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Matvei Michkov: his family environment is “not easy”, warns Stéphane Leroux

 Manuel Sperandio-Lemay
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Matvei Michkov: his family environment is “not easy”, warns Stéphane Leroux
The Matvei Michkov issue has not finished spilling ink in Montreal.

After all, as you know, there’s a good chance he’ll slip down to the Habs’ fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft. And when that happens, an important decision will be made at a crucial point in the auction.

I say at that time, but in reality, the Habs will already know, before the start of the draft, whether they’ll draft Michkov. The club will already know whether he’s on its list or not, and Nick Bobrov will be sending out his contacts to get a complete picture of the situation.

And what’s interesting is that all points of view are being defended. For example, Vincent Damphousse is among those who believe that the biggest risk would be to see Mishkov dominate elsewhere after passing up the chance to pick him.

Because everyone knows his talent is above average, we have to take that into account.

But according to Stéphane Leroux, the red flags in his case are big enough to explain why a club like the Habs might want to pass him up for fifth.

As the prospect specialist said on 98.5 FM last night, drafting Michkov comes with risks that are significant and, in his eyes, not necessarily worth it.

It’s not the first time he’s said such things.

Among the risks, of course, is his contract. Even though he’s under contract until 2026, there’s a good chance he’ll be extended and forced to sign.

If you don’t like the word “obliged”, we can replace it with “strongly urged”, say.

With the political situation taking place in Russia, it may well be that the scouts aren’t exactly in a position to offer a perfect scouting report since the player hasn’t played away from home in over a year.

And to that, Stéphane Leroux mentioned that from what he’s heard, the Russian has a family entourage that isn’t obvious.

What does this mean? It’s hard to say. Does it have anything to do with the fact that his father died under conditions that have been deemed nebulous in Russia?

It may have something to do with it, yes.

All this means that the prospect expert wouldn’t jump at Michkov, a 5’10, 170-pound prospect. He’d go for another guy who’s less of a risk for the club.

Obviously, if Leo Carlsson, Will Smith or Adam Fantilli slips to #5 (OK, maybe not Fantilli…), the decision will be simple. But if not, should the CH look further down the line?

If they do, Vincent Damphousse’s scenario could come true.

It’s worth noting that the Habs seem to like Dalibor Dvorsky, according to reports, and there’s a world in which the Habs could decide to add to the Slovakian pipeline that’s present in town.

One wonders, though, if everyone before the Habs is passing on Michkov, why the CH would jump at the chance to draft him.

In reality, if the club had its 17th overall pick, perhaps the risk would be calculated. But with the Panthers lined up to beat the Maple Leafs, it’s a game-changer.

I have a feeling the guy could be drafted by a club with several good first-round picks. Remember that the Coyotes will be drafting right after the CH, and they have another top-12 pick.

If Michkov were selected before the CH’s right to speak at the draft, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton wouldn’t have to make a decision…


In brief

– Of course.

– The Mooseheads are confident. [BPM Sports]

– Good morning, can I take your order?

– Not to be missed.

– He needs to give more.

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