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.
The Canadiens battled hard in Boston on Thursday night, outshooting and outchancing the Bruins along the way. However, Jeremy Swayman was sharp between the pipes, helping Boston collect the 4-2 victory.
Thursday’s contest in Florida was a wild affair that saw both teams combined for ten goals in the first period alone. However, seven of those came from Florida which helped pace them to a 9-5 victory.
The defending Stanley Cup champs were in town and had something to play for as they battle for seeding in the Central Division. The Habs don’t have much to play for and the difference in importance showed as Colorado doubled up Montreal by a score of 8-4.
The Habs were even more shorthanded than usual with two more regulars out for Thursday’s contest against the Rangers but were able to put forth a strong effort. However, New York was able to skate away with the extra point in a 4-3 shootout victory.