Georges Laraque Confronted a CH Scout about Michkov and his Answer is Very Disappointing

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Elliot Ben Jacob
July 7, 2023 (5:32 PM)

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While on Tony Marinaro's podcast, Georges Laraque, who is not afraid to speak his mind, revealed that he had confronted a Montreal Canadiens scout about the non-selection of Russian phenom Matvei Michkov.

"I went to see him to ask him: 'What did you do? Why didn't you draft Michkov?'"

The former NHL fighter simply couldn't believe that the organization had passed on such a talent with the 5th overall pick.

In short, as Laraque recounts, the scout in question would have explained that Stanley Cups are won with good defensive brigades.

With the addition of David Reinbacher to the already well-stocked group of young defenseman, such as Kaiden Guhle, Logan Mailloux, Justin Barron, Arber Xhekaj, and Lane Hutson, the CH management believes that this is how the team can succeed in winning a championship.

The BPM Sports host also reported this from the Tricolore scout:

"Then he talked to me about the culture, which is important to the Montreal Canadiens. He stressed that in Montreal, with the culture the organization is trying to build, if there is a bad apple in the locker room, it will not work."

So, from what we can understand, the Canadiens sincerely believe that Michkov would have become a nuisance to the club's culture, as well as in the locker room.

As Laraque then mentions, management based its thinking on negative rumors circulating in his home country.

"They relied on echoes from Russia."

The man who once wore the Canadiens' colors simply can't believe the club's decision, stating along the way that there have never been Russian rookie players, in recent NHL history, who were a problem upon their arrival in the league.

According to his words, yes, some stray after a few years, but never upon their arrival in North America.

Laraque is right on this point. If your team has an excellent culture and very good leaders, it is possible that Michkov adapts and conforms to the organization's plan, if he is truly a problem case.

In short, we will see in a few years to see the result of this much-criticized decision by the Canadiens, but the recruiter's answer greatly disappoints Laraque, as well as many fans of the club.