Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom: Kent Hughes has made his choice
Photo credit: CTV News Montreal
The Canadiens need a forward with their 5th overall pick, there's no doubt about that, and Kent Hughes has reportedly made his choice.
According to behind-the-scenes reports, Ivan Demidov is his preferred choice, but Cayden Lindstrom is also very interesting for the organization.
Demidov really impressed the management when they met him in Florida, but if that's the case, he also impressed other teams.
Journalist Mathias Brunet shared his opinion on the top 5 of the upcoming draft, and it goes against what many others are saying.
While several analysts place Demidov with the Canadiens, Brunet believes he will be picked earlier.
1. SAN JOSE - Macklin Celebrini - C (NCAA)
2. CHICAGO - Artyom Levshunov - RD (NCAA)
3. ANAHEIM - Carter Yakemchuk - RD (WHL)
4. COLUMBUS - Ivan Demidov - RW (MHL)
5. MONTRÉAL - Cayden Lindstrom - C (WHL)
The big surprise is Carter Yakemchuk, as Sam Dickinson, Zeev Buium, and Anton Silayev are all defensemen ranked ahead of him. However, it's not an unreasonable prediction, as the Ducks have an aversion to Russian players, rarely selecting them.
But Brunet went even further, suggesting he wouldn't be surprised if Hughes selected a left-handed defenseman.
"There aren't that many certainties despite everything. Guhle has had many concussions. We love Hutson's offensive potential, but will he be a guaranteed top-4? Would we bet our house on it?
Is Xhekaj a top-4? We don't know yet. Things can change quickly." - Mathias Brunet
Personally, even with some uncertainties, I believe the Canadiens cannot afford to select anything other than a forward, unless a major trade involving an impactful defenseman (Guhle, Hutson, Reinbacher, or Mailloux) for an impactful forward happens.
We will finally see on June 28th, but Kent Hughes could very well surprise us. Let him work; he is building a very promising team.
| POLL |
23 JUIN | 490 ANSWERS Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom: Kent Hughes has made his choice In your opinion, would the Canadiens be a better team with Ivan Demidov or Cayden Lindstrom? |
| Ivan Demidov | 294 | 60 % |
| Cayden Lindstrom | 196 | 40 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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