Matvei Michkov in Montreal: A Major Statement That Could Change Everything for the Canadiens

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Elias Edmonson
June 13, 2023 (6:07 PM)

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It's circulating throughout the corners of the NHL. Even though every general manager recognizes his undeniable talent, his three-year contract with the SKA and the geopolitical situation in Russia could discourage many teams from drafting Matvei Michkov on June 28th.

However, Craig Button, who works for TSN, just made a major statement that will hopefully resonate with Kent Hughes. Indeed, after doing his homework on the Russian phenomenon, he states that there's no risk for NHL executives who want to draft him.

"I see no risk in selecting Matvei Michkov. Russian players come to play in the NHL: it's what happens. You just wait three years and there are many teams that are not in a rush to have a player on their team immediately." - Craig Button

Wow! A statement that says a lot about the future of the 18-year-old!

We must not forget that Matvei Michkov has repeatedly stated that his dream is to play in the NHL, so it would be very surprising if he decided to sign a contract extension in Russia.

In the worst case, the forward will arrive in the NHL at 21, signing a three-year entry contract with an annual value of $925,000. Imagine having a 40-goal scorer in your lineup for three seasons, all for less than a million dollar per year. It would undoubtedly be the best bargain in the entire NHL!

We keep saying it, but we firmly believe that the Canadiens would make a monumental mistake not to draft such a promising forward at the 5th spot. Matvei Michkov will become one of the best snipers in the NHL in a few years, and the Habs may have the opportunity to draft him. It's an opportunity the organization simply can't afford to miss.