 2 weeks.

He had interviews with lots of people, including the Hawks. There was no mention of Montreal though I don't doubt they're there, with Bobrov to ensure the translations are accurate.

Ten more days for the draft, and about a week before some trades can happen without Bettman blowing a fuse (which would be cool to see).

[Polarice]

I selected Lindstrom because I think Demidov won't be available. But, if he is I want Demidov.

[Boston_Habs]

Jun 18, 2024 12:33:39 GMT -5 Cranky said:

Jun 18, 2024 10:23:00 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

What am I missing? Sennecke seems to slot in the #15 range in most mocks and you want him at #5? Beware of late draft risers...

He's not a 1 game or a one series riser. Unlike our beloved Kk.

He came into the season at 5'10" and exited at 6'3". It took a toll on him looking like Bambi on ice but now, his skating is on par and his vision and stick handling is top 3.

He is Zegras with perpetual bad hair days and no me-moi attitude. Now he also has the body of an big NHLer.

I look at his style as Jason Spezza...with attitude. I can live with that.

I posted a video of McCagg scouting opinion and I'm sold.

This isn't a stretch considering how close the pack is after Celebrini.

Corey Pronman's latest mock draft for the Athletic now has Sennecke going #7, which is a jump from his last one. "Sennecke's stock is on a rocket ship right now" is the quote. Hmmm. Would they actually pass on Demidov or Lindstrom if either is available?

[Cranky]

Jun 19, 2024 18:16:26 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

Jun 18, 2024 12:33:39 GMT -5 Cranky said:

He's not a 1 game or a one series riser. Unlike our beloved Kk.

He came into the season at 5'10" and exited at 6'3". It took a toll on him looking like Bambi on ice but now, his skating is on par and his vision and stick handling is top 3.

He is Zegras with perpetual bad hair days and no me-moi attitude. Now he also has the body of an big NHLer.

I look at his style as Jason Spezza...with attitude. I can live with that.

I posted a video of McCagg scouting opinion and I'm sold.

This isn't a stretch considering how close the pack is after Celebrini.

Corey Pronman's latest mock draft for the Athletic now has Sennecke going #7, which is a jump from his last one. "Sennecke's stock is on a rocket ship right now" is the quote. Hmmm. Would they actually pass on Demidov or Lindstrom if either is available?

I don't know.

This draft is the biggest crapshoot ever. After Celebrini, it's shades of gray everywhere. I'm betting that everyone in the top 10 make it big, but who is going to rise above all is a dart board.

The only reason I like Sennecke is that he looks like the safest bet with the most skill and highish potential. Of course iginla, Lindstrome et all will have a career, but which one is the safer bet?

I don't know....

[Willie Dog]

Jun 19, 2024 22:34:39 GMT -5 Cranky said:

Jun 19, 2024 18:16:26 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

Corey Pronman's latest mock draft for the Athletic now has Sennecke going #7, which is a jump from his last one. "Sennecke's stock is on a rocket ship right now" is the quote. Hmmm. Would they actually pass on Demidov or Lindstrom if either is available?

I don't know.

This draft is the biggest crapshoot ever. After Celebrini, it's shades of gray everywhere. I'm betting that everyone in the top 10 make it big, but who is going to rise above all is a dart board.

The only reason I like Sennecke is that he looks like the safest bet with the most skill and highish potential. Of course iginla, Lindstrome et all will have a career, but which one is the safer bet?

I don't know....

I don't know about Sennecke having the most skill... any of the forwards have high end skill, Demidov, Iginla, catton, Eisermann etc.

He might have the most potential based on his growth spurt but that is a big unknown,just like Demidov coming over, Lindstrom injury recovery, Catton ability in the playoffs, Iginla continued improvement...

[Cranky]

Jun 20, 2024 7:26:49 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

Jun 19, 2024 22:34:39 GMT -5 Cranky said:

I don't know.

This draft is the biggest crapshoot ever. After Celebrini, it's shades of gray everywhere. I'm betting that everyone in the top 10 make it big, but who is going to rise above all is a dart board.

The only reason I like Sennecke is that he looks like the safest bet with the most skill and highish potential. Of course iginla, Lindstrome et all will have a career, but which one is the safer bet?

I don't know....

I don't know about Sennecke having the most skill... any of the forwards have high end skill, Demidov, Iginla, catton, Eisermann etc.

He might have the most potential based on his growth spurt but that is a big unknown,just like Demidov coming over, Lindstrom injury recovery, Catton ability in the playoffs, Iginla continued improvement...

In an obvioudly unrelated issue, I just lost some of my marbles this afternoon because i want answers to plan and act...instead of I don't know. Every question was answered with...i don't know.

It would drive me insane to walk into this draft with so many "i don't know". I HOPE there are far more certain in who they are drafting ftom what looks like a giant sheet of shades of gray.

Even last year was clearer in either Reinbacher, Leonard or Michkov. This year? I don't know...

[Boston_Habs]

Wasn't it Bergevin who said "it's hard"? Figuring out a players' ceiling is easy but projecting how that will translate to production is hard. A lot of other factors come into play, but I would try to figure out how complementary a kid's game is. Can you plug and play him? Does he know how to play with guys that are better/worse than him? Joshua Roy turned a lot of heads at the WJC riding shotgun with Bedard but not everyone can do that. Roy just has a real maturity to his game and know how to complement a great player like Bedard.

I guess if I was stuck on Demidov, Lindstrom, Sennecke, I might focus less on who has the highest absolute skill set and ceiling and more on the player that can thrive in different lineups, different situations, a guy that can still be effective if he's not driving the play. That and the intangibles like hockey IQ and work ethic might make you more confident that a guy with lesser 'talent' may have higher likelihood of being a better pro.

But it's hard to pass on talent....

I don't know!

[Willie Dog]

Jun 20, 2024 13:33:00 GMT -5 Cranky said:

Jun 20, 2024 7:26:49 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

I don't know about Sennecke having the most skill... any of the forwards have high end skill, Demidov, Iginla, catton, Eisermann etc.

He might have the most potential based on his growth spurt but that is a big unknown,just like Demidov coming over, Lindstrom injury recovery, Catton ability in the playoffs, Iginla continued improvement...

In an obvioudly unrelated issue, I just lost some of my marbles this afternoon because i want answers to plan and act...instead of I don't know. Every question was answered with...i don't know.

It would drive me insane to walk into this draft with so many "i don't know". I HOPE there are far more certain in who they are drafting ftom what looks like a giant sheet of shades of gray.

Even last year was clearer in either Reinbacher, Leonard or Michkov. This year? I don't know...

I agree bud, and that's why I had to decide "Do I know more than the Habs Brain trust?" And the answer is I don't, so eventhough I have a favourite in Catton, any of the guys mentioned above would be fine picks given how close they are in ability.