With an exceptional 2023 defensive crop, the Canadiens' GM could very well repeat the process on June 28 with his 5th overall pick.
Let's not kid ourselves, after Macklin Celebrini, Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom are the two best forwards in the next NHL draft. Even if the possibility that one of these two players will be available when Hughes makes his pick is high, there is still a possibility, as mentioned by Arpon Basu, that a defenseman could be selected by the Canadiens. Especially since two defensemen from this crop are very well regarded by the organization.
Even though I would like to add a forward to the Canadiens' lineup, the idea of making the defense even deeper is very interesting. It would ensure that the Canadiens' defensive brigade is good in the future and consolidate the rebuild on the back end.
You might say that we already have Hutson, Mailloux, Reinbacher, and Guhle. But who really says they will be good defensemen in the league? Guhle has proven himself, yes. Hutson and Mailloux have made a good first impression, and Reinbacher is still a project. But what will it look like in the long term?
Having the luxury of having another good defenseman in Buium or Parekh would allow the Canadiens' management to evaluate things well and make the right decisions. They could then trade one of their prospects and acquire a top forward.
Via GoNordiquesRepêchage: Kent Hughes sur le point de prendre une décision très peu populaire?
POLL | ||
16 JUIN | 758 ANSWERS Kent Hughes could cause a major surprise with his 5th pick Who would you pick if you were Kent Hughes? | ||
Buium | 35 | 4.6 % |
Parekh | 63 | 8.3 % |
Dickinson | 122 | 16.1 % |
Tij Iginla | 538 | 71 % |
List of polls |