The Canadiens could try to move up in the draft

The Canadiens currently have the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft. But things could change between now and draft night.

We’ve already told you that Kent Hughes is not closed to the idea of trading the Canadiens’ fifth pick. In the minds of many, trading this pick would be a tactic similar to last year’s move to bring an impact player like Kirby Dach to the team.

This time, trading the fifth pick would be used to move up in the draft. This was the suggestion of tipster Darren Dreger on TSN 690 in Montreal on Thursday.

Dreger on TSN690 in Montreal talking Habs possibly moving spots in the draft: “This isn’t hard news but I think that they are interested in moving, but they’re probably more interested in moving up rather than down and what does that look like and what is the cost of doing that?”

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 11, 2023

The TSN tipster explained that the Habs could trade their pick and that it would make much more sense for them to move up than down. The team is rebuilding and needs a player with enormous talent. Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson or Will Smith would be good options.

The problem here is that Fantilli, Carlsson and Smith should all be drafted before the fifth selection. This leaves Kent Hughes with little choice but to draft Matvei Michkov or a higher-ranked player.

But the Habs don’t seem to want to select Michkov.

Looks like Habs are not interested in Michkov and moving up could help them avoid a situation where he drops to 5 and they feel pressure to take him with the risk involved. Not my opinion, just what I am hearing.

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 11, 2023

Kent Hughes even confirmed that Michkov’s selection is scary. Using a fifth choice for such a risky player is indeed scary. But he didn’t dismiss the idea.

The Canadiens’ challenge now is to do their homework. Without any research, the Canadiens would probably have drafted Shane Wright last year, but they realized that the best choice for them was Juraj Slafkovsky.

There’s still plenty of time before the draft, and we have to trust that Kent Hughes will do everything in his power to select the best player available.

In gusto

– A new Carey Price would be perfect.

We like the idea of drafting at #5, by the way 😎#GoHabsGo | #DraftLNH pic.twitter.com/NrCPzghxVb

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) May 11, 2023

– We love Matheson.

In an interview with @MartinLemay, Mike Matheson testified that he was a big CH fan when he was younger and that it was a great honor for him to wear his childhood team’s jersey.🔵⚪️🔴

To listen to the full interview: https://t.co/b8mOsh5c7c pic.twitter.com/EeNP5QVFP1

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) May 11, 2023

– The Finns have been dominant for some time.

Mondiaux de field hockey | La Finlande vers un règne sans fin? https://t.co/eqVPffuvuv

– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) May 11, 2023

– Can the Mooseheads stop the Remparts?

The #Remparts will enter tomorrow’s #QMJHL final with the 4th longest winning streak in playoff history. Going back to the end of the season, that’s 20 wins in a row. We’re talking about it tonight at @hockey360 pic.twitter.com/0oTgXq5VBK

– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) May 11, 2023