Craig Button places Matvei Michkov fourth in his mock draft

With just five days to go before the start of the NHL Entry Draft, the final lists of ranking experts are slowly being unveiled.

The possible scenarios for the Montreal Canadiens are immense, and each list differs from the others, except for Connor Bedard.

Some don’t even rank Adam Fantilli second in the draft, as he disappointed at the World Hockey Championships, as well as the World Under-20 Championship.

In 7 games with Canada at the U20 Championship, the Hobey-Baker Trophy winner collected just 5 points, while at the WC he was limited to 3 points in 10 games.

That’s what has some experts worried about the draft.

Craig Button, renowned for his eye-opening rankings, has published his final rankings and Fantilli finds himself in second place.

However, the most eye-catching aspect of this list is the fact that the controversial Matvei Michkov is placed fourth. The Sharks would therefore set their sights on the Russian, leaving Will Smith to the Tricolore, which Kent Hughes would love.

In fact, Smith had announced that being drafted by Kent Hughes would be incredible.

Button has a knack of getting people to react, but this list seems rather realistic in the current situation.

It would also be the ideal scenario for the CH, since they wouldn’t have to make a choice with Michkov and could therefore take their top pick, Will Smith.

I invite you to take a look at Button’s complete list for the first round, right here.

As long as you have the complete first-round rankings, you might as well look at the picks for the 31st overall pick belonging to the Habs.

According to TSN’s analyst, Swedish forward Anton Wahlberg would be the Sainte-Flanelle’s choice at this spot.

The 6’3″ center has done well in a short sample in the SHL this season.

In 17 games, he collected 4 points and scored 7 goals in 14 games at the World Under-18 Championship.

However, it’s not his ability to fill the net that best describes him, but rather his versatile play and physical involvement.

If Hughes doesn’t take a chance on Ryan Leonard at No. 5, Wahlberg could be an enviable option for a rugged forward who can play both center and wing.

Interestingly, according to Button’s list, several defensemen could be available, including Oliver Bonk, Theo Lindstein and Maxim Strbak. But there’s also giant-format goalie Michael Hrabal, ranked 26th, who catches my eye.

The Tricolore could take a chance on a possible future goaltender to form a duo with Samuel Montembeault.

Several choices will be available when the time comes for the CH to talk about the 5th and 31st spots. All that remains to be seen is who will be available for those picks.

See you next Wednesday, June 28, for the draft.

[sapcer title=’En rafale’]

– We go back 22 years, when the Ottawa Senators completed a monster transaction.

On this day in 2001, the Senators traded Alexei Yashin to the Islanders for Zdeno Chara, Bill Muckalt and the second overall pick (Jason Spezza) #Hockey365 #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/UVwHZrwKnT

– Mike Commito (@mikecommito) June 23, 2023

– Things are going very well for the Alouettes.

– Here’s another interesting list.

– Read more.

– That’s a little more than the maximum allowed for a rookie in the NHL.

– What a catch from George Springer.

A big-time catch by George Springer. 😤

Tune in to Blue Jays vs. Athletics on Sportsnet. pic.twitter.com/ARQaESFEte

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 24, 2023