Canadian has “no” chance of drafting Matvei Michkov, according to Russian website

Until June 28, the question on everyone’s lips in Montreal is: “Will the Habs draft Matvei Michkov?”

We know it’s a scary business, but the fact remains that the Russian is an extremely talented player. Will Kent Hughes want to wait until 2028 to see him in his line-up ? In short, this issue will be discussed at length by Hughes and his team between now and the draft.

The Russian site Championship is categorical: Montreal will not draft Michkov. The tweet below shows that the percentage is 0%, no less.

Honestly, I don’t think the chances are 0%, but I’m aware that they’re low. We know that the Habs are reluctant to select Russian players, but Mishkov is Mishkov… He’s not like other Russians.

One of the reasons Championnat thinks the CH won’t draft the Russian player is because last year, the team fired one of its scouts in Russia. Artyom Telepin had been with the Habs since the 2012-2013 season. From 2012 to 2016, he was responsible for recruiting in Europe, and from 2016 to 2022, he focused on Russia.

Did his dismissal have anything to do with the political situation in his country, or simply because he wasn’t doing the job?

In short, as far as Michkov is concerned, the red flags and questions about him are growing louder by the day.

As far as I’m concerned, the 18-year-old could potentially interest the Sharks, who are drafting just ahead of Montreal. Why? Because San Jose has a window of opportunity. Because San Jose has a longer window of opportunity than the CH. The California team will be competitive a few years after the Tricolore, and I think they can wait until 2027-2028.

Kent Hughes and his team could potentially be in the playoffs in two years. Not the Sharks…

One thing’s for sure: if Sharks GM Mike Grier were to draft Michkov in the fourth spot, that would mean Montreal would have the choice of either Leo Carlsson or Will Smith, which isn’t so bad.

In bursts

– No, it’s not.

– Ted Lindsay Award finalists.

– Good!

– Good news.

– Scott Mellanby and Doug Wilson considered for Flyers president position.