The priority for the management will be to bring in offensive reinforcements, and that will obviously start with the 2024 NHL Draft, where Montreal officially holds the fifth overall pick.
Most experts expect the Canadiens to select a forward, but which forward? That is the real question.
At the fifth overall spot, among the available options, are names like Ivan Demidov, Cayden Lindstrom, Berkly Catton, Tij Iginla, and Cole Eiserman.
Let's focus on the last name, who was seen as a possible first overall pick, competing with Macklin Celebrini, not too long ago.
See what journalist Mathias Brunet from La Presse recently mentioned.
The message is very clear.
Eiserman, who just broke the all-time goal-scoring record for the American development program (a record previously held by a certain Cole Caufield), would not even be considered by the Canadiens with their pick.
It's quite remarkable to see such a unique and special talent fall so much, and it's strange to see a reputable journalist make such a statement more than six weeks before the draft.
Eiserman, 17 years old, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, and he has accumulated 58 goals and 89 points in 57 games, in addition to adding nine goals and 10 points in seven games at the U18 World Championship.
He also added 25 goals and 34 points in 24 games in the USHL. That's phenomenal. We're talking about 83 goals in 81 games!
Eiserman is also one of the youngest players in the 2024 draft class (born August 29) and he could possibly be a first overall pick in 2025 if he were a few weeks younger.
In short, while many are starting to draw comparisons with Matvei Michkov, it seems that Eiserman will be ignored by the Montreal Canadiens, and it seems he will be ignored by several teams in the top 15.
This will be a fascinating story to follow.
Credit: Marqueur.com - Le Canadien aurait déjà dit non à un attaquant ultra prometteur
POLL | ||
14 MAI | 548 ANSWERS Journalist confirms Habs will pass on the top goal scorer in the draft Who do you think will score the most goals in the NHL? | ||
Cayden Lindstrom | 119 | 21.7 % |
Cole Eiserman | 85 | 15.5 % |
Tij Iginla | 134 | 24.5 % |
Ivan Demidov | 210 | 38.3 % |
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