Montreal was chosen out of necessity within the 2023 draft

There was quite a lot of pleasure amongst Montreal Canadiens followers because the group entered the 2023 NHL Draft.

It could be laborious to say that the Canadiens have been one of many early winners this 12 months, though the group added two nice gamers to the combination: Alex Newhook and David Reinbacher.

Earlier than I get into that, it must be talked about that Reinbacher will not be flashy, however he must be a fantastic defensive participant.

In fact, it’s at all times too early to declare long-term winners and losers in these conditions, however in line with most predraft rankings, the Canadiens didn’t make many, if any, worth picks.

Goaltender Jacob Fowler, chosen 69th general, and Luke Mittelstadt, the 197th general choose, ought to present further worth if some shops land within the high 100 obtainable prospects.

Nonetheless, it was clear that the Canadiens have been drafting out of necessity, a really previous and dangerous gamble relating to NHL prospects. By the point most gamers are able to make the leap to skilled hockey, the group’s roster will likely be considerably completely different than the one Kent Hughes took to the ice this season.

Including older goalies and gamers isn’t essentially a nasty alternative, however we additionally want to acknowledge that these forms of gamers are available in methods aside from costing a precious draft choose.

Happily, two goaltenders have been kicked out of the USHL and MHL, that means the Canadians would have 4 years to evaluate their growth. As for Quentin Miller, he didn’t get many begins for the Quebec Ramparts, however when he did, he stood out as an fascinating prospect.

That is what I imply by goalkeepers. Victory hit the skilled court docket early on at Euros. Discover them and you will see a cool cash tree. https://t.co/it8nGbYM1T

—Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) June 29, 2023

Unsurprisingly, the sensation amongst Canadian followers is that by taking the ‘protected’ route, the group squandered a chance to bolster their prospect’s depth. Regardless of what we now have heard many occasions, demise in sport is definite.

That’s to not say the Canadiens’ draft would be the worst in franchise historical past, however to say it would in the end be thought of a mediocre draft class is much from over.

Properly Habs followers, now that the mud has settled, how do you’re feeling concerning the 2023 Montreal Canadiens draft?

—Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) June 29, 2023

Montreal Canadiens Brass Jacks

After pulling the set off on a commerce that noticed Alex Newhook go to the Canadiens, Kent Hughes already had nice confidence in his growth group and strengthened the notion that he believes they’ll work their magic on Day 2 of the 2023 draft. And he surprises the hockey world together with his predictions.

They might want a little bit of magic to tug it off, in line with pre-draft public rankings.

Reinbacher, No. 5 general, completed No. 9 on the general checklist and completed No. 20.

Fowler, 69th general, was ranked between forty fifth and 103rd general.

Florian Shekaj, 101 general, was solely ranked by one half and had him because the 214 greatest prospect.

Bogdan Konyushkov, a hundred and tenth general, is a 20-year-old defender.

Quentin Miller, 128 general, is a participant I hoped the Canadiens would contemplate, nevertheless he was solely ranked 192 and 228 by two means.

Sam Harris, ranked 133rd general, was not ranked by any means.

Goalkeeper Evgeny Volokin, ranked 144th general, was not ranked by any means.

Philip Erickson, ranked one hundred and sixty fifth general, was ranked by only one half (239 general).

Lucas MittelstadtThe 20-year-old defenseman might have been the very best worth choose of the occasion for the Canadiens, as some shops rank him 91st general.

As you possibly can see, the Canadians threw warning, or quite consensus, to the wind in Nashville.

That’s not essentially a nasty factor, however it’s Kent Hughes and firm. If his chaotic draft that features too many goaltenders and a few over-age gamers doesn’t pan out, the 2023 NHL Draft might show to be a big drag when the standing of the franchise is mentioned.

It’s not one thing a rebuilding group just like the Montreal Canadiens can afford.