Draft: French-speaking Bradly Nadeau in the Canadiens’ sights

The Canadiens will select fifth overall at the next draft, held in Nashville. But after that, he’ll also have a say at the end of the first round. He will be ranked between 29th and 32nd.

Not drafting 17th clearly affects the CH. Will Kent Hughes be more tempted by the idea of trading the Panthers’ pick? On the contrary, will he judge that the best value for the pick will now be to draft him instead of trading him for a lesser return?

It’s impossible to say at the moment, as the market is still unclear.

What we do know, however, is that the Habs’ scouts are working as if the Habs were going to draft 29th overall, in order to be ready if no trade takes place.

And at that point, there will be one option and another.

For example? As Nicolas Cloutier (TVA Sports) mentioned this morning, the name of Bradly Nadeau, a francophone from the Maritimes, is one to watch in the coming weeks.

Why is he one to watch? Because he’s on the CH’s radar.

As the Québecor journalist reports, the player recently completed a questionnaire submitted by the Habs and was granted a telephone interview with the Flanelle. So he’s on the Montreal club’s radar.

Of course, we don’t know how serious the interest is, since the CH has no doubt sent out numerous questionnaires, but it’s clear that the CH recognizes his talent.

And it’s impossible to argue otherwise.

The native of Saint-François-de-Madawaska (New Brunswick) was sent to play in the BCHL (with the Penticton Vees), in Western Canada, because he wants to go to Maine in the NCAA next year. That way, he didn’t burn his eligibility for American colleges.

His 45 goals and 68 assists – 113 points – in 54 games show that he was too good for the league.

The 17th-best North American prospect isn’t big (5’10 and 161 pounds), but he’s talented and should come out late in the first round. He’s a project who chose the NCAA precisely to give himself time to develop physically.

And he’s worth it.

With the season he’s had, you’re starting to hear people in the business project him inside the first round. – Fred Harbinson, Vees coach and GM

Will the CH want to add a small forward? Not necessarily. But given his talent and deadly shot, don’t you think the Francophone is an option? When you’re talking about a guy with possibly more natural talent than Tyson Jost… you’ve got to be interested.

Still, I have a feeling that the CH could go with a big player. It’s also possible that it won’t be a forward.

In gusto

– The president of the Maple Leafs won’t be speaking publicly today. He’ll do so later.

– Excellent point.

– A lot of work to do in the Queen City.

– Who will the Senators be sold to?

– Great read.