Skip to content
Your daily dose of hockey
News

The Canadiens could draft a defenseman with a similar style to Arber Xhekaj
Jonathan Di Gregorio
The Canadiens could draft a defenseman with a similar style to Arber Xhekaj
Credit: Getty Images
The Canadiens will draft 16th and 17th in the next NHL Amateur Draft.

As my colleague Raphael Simard just explained, historically, the Habs haven’t been lucky with their 16th and 17th picks.

However, there are certain advantages to picking one prospect after the other, such as being able to choose two prospects who have already played together and know each other.

Not to mention, of course, the possibility of a trade with these two picks.

And if the Canadiens decide to keep these picks, which players might the team be interested in?

According to Tankathon’s list, the Habs could set their sights on two defensemen: Logan Hensler and Kashawn Aitcheson.

(Credit: )
Hensler is a right-handed defenseman who just played his rookie year with the University of Wisconsin. In his rookie year, he scored 12 points, including two goals, in 32 games.

The American prospect is a 6′ 2″, 192 lbs mobile defenseman with a good shot capable of creating offense while being solid in his zone. He’s a reliable guy in both zones and possibly a nice project for the Habs.

Aitcheson is a left-handed defenseman with the Barrie Colts of the OHL. In his third season in junior, he has 59 points, including 26 goals in 64 games.

But it’s mainly for his rugged play that the 6′ 1″, 196 lbs defenseman stands out; he likes to impose himself physically, he hits hard and he can throw the gloves.

In fact, he’s earned 214 penalty minutes over the past two seasons.

He’s a lot like Arber Xhekaj, a little less rugged, but more talented.

What’s more, with his future in Montreal already uncertain, could drafting a player with a similar style mark the end of the Sheriff with the Habs?

Aitcheson would be an interesting choice for a team like the Canadiens looking for toughness.

Will the organization want to add two defensemen to an already well-stocked bank of prospects on the blue line?

Many believe that you can never have too many good young defensemen in an organization, and that they’re always a good bargaining chip.

Of course, this is just speculation, and there are always plenty of surprises in the draft.

Not to mention that many fans would love to see the Canadiens select Québécois Justin Carbonneau if he’s still available. Tankathon puts him at #15

In short, we’ll have the answer on June 27.


Overtime

– Dallas ahead 2-1.

– Mikko Rantanen is on a mission

– For those who were wondering!

– Fourth overtime for Victory!

– Already a second congeement in the MLB.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!
More Content