Matvei Michkov: scouts consider him a "scout killer

We’re just five days away from finding out where Matvei Michkov will go. It’s THE big topic of the draft.

The man considered the second-best player in the draft in terms of talent (behind Connor Bedard, who isn’t getting the attention he deserves right now) is giving everyone headaches.

After all, we know his contractual situation, his geopolitical situation and what the rumors are about his attitude. That makes him a very intriguing candidate for recruiters.

And Alain Chainey summed it up best: he’s a scout killer. We’re talking about a guy who can kill a recruiter’s career.

“Alain Chainey used to tell me that Michkov is a . If he becomes a flop, you look crazy. But if you turn a blind eye to him and he dominates…” – Félix Séguin

The full episode hosted by @jp_tvasports is here: https: //t.co/F65eNFID2e

– La Dose (@LaDose_TVA) June 23, 2023

In reality, a killer scout means that no matter what decision is made about him (whether or not to recommend Michkov’s candidacy to his bosses), the recruiter can’t earn any points.

The decision isn’t based solely on the scout’s recommendations, since NHL GMs have their say on the matter, but still.

After all, there are four ways a scout can look at Michkov’s case. Two of them (the first two) ensure that he doesn’t lose any points with his boss.

But for the other two…

The club doesn’t draft Mishkov, who doesn’t become a star.
The club drafts Mishkov, who becomes a star.
Club doesn’t draft Mishkov, who becomes a star.
Club doesn’t draft Mishkov, who doesn’t become a star.

After all, in the first two scenarios, the red flags were easy to see or the talent was obvious. That doesn’t lose you any points in the eyes of the bosses, but it doesn’t win you many.

But the other two scenarios lose points en masse.

It’s an interesting debate because, while Mishkov is a fine talent, we mustn’t forget that he’s not a perfect player either. He has his faults on the ice.

And in the Habs’ case, he’s just another small forward.

The fact that Cole Caufield is in it for the long haul also changes the game → https://t.co/DtEuVTajJe

– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 22, 2023

If I had to put an old $2 to bet on his next destination, I’d say the Washington Capitals are probably the most likely club to draft him right now.

But I still think the Coyotes, with their two top-12 picks, are not to be overlooked. After all, the player may increase in market value over the years…

Breaking news

– What will the Blue Jackets do?

The Athletic: Move up? Move down? Stay put? #CBJ head to the NHL Draft in Nashville with a chance to change their look at center.
GM Jarmo Kekalainen has options near the top of the board.https://t.co/9MWuoKMBgF pic.twitter.com/GrrYSyD6Vm

– Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 23, 2023

– Not all Jets players are easy to deal with. [BPM Sports]

– Of note.

Two Habs warm-up games announced here: September 27 in Montreal, October 7 in Ottawa https://t.co/YfgMS0FXFf

– Guillaume Lefrançois (@glefrancoisLP) June 23, 2023

– What to watch for.

Insider Trading:

Dreger says contract talks have hit an impasse between Jordan Staal and Carolina, he could hit UFA. However, things can change with one phone call.

LeBrun says teams are calling the Panthers about Duclair knowing they need D. Perhaps Noah Hanifin a fit there?

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 23, 2023