Successful teams often have proven track records of finding quality NHL talent after the first round. There will be some quality players still left on the board after Wednesday’s first round and Montreal should have a shot at getting a couple from this group.
With a pick late in the first round and early in the second round, the Habs could have an opportunity to nab two players from this group of our 2023 draft rankings.
With the 2023 NHL Entry Draft almost upon us, it’s time for a final update on our midseason rankings. We begin with the players ranked from 1st overall to 16th.
Ryan Leonard has played his way into top-ten consideration in the upcoming draft at the very least. Depending on who is still on the board when the Habs are picking overall, there’s a chance that he could be an option at the fifth selection.
If the four centres go with the first four picks in the draft and Montreal opts not to take Matvei Michkov, other players will need to be considered. Zach Benson, an undersized but highly skilled player, should be one that garners consideration.
There’s a chance that US National Team Development Program centre Will Smith will still be on the board when the Habs pick fifth overall later this month. If so, his offensive skills would be difficult to pass up.
Leo Carlsson is expected by many to be gone at fifth overall but a surprising selection, as there often are on draft day, could change that. If that happens, the Habs should consider themselves quite fortunate.
Montreal’s final road game of the season took them to New York on Wednesday to take on the Islanders. The Isles needed a win to clinch a playoff spot and they got it, doubling up the Habs by a 4-2 score.
After a rough outing on Saturday, the Habs followed up with another tough night against Detroit on Tuesday. David Perron scored twice for the Red Wings which was more than enough for them as they left Montreal with a decisive 5-0 victory.
The Habs kicked off a back-to-back set with a stop in Buffalo on Monday night. Brendan Gallagher potted the tying goal in the third period, paving the way for Michael Pezzetta to pick up the shootout winner as Montreal skated away with the 4-3 victory.