CH choice: "It would be David Reinbacher or Ryan Leonard".

We’ve known for a little over a month now that the Canadiens will be drafting fifth overall in the next amateur draft. Of course, we know that Connor Bedard won’t be available by then, and the same should be true for Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson, who are likely to round out the top-3.

Earlier today, we learned that Will Smith would likely be the Sharks’ choice if he were to be available in the fourth spot. It’s just a rumor, but after all, it makes sense.

The CH will therefore likely have to decide on the Matvei Michkov case → https://t.co/P5VNEbvHBF

– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 10, 2023

So, then, the odds are good that the top-4 will consist of Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson and Smith. At least, I admit I’d be a little surprised if another scenario were to play out.

In the event of this happening, the CH would have the chance to select Matvei Michkov in fifth place. However, according to a source at Sheng Peng, he wouldn’t be one of the two options considered: in fact, it would come down to David Reinbacher and Ryan Leonard in the fifth spot.

It boggles my mind that the logic behind “league sources” believing Michkov goes to the Caps is that they’re the only team not afraid of “Russia” hand waving.

So I guess they just get second best talent in the draft?

If we’re all so certain they’re not scared, why are you?! pic.twitter.com/V9PMBFvSFn

– Shaun Hashim (@shaunhashim) June 10, 2023

According to the same source, Michkov will be drafted with the eighth pick of the draft at the latest, when the Capitals have their turn to speak. That said, the chances of him coming out of the top-5 seem pretty slim at the moment.

If the source in question is telling the truth, I sincerely hope that Leonard will be the team’s choice. In an ideal world, I’d prefer Michkov, but Leonard’s profile is interesting and I prefer him to a guy like Reinbacher, not least because, in my eyes, the city is sorely lacking in big attacking prospects.

I have nothing against Reinbacher as a player (or as a person), but I just think the CH would be better off using the fifth pick to select a forward. In an ideal world, I’d love it to be Michkov, but Leonard is an interesting consolation prize.

So we’ll have to keep an eye on that, but clearly, those are the two names that seem most likely right now. And I too think it will be one of these two players who hears his name come out of Kent Hughes’ mouth on June 28.

In gusto

– Speaking of the CH and the draft.

Director of Player Personnel and Director of Amateur Scouting Martin Lapointe gives us an update on the final day of the NHL Evaluation Session#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/M7rXwaIJhQ

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 10, 2023

– I also fall into this category.

Superbly crafted testimony from our good@NichoRichardon this 1993 Cup that doesn’t light a single flame for the younger generations. https://t.co/mR7QQH5Rpe

– Simon-Olivier Lorange (@SO_Lorange) June 10, 2023

– Big transaction in the QMJHL.

𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | Olympiques get their hands on 3 draft picks from @TigresVicto in return for Noah Warren.

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 | The Olympiques acquire 3 draft picks from the @TigresVicto in return of Noah Warren. pic.twitter.com/tjAVYDLpJ5

– Olympiques de Gatineau (@OlympiquesGAT) June 10, 2023

– Can’t wait to see what these youngsters can do.

Just like his brother Elliot in 2018, Caleb Desnoyers is drafted by the Moncton Wildcats! 🐱🏒
Note that this is the first time since 2008 (Brandon Gormley and Sean Couturier) that two teammates have been chosen at ranks 1 and 2! pic.twitter.com/zazVCK73qy

– RDS (@RDSca) June 10, 2023

– Great news for the Quebecer.