An expert unveils his Mock Draft ahead of the draft and it's likely to greatly please the fans

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Elias Adaime
May 23, 2023 (5:25 PM)

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Now that we have a picture of the first round in the upcoming draft, many experts are revealing their predictions for it.

There's no doubt that the Tricolore's management will face a crucial dilemma for the future of the organization as an exceptional player will undoubtedly be available when Kent Hughes takes the floor on June 28th.

While many fans dream of seeing young prodigy Matvei Michkov in a Montreal uniform, some would prefer to see the Canadiens draft American forward Will Smith.

Columnist forThe Hockey Writers, Peter Baracchini, unveiled his Mock Draft ahead of the upcoming draft and it's likely to greatly please the fans of the Montreal Canadiens.

Here's what the draft would look like in his opinion:

1.Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard
2.Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli
3.Columbus Blue Jackets: Leo Carlsson
4.San Jose Sharks: Matvei Michkov
5.Montreal Canadiens: Will Smith
6.Arizona Coyotes: Zach Benson
7.Philadelphia Flyers: Ryan Leonard
8.Washington Capitals: Dalibor Dvorsky
9.Detroit Red Wings: Colby Barlow
10.St. Louis Blues: David Reinbacher

The Tricolore would therefore get their hands on a very promising forward in Will Smith. This selection would allow the CH to finally have two center players who can play on their top-6. Smith has exceptional hands and his creativity makes him a formidable playmaker.

The American forward has simply been dominant throughout the season, having notably won the most valuable player in the USA's gold medal conquest at the last U18 World Championship.

Here are Will Smith's impressive stats this season:

U.S. National Team U18 Team: 51 goals and 76 assists (127 points) in 60 games
USNTDP Juniors: 15 goals and 27 assists (42 points) in 20 games
USA U18: 9 goals and 11 assists (20 points) in 7 games

Credit : The Hockey Writers