Canadiens Hockey

Matvei Michkov: first overall in 11 of the last 13 drafts, according to one expert
Manuel Sperandio-Lemay
Matvei Michkov: first overall in 11 of the last 13 drafts, according to one expert

Now that it's officially known that the Montreal Canadiens will be talking about the fifth-ranked player in the first round of the upcoming draft, to be held in Nashville on June 28 and 29, the hot topic in Montreal is Matvei Michkov.

If this is the first time you've read or heard this name, you've probably been living in a cave for the past few weeks.

The name of the Russian star player is on everyone's lips in the metropolis right now.

And why is that?

Because he's an extremely talented player who could very well still be available at No. 5 when the CH takes the stage to announce its selection.

The problem is, there are several big question marks surrounding Michkov.

The mere fact that he's Russian is already scaring off many teams, fans and field hockey analysts.

Add to that his contract in the KHL until 2026, and the mystery surrounding the sudden death of his father, Andrey Michkov.

Despite all this, I'm part of the group of people who believe that if the CH doesn't take Michkov, when he's available at No. 5, it will be a very serious mistake.

Why?

Because, in my opinion, you can't pass up such a great talent for such reasons.

In field hockey terms alone, Mishkov is by far the second-best player in this draft, not too far behind Connor Bedard.

In fact, according to renowned expert Kyle Woodlief, Michkov has been the first overall pick in 11 of the last 13 NHL drafts.

Indeed, that's what Woodlief said during his appearance on Tony Marinaro's Sick Podcast.

The expert added that he ranks Michkov in the same echelon (or level, if you prefer) as Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon.

That's a pretty big statement considering the very fine careers these two NHL all-stars are currently enjoying.

If we look closely at the last 13 first overall picks, we realize that Michkov is indeed a prospect the CH simply can't lay eyes on.

(Credit: NHL.com)

The 13th being, of course, Connor Bedard.

In short, I sincerely believe that Michkov is a generational talent that the CH can't let go if he's still available at No. 5.

The fact that he's Russian and his KHL contract are bad excuses for me.

His family background scares me a little more, but that's another story.

If the guy wants to come to the NHL, he'll come.

Besides, the prospect the CH would draft by not taking Michkov would be joining the NHL in more or less two or three years, which is exactly when Michkov's KHL contract is up.

So I'd much rather see a superstar like Mishkov arrive in two or three years than another prospect.

It's an issue we'll have to keep an eye on.


En Rafale

– I love it.

– CH prospect Luke Tuch's goal today against Hungary.

– To be continued.

– As always.

– Islanders fans want new direction.

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