A home run completely unexpected with a Canadiens' prospect? The selection of Russian defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov would be underestimated
The Montreal Canadiens are rebuilding their future lineup from a specific position, and that's defense.
If for more than a decade the strength of the Habs was due to its star goaltender Carey Price, the organization's mission is now to build the best possible defensive brigade.
At present, with the numerous selections made in recent drafts, the club has an extremely promising pool at this position.
With Kaiden Guhle, Justin Barron, Arber Xhekaj, and Jordan Harris, who are already with the Habs and all under 23 years old, when you add Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Adam Engstrom, and Jayden Struble to the picture, it's about to be a great quantity of talent.
However, the Canadiens may have possibly added another solid hidden card to their pipeline of defenseman in the last draft, with the selection of Russian Bogdan Konyushkov.
Selected in the fourth round, he could soon surprise among prospects, as he is already playing in a very competitive league, the KHL. Last year, at the age of 20, he had an interesting record of 25 points in 64 games.
He has progressed so much throughout the season that he went from the third to the first pair over the months. He was even the most used defenseman on his team in the playoffs, despite his young age.
Moreover, according to Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now, Konyushkov might even surpass Logan Mailloux in a few years in Montreal. In one of his latest columns titled Habs Mailbag, he exercised crafting the Canadiens' future defensive brigade when the team matures, and a big surprise slipped in.
Here's his projection:
Second pair: Adam Engstrom � Kaiden Guhle
Third pair: Jordan Harris � Bogdan Konyushkov
Extras: Logan Mailloux, William Trudeau
Although I don't entirely agree with Dumont's projection, seeing Konyushkov in the top-6 is still very interesting. It is certain that if he continues his progression as anticipated by his selection, he could probably become another card in the hands of Kent Hughes to build a Stanley Cup contending team.
Dumont also says this about the defenseman missing from his projection:
Again, I totally disagree with the notion that the Canadiens will trade Barron; in my opinion, he will be an important member of the club's future blue line in a few years.
However, what to take away from this exercise is that the CH's GM will have his hands full at the opportune time to become competitive again with a defense that will be full of talent.
| POLL | ||
Which current young defenseman on the team is likely to leave first with the future arrival of young talents? | ||
| Kaiden Guhle | 27 | 5.3 % |
| Arber Xhekaj | 71 | 14 % |
| Jordan Harris | 220 | 43.5 % |
| Justin Barron | 188 | 37.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
